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- NRL 2026 Four Point Focus: Line Engagements & Why We Might Not See So Many This Season
NRL 2026 Four Point Focus: Line Engagements & Why We Might Not See So Many This Season
As halves play with more deception and changes in tempo than ever, defences will adjust to force another change in how the best ball-players in the NRL dominate.
Jason Oliver
February 19, 2026
The Four Point Focus breaks down a try from every round of the 2025 NRL season, highlighting the context, shape, trigger and the lessons learned. It’s viewed with an eye on 2026 as we look for trends, breakout players and hints of what might be to come next season.
This is an off-season series for Premium subscribers who choose to support my work over the break.
Previous:
- Quick Taps On The Up?
- Ponga Guiding The Knights Attack (free)
- Defending Katoa's Deception (free)
- How Souths Use Keaon Koloamatangi On The Line
- The Triangle Leading To Cleary's Curling Grubber
- How The Roosters Exploit Kick Pressure From Marker (free)
- Scrum Play Double Bluff
- How Cleary Recreated That Grand Final Try (free)
- Breaking Down A Raiders Tap Start
- Payne Passing Through The Middle
- Dolphins Breaking Down Spacings On The Goal Line
- How Will The Storm Attack Without Papenhuyzen?
- Can The Dolphins Keep Attacking From Everywhere? (free)
- What Works In The Titans Attack?
- Why Mitchell Is the #1 Option At Fullback
- Why Teams Will Run On Last More (free)
- How Will The Cowboys Use Jaxon Purdue?
Point 1 - The Context
Only the Gold Coast Titans had won fewer games than the Parramatta Eels heading into Round 19 of the 2025 NRL season.
Only the Newcastle Knights had scored fewer points.
And while Parramatta just managed 10 points against a typically stern Penrith Panthers defence here, they scored one try that might offer some insight into how teams plan to shift the ball in 2026.
Point 2 - The Shape
The try scorer will bring up some emotions for Eels fans, but ignore those for a second. He isn’t what matters here. It’s the quick shovel pass that caught my eye watching it back.
