https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/fear-factor-rotation-attack-defence-every-nrl-forward-pack-ranked-from-best-to-worst-for-2026/news-story/83b1c716d11c6f385b3e0456f51abb25
They’re the engine room in all 17 NRL teams, but some forward packs reign supreme over others.
It could be new recruits, a methodology which has been developed over a club’s history, or the sheer fear a pack sparks into an opposition.
Tyson Jackson breaks down every pack based on fear factor, attack, defence and rotation to determine who the strongest forwards are heading into the 2026 NRL season.
9. PARRAMATTA EELS
Rating: 75/100
Predicted pack: 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Fear factor: 16/25
Paulo turned back the clock with his form last year and has continually shown he’s one of the meanest forwards when at his best. He’ll help turn young gun Tuivaiti into a lead enforcer over time, but the pack is missing a few more genuine hit men otherwise.
Rotation: 19/25
With genuine cover on the bench, this will be ne of the Eels’ biggest weapons. Da Silva and Walker will tear packs apart in the middle of the field, and Tuivaiti and Tuilagi provide different looks to their starters.
Attack: 20/25
These forwards won’t struggle to score points, providing a variety of size and agility. Walker’s ball playing and footy IQ gives tremendous impact, with all players in the middle genuine options to cross the line and break tackles.
Defence: 20/25
The Eels leaked fewer points in the back half of 2025 as they adapted to coach Jason Ryles’ style. Expect that to continue, with the addition of de Belin perfect for this pack. He brings with him a 92 per cent tackle efficiency from last year.
Replies
There's plenty to like about the eels I think we'll be relying on a system more so than physicality and athleticism.
I see our inexperience in the pack as a strength they play with no fear and sure mistakes come with it.TDS Tuivaiti Kautoga and Smith but all in all I think we are better off going into year 2.
The only issue I have is matching up against sides who are more experienced and have a well engrained in there systems and teams with more athleticism.
Can't argue with that. Hopgood might be in the mix for origin selection but no real mongrels/tough hombres in our current pack.
Interesting to see how Newcastle goes this year. On paper, their backline is probably ranked in the top 5 but some doubt over their forward pack. Holbrook is a good coach so won't be surprised to see them exceed expectations this year
I fee like we need one maniac in the pack... it could be Moretti, but we do need someone with some real aggression that can lay a platform for the other athletic forwards.
Exactly right BAs good sides had Nathan Brown a guy whose out of the line to hit someone when ever he could and he'd get in behind the ruck off a quick play the ball that gave the next ruck the same speed.That is exactly who we are missing.
9th sounds about right. Maybe a little generous.
It's kinda a bit of puff. It's built on an aaaumption that the most effective style of play will be the same as last year. Wouldn't be surprised if it's based of a straight reading of last year's stats. No guarantee that any of it will be repeated. I get the purpose the article serves, but i wouldn't wipe my bum with it.
How is the Storm pack second best????
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