NRLW 2026: Power shift emerging as stars redefine greatness
After two rounds of the 2026 NRLW season, the competition is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. The familiar names are still setting the standard, but the gap between the heavyweights and the rest is narrowing.
Brisbane and the Roosters remain unbeaten, but they are being forced to earn every victory. Canberra have forced their way into the conversation, while last year's wooden spooners, the Wests Tigers, have surged into the top four. The results are becoming harder to predict, and the margins are tightening.
How Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton are redefining greatness
One of the quieter stories from the opening rounds is the evolution of Ali Brigginshaw's role within the Broncos. With Tamika Upton taking over the captaincy and Jesse Southwell steering the side, Brigginshaw's influence has transformed. She is no longer required to control every moment; her impact now comes through timing.
Brigginshaw is seeing less of the football than last season, but her impact remains. Through two games, she has recorded almost half of last season's tackle breaks in just eight runs, while adding a line break and a try. She is equal leader in the competition for try assists. The smartest players evolve into what their team needs them to become.
Tamika Upton continues to produce extraordinary consistency. Her three-try performance against the Sharks saw her become the first player in NRLW history to reach 50 career tries. Her career numbers are remarkable: 52 games, 50 tries, 50 try assists, 123 try involvements, 44 wins, 60 line breaks, and 12 multi-try games. She has recorded tries or assists in 49 of 52 games.
The explosion of attacking flair
Round 2 was a reminder of what makes the NRLW exciting. Attack exploded, with three hat-tricks recorded across the weekend, including Jaime Chapman's four-try performance for the Titans and three-try hauls from Tamika Upton and Faythe Manera. It was only the second time in NRLW history that three hat-tricks have been recorded in a single round.
Through the opening 12 games, four hat-tricks have already been scored, putting the competition on track to challenge last year's record of 14. The attacking freedom has arrived alongside improved discipline, following a round dominated by sin bins.
What the power shift means for the NRLW
The opening two rounds haven't changed the NRLW's hierarchy. Brisbane and the Roosters remain the teams everyone is chasing. But what has changed is the chase itself. Canberra are proving they belong among the contenders. The Tigers are showing last season's struggles are behind them.
The next generation is pushing established stars, while those stars are finding new ways to influence games. The best teams are still winning. They are just no longer winning comfortably. For the NRLW, that might be the most encouraging sign of all.
FAQ: NRLW 2026 power shift
What is the biggest change in the NRLW this season?
The biggest change is the narrowing gap between the top teams and the rest. Brisbane and the Roosters are still unbeaten, but they are being challenged more than ever before by teams like Canberra and the Wests Tigers.
How are Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton redefining greatness?
Brigginshaw has evolved her role, focusing on timing and impact rather than control. Upton continues to set records with extraordinary consistency, becoming the first player to reach 50 career tries in the NRLW.
Why is attacking flair increasing in the NRLW?
Teams are finding their defensive rhythm without sacrificing speed and creativity. Three hat-tricks were recorded in Round 2, including a four-try performance, putting the competition on track to challenge last year's record.