The NRL season for 2026 kicked off under dazzling lights in Las Vegas - blinding some, but not our league experts.

Here, we put players, coaches and clubs under the blowtorch for the remainder of round one. Will DCE be under the pump? Will Shane Flanagan’s honesty cost his team? And what of Zac Lomax? There was a lot more to the story as it unravelled daily.

This week our national sports editor Neil Breen shares his predictions for the season with host Zac Bailey from Nine News. One of Breenie’s predictions floored Zac.

The NRL season for 2026 kicked off under dazzling lights in Las Vegas - blinding some, but not our league experts. Here, we put players, coaches and clubs under the blowtorch for the remainder of round one. Will DCE be under the pump? Will Shane Flanagan&rsquo;s honesty cost his team? And what of Zac Lomax? There was a lot more to the story as it unravelled daily. This week our national sports editor Neil Breen shares his predictions for the season with host Zac Bailey from Nine News. One of Breenie&rsquo;s predictions floored Zac.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.

Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to smh.com.au.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald,&nbsp;NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the&nbsp;latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.
Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">smh.com.au.</a>