Brutal run could put Benji in firing line; Ryles’ big Eels boost — NRL Draw Winners and Losers

Fox analysis 

WINNERS - Parramatta Eels 

EELS

The Eels have a much softer draw than years gone by, but the start of their season is a tough one with games against the Storm and Broncos kicking off their season

Those two fixtures, away, are historically incredibly difficult - but Parramatta are expected to be a much-improved side in 2026.

They won in their last outing against Brisbane and it was a tight affair when they faced Melbourne in Round 22.

If they can get through those games, and a Round 4 fixture against the Panthers, and be competitive Jason Ryles’ side has a huge opportunity to kick on.

But it’s equally a double-edged sword — an early-season slump could seriously hurt their finals chances in a sink or swim scenario.

In some positives, they also have 13 games at CommBank Stadium and leave NSW five times, and only once after Magic Round in Round 11.

If the Eels sit in and around the top eight to close out the year, they also have a golden opportunity with a soft run home.

They face the Tigers, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Dolphins, Sharks and Dragons, with their only travel being a trip to North Queensland in Round 24

Games vs top four: 6

Games vs outside eight: 13

Games vs bottom four: 6

Fixture difficulty: 7th

Pros: The Eels play 13 games at their home ground of Commbank Stadium in 2026. Remarkably, they play just four games outside of NSW all year and just three after Round 1 against Melbourne. They also have a relatively soft run home with a bye in Round 20 followed by clashes with the Panthers, Tigers, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Dolphins, Sharks and Dragons, which will help their finals push. In addition, the Panthers, Bulldogs and Storm are the only top-eight teams from 2025 that they play twice.

Cons: The Eels will have to play in two games impacted by Origin against the Raiders and the Sea Eagles. They don’t get their first bye until Round 12 too, which means they play 11 games straight to start the season. It will be tough to bank wins early with clashes against the Storm, Broncos and Panthers in the first month.