Shane Flanagan is feeling the heat as the next NRL coach on the chopping block, but there are seasoned premiership winners also under pressure in 2026 for different reasons.
Michael Maguire and Craig Bellamy might not have pressure for their jobs, but they are dealing with losing streaks and injury crisis’ that has them in rare territory.
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Read on for the NRL coaching pressure gauge 17-1 and pass mark for every coach heading into Round 7.
17. KIERAN FORAN (Sea Eagles)
Ladder position: 9th (2 wins, 3 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 2, Lost 0, Drawn 0 (100.00%)
Analysis: The only coach in the NRL with a 100 per cent win rate, Kieran Foran can do no wrong after taking over from the sacked Anthony Seibold four rounds into the season. Foran was named interim coach for the rest of the 2026 season, but after a 52-18 thrashing of the Dolphins and a 28-18 win over the Dragons both away, Foran is proving this coaching game isn’t so tough after all. Of course bigger battles lay ahead and Foran faces a big task to get Manly into the finals this season, but he has his players playing for him and that is a good place to start for a rookie coach. However, upcoming clashes with the Cowboys, Panthers, Broncos and Tigers in the next month are sure to put his coaching credentials to the test. Still, if he continues at this rate, Foran could yet be Manly’s next full-time head coach and ink an extension before the end of the season.
Pass mark: Top eight
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Dylan Brown returns for Knights | 02:05
16. IVAN CLEARY (Panthers)
Ladder position: 1st (5 wins, 1 loss)
Record: Won 183, Lost 102, Drawn 2 (63.76%)
Analysis: Ivan Cleary is the best coach in the game and he has his Panthers humming on a revenge mission after the Broncos ended their bid for a five-peat last season. The Panthers were even being mentioned as potentially going through 2026 undefeated before the Bulldogs pulled off the upset of the season. Still, Nathan Cleary is at the peak of his powers and the Panthers’ superb defence will make them very tough to beat for the title this season and five premierships from six grand finals in seven years will only add to Cleary’s case for one of the greatest coaches of all time and the best of the modern era.
Pass mark: Top two
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Crawley slams Eels leaky defence | 06:30
15. BENJI MARSHALL (Tigers)
Ladder position: 2nd (4 wins, 1 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 19, Lost 34, Drawn 0 (35.85%)
Analysis: Few had the Tigers making the finals in 2026, let alone being equal first on the competition after six rounds, but that’s where Benji Marshall has his team at the moment. The Tigers have had big wins over the Cowboys, Warriors and Knights and beat the Eels in a golden point thriller to shake up the NRL world order. Granted it is early days and battles with the Broncos, Sharks and Storm in the next month will show how far this Tigers team has come. But Marshall has them playing with a new found connectedness and spirit to work hard for each other and that is paying dividends on both sides of the ball.
Pass mark: Top eight
14. WAYNE BENNETT (Rabbitohs)
Ladder position: 5th (3 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 63, Lost 41, Drawn 0 (60.58%)
Analysis: The master coach has had a strong start to the season with his Rabbitohs just outside the top four after wins over the Dolphins, Tigers and Bulldogs, but they missed big opportunities to be higher in losses to the Roosters and Raiders. Unfortunately, the injuries that plagued Bennett’s first season back at Redfern in 2025 have reared their ugly head again, most notably with fullback Jye Gray and star recruit David Fifita sidelined long-term. However, Latrell Mitchell has found a new lease on life back at centre and Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys are combining well in the halves. Bennett still needs to tighten up his side’s defence if they want to have a serious shot at the title, but he would settle for a top six spot at this stage after narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon last year.
Pass mark: Top six
‘Back on the right’ Braith on Crichton | 01:41
13. ANDREW WEBSTER (Warriors)
Ladder position: 3rd (4 wins, 2 losses)
Record: Won 44, Lost 37, Drawn 1 (53.66%)
Analysis: Andrew Webster continues to prove a revelation at the Warriors and after injuries cruelled their title bid last season, he has them off to a hot start in 2026. The Warriors were flying after wins over the Roosters, Raiders and Knights to start the season, before back-to-back losses to the Tigers and Sharks. But they got back on track with their best win in a long time against the Storm away to snap a 17-game losing streak against Melbourne and entrench themselves in the top four. With clashes against the Titans, Dolphins, Eels and a bye in the next four weeks, Webster could find his Warriors on top of the table heading into the Origin period.
Pass mark: Top four
12. TODD PAYTEN (Cowboys)
Ladder position: 4th (4 wins, 2 losses)
Record: Won 66, Lost 63, Drawn 1 (50.77%)
Analysis: The knives were out for Todd Payten after back-to-back losses to the Knights and Tigers to start the season, but since they have won four on the trot to surge into the top four. Wins over the Titans, Storm, Dragons and Broncos has the Cowboys on track for a return to the top eight this season. The biggest improvement has come in their defence, which has been an issue under Payten, but if he can continue to get them singing from the same hymn sheet off the ball, he has the attacking class to match the best in the game. However, clashes with the Sharks, Bulldogs, Roosters and Rabbitohs in the lead-up to Origin will be crucial to keep the wolves from returning to Payten’s door.
Pass mark: Top eight
Madden benched ‘right call’ Tallis | 01:30
11. CAMERON CIRALDO (Bulldogs)
Ladder position: 7th (3 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 40, Lost 40, Drawn 0 (50.00%)
Analysis: It has been a rocky start to the season for Cameron Ciraldo after his Bulldogs averaged just 15 points a game in wins over the Dragons and Raiders, before a loss to the Knights. They then lost back-to-back games to the Rabbitohs on Good Friday with questions being asked about Ciraldo’s roster moves and maligned halves pairing of Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton. However, the Bulldogs produced their best performance under Ciraldo in an upset 32-16 win over the previously unbeaten Panthers to prove he is the coach to win them their next premiership. When that will come remains to be seen, but Ciraldo has all the tools to make a genuine premiership charge this season. Clashes against the Broncos, Cowboys, Sharks, Storm and Tigers in the next six weeks will show where this team is at and they need to start finding more consistency now that they have found the winning formula to beat the best.
Pass mark: Top four
10. JUSTIN HOLBROOK (Knights)
Ladder position: 6th (4 wins, 2 losses)
Record: (Titans, Knights) Won 35, Lost 53, Drawn 0 (39.77%)
Analysis: The Knights came into the season off a wooden spoon and have been one of the surprise packets of 2026 so far. The loss of Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown to injuries early on had fears of another low ladder finish this season, but Justin Holbrook has helped lead them to the verge of the top four. The Knights beat the Cowboys and Manly to start the year before losing to the Warriors. But wins over the Bulldogs and Raiders had them in the top four before a last start loss to the Tigers. Holbrook faces his biggest test with clashes against the Roosters, Panthers and Rabbitohs in the next three weeks, but Brown is back to help the cause and the Knights are showing plenty of fight under their new coach.
Pass mark: 8th to 12th
9. TRENT ROBINSON (Roosters)
Ladder position: 8th (3 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 213, Lost 128, Drawn 0 (62.46%)
Analysis: Trent Robinson is one of the best coaches in the game at getting his side to peak at the right time of the year, but true to form they have been inconsistent to start their campaign in 2026. The Roosters lost to the Warriors before beating arch rivals the Rabbitohs only to get thrashed by the Panthers and then thrash Manly before their first bye. A comeback win over the Sharks in Perth and the return of Victor Radley could be the catalyst to get their season on track for a title push. But their new look spine of James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker and Reece Robson holds the key to their premiership hopes. As does Robinson’s ability to improve their discipline and ball control, especially against the top teams.
Pass mark: Top four
Grant backing Storm to bounce back | 01:24
8. CRAIG FITZGIBBON (Sharks)
Ladder position: 10th (3 wins, 3 losses)
Record: Won 69, Lost 42, Drawn 0 (62.16%)
Analysis: Craig Fitzgibbon recently signed an extension and will be the Sharks coach for the next few seasons at least, but his team is at the crossroads in 2026. With a number of stars coming off-contract, Fitzgibbon is caught between having one last crack at a premiership with this squad and rebuilding a competitive roster for the long-term. A big win over the Titans first up was followed by back-to-back defeats to the Panthers and Dolphins, before they got back on track with wins over the Raiders and Warriors. But the Sharks blew a 16-0 lead against the Roosters in Perth and next face the Cowboys, Tigers, Rabbitohs and Bulldogs in between their first two byes, so their top four hopes could depend on that run of fixtures.
Pass mark: Top four
7. MICHAEL MAGUIRE (Broncos)
Ladder position: 11th (3 wins, 3 losses)
Record: Won 21, Lost 12, Drawn 0 (63.64%)
Analysis: Michael Maguire’s Broncos premiership defence has been anything but smooth sailing, with injuries to star players, Payne Haas leaving for the Rabbitohs at the end of the season and assistant coach Ben Te’o quitting the club after three games. Injuries to Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Reece Walsh and now Cory Paix and Blake Mozer have decimated their spine and they have a huge task to stay in touch with the top four before the Origin period takes a stack of their players away. Losses to the Panthers and Eels to start the season were followed by three straight wins over the Storm, Dolphins and Titans, but a last start defeat to the Cowboys has them languishing outside the top eight. And with clashes against the Tigers, Bulldogs and Roosters next up, Maguire’s top four hopes and premiership defence could be on thin ice.
Pass mark: Top four
6. JOSH HANNAY (Titans)
Ladder position: 14th (2 wins, 4 losses)
Record: (Cowboys, Sharks, Titans) Won 13, Lost 23, Drawn 0 (36.11%)
Analysis: Josh Hannay said there would be pain and there has been in his Titans rebuild, but he has also shown plenty of promise as a coach and his team is playing hard for him most weeks. A thrashing from the Sharks first up was followed by gritty losses to the Dolphins and Cowboys, before they beat the Dragons for their first win. A controversial loss to the Broncos was followed up by a massive 52-10 win over the Eels, which shows how much attacking class this team has. However, the challenge for Hannay is to narrow the distance between his side’s best and worst performances and that starts with tough clashes against the Warriors, Roosters and Knights in the next month.
Pass mark: Outside of the bottom four
‘The Blueprint to beating Penrith’ | 01:32
5. RICKY STUART (Raiders)
Ladder position: 15th (2 wins, 4 losses)
Record: Won 160, Lost 142, Drawn 1 (52.81%)
Analysis: Ricky Stuart’s Raiders have had quite a fall from grace after winning the minor premiership last season and currently sit third last on the ladder. It was always going to take time for Ethan Sanders to form a combination with Ethan Strange in the halves and there have been good signs like the golden point win over Manly in Round 1. However a narrow loss to the Bulldogs and three big ones to the Warriors, Sharks and Knights had them languishing in second last. Their high-scoring win over the Rabbitohs could be the catalyst for turning their season around, but with clashes against the Storm, Tigers and Panthers in the next few rounds, Stuart needs to address his side’s defence if they want to climb up the ladder.
Pass mark: Top eight
4. CRAIG BELLAMY (Storm)
Ladder position: 13th (2 wins, 4 losses)
Record: Won 423, Lost 185, Drawn 2 (69.34%)
Analysis: Craig Bellamy is one of the greatest coaches of all time and has the Storm job as long as he wants it, but there is no doubt he is feeling pressure he hasn’t felt in a while after the Storm’s horror start to the year. Everything looked to be going swimmingly after thrashing the Eels and Dragons first up, but they blew leads against the Broncos and Cowboys to spark a four-game losing streak. Their 50-10 loss to the Panthers and a 38-14 loss to the Warriors has shown there are major issues with their defence and until Bellamy addresses those, they won’t climb up the ladder in a hurry. Their next clash against the Raiders is almost a must win with battles against the Rabbitohs, Tigers and Bulldogs in the next month. There is a sense of a hangover from the last two grand final defeats and unless they turn things around quick, Bellamy could experience something very foreign to him, a rebuilding year.
Pass mark: Top four
3. KRISTIAN WOOLF (Dolphins)
Ladder position: 12th (2 wins, 3 losses, 1 bye)
Record: Won 15, Lost 15, Drawn 0 (50.00%)
Analysis: It is a new season for Kristian Woolf and his Dolphins team, but the same issues persist, particularly with their leaky defence. The Dolphins have struggled for consistency with a loss to the Rabbitohs followed by a narrow win over the Titans and a thrashing of the Sharks. But back-to-back losses to the Broncos and a thrashing by the Sea Eagles before their first bye has them well outside the top eight. Woolf has the attacking players to match any team on their day, but he needs to improve the Dolphins’ defence if they went to break their finals duck. Unfortunately, they next face the Panthers, Warriors, Storm, Bulldogs and Rabbitohs, which could put a serious dent in their top eight hopes and ramp up the pressure on Woolf even more.
Pass mark: Top eight
2. JASON RYLES (Eels)
Ladder position: 16th (2 wins, 4 losses)
Record: Won 12, Lost 18, Drawn 0 (40.00%)
Analysis: Jason Ryles’ second season with the Eels is fast turning into a nightmare with 12 of his top 30 players out injured and they are coming off a 50-10 thrashing by the lowly Titans. The Eels also lost 52-4 to the Storm in Round 1 and 48-20 to the Panthers, showing they have a lot of work to do on their defence. They showed enough in wins over the Broncos and Dragons that they have the attack to score points, but unless they get some players back on deck and improve their defence they will be challenging for the wooden spoon more than the top eight. And with clashes against the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Cowboys and Storm next up, things could get a lot worse before they get better. It was always going to take time for Ryles to turn the club around, but Eels fans will get impatient if they continue to lose by big margins.
Pass mark: top eight
1. SHANE FLANAGAN (Dragons)
Ladder position: 17th (0 wins, 6 losses)
Record: Won 19, Lost 35, Drawn 0 (35.19%)
Analysis: After Anthony Seibold’s sacking, Shane Flanagan is the next coach in the gun after a winless start to the season, which has seen his side anchored to the wooden spoon position. Making it worse, the club’s losing streak now stands at 10 after four losses to end 2025. Like they did last year, the Dragons have showed fight in narrow losses to the Bulldogs, Eels, Titans and Sea Eagles, but they have also been thrashed by the Storm and the Cowboys and it remains difficult to see where their next win is coming from. There seems a gulf in class between the Dragons’ roster and the rest of the competition and it remains to be seen if they have the spine players to score enough points to win footy games in the NRL. And with clashes against the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Knights and Panthers next up, the Dragons could be 0-10 and unfortunately for Flanagan, a change of coach might not be far away.
Pass mark: outside bottom four