Defence and attack: NRL’s definitive premiership window stats

Since Peter V’Landys took over as chairman of the ARLC in late 2019, a clear trend has emerged amongst every premier: defence wins premierships.

Now, that’s not a groundbreaking precedent. The most successful NRL coaches have all identified that a top-four defensive record is paramount towards lifting the trophy on Grand Final day.

From the 2020 season, the team with a top-two defence has won the premiership each season, with the exception of the Brisbane Broncos last season. The Panthers were ranked number one in defence in each year of their four straight premierships.

Similarly, with attack becoming so much more important in the modern game, the team with a top-four attack has won the competition in all but one of the last six seasons, that outlier being Penrith in 2024.

These signs of an elite attack and defence were both apparent by Round 9 of the competition, with every premier having both a top-four attack and defence, bar the two exceptions mentioned above.

It’s an important sign as we predict where the 2026 season is destined to head.

As it stands, only two teams - the Panthers and Warriors - possess both a top-four attack and defence, placing them firmly in the window for premiership glory.

The Panthers hold the number one defence and second-best attack, while the Warriors hold the second-best defence and fourth-ranked attack.

The Manly Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers, and South Sydney Rabbitohs are all in the window, boasting an attack or a defence ranked in the top four, while the Roosters have the third-ranked attack, but a defence outside the top 10.

Current premiers Brisbane rank fifth in defence, but have struggled in attack this season, surprising for a team that finished second offensively last season.

See how your team is ranked below: