In a striking declaration that is sure to ignite debate among rugby league fans, retired NRL powerhouse James Graham has made a daring assertion about one of the teams poised to enter the 2026 season. The former captain of the Canterbury Bulldogs has controversially named the Cronulla Sharks as the team he believes will be the least captivating to watch in the upcoming NRL season, despite their impressive performance that saw them reach the preliminary finals last year.
During an episode of his Bye Round podcast, Graham expressed skepticism about whether the Sharks, under the guidance of coach Craig Fitzgibbon, possess the offensive flair necessary to elevate their game. He indicated that there hasn't been significant change within the Sharks' lineup, which could hinder their potential advancement.
"Looking ahead to the upcoming season, it appears not much has shifted with the Sharks' roster," Graham remarked. "By the time September rolls around, I still expect them to qualify for the finals. However, they strike me as a team that plays it rather conservatively."
Graham elaborated on how the Sharks' steady approach can be viewed as both a strength and a drawback, forecasting a season filled with unpredictable highs and lows. He believes they will perform well in crucial matches but might falter in games they are favored to win.
"I consider them the least thrilling team because their roster hasn’t seen much transformation," he continued. "While they certainly have talented players, when you analyze the squad, it seems they're missing that one true superstar who can captivate the audience."
Conversely, Graham highlighted the Dolphins as the most entertaining team to watch heading into 2026. He also included the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and North Queensland Cowboys in his top four selections for engaging teams this season.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can a team's potential be accurately gauged solely based on its roster changes? What do you think? Do you agree with Graham's assessment of the Sharks, or do you see potential in their current lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments!
