Star Axe: NRL’s Purgatory Myth Exposed

NRL Depth: Talent Abounds Despite Expansion Fears

The landscape of Australian rugby league is often a brutal proving ground, where a player’s standing can shift dramatically from one season to the next. This reality is starkly illustrated by the recent fortunes of several talented centres who, just months after representing their nations in high-profile tournaments, find themselves on the outer at their NRL clubs. Matt Timoko, Izack Tago, and Gehamat Shibasaki all featured prominently in the Pacific Championships and Ashes series late last year. Yet, a mere four rounds into the 2026 season, all three are experiencing a dip in favour at their respective clubs.

This situation, while a harsh reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature, also serves as compelling evidence against the notion that the impending introduction of two new expansion clubs will spread talent too thinly. The depth of quality players currently available across the league suggests there is more than enough talent to go around, even with the addition of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs in the coming years.

Individual Journeys: A Look at the Centres

The circumstances leading to the current demotions for these three star centres are varied:

Matt Timoko: The Canberra Raiders centre is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Coach Ricky Stuart has expressed confidence that Timoko will return to the Raiders’ best 17 in due course, potentially shifting Simi Sasagi back into the forward pack.
Gehamat Shibasaki: Shibasaki began the 2026 season as the starting centre for the Brisbane Broncos, a testament to his breakout 2025 campaign that saw him earn representative honours for Queensland and Australia. However, the reigning premiers’ sluggish start to the year led to his axing after round two. He did, however, earn a reprieve on the bench last Friday night due to an injury to Grant Anderson, seizing the opportunity by scoring a crucial late try in the Broncos’ victory over the Dolphins.
Izack Tago: The Penrith Panthers centre’s situation is less clear. Coach Ivan Cleary has publicly acknowledged that Tago endured a disrupted pre-season due to circumstances beyond his control. The strong form of Tom Jenkins and Paul Alamoti in the opening rounds has subsequently raised questions about the Samoan international’s future at the foot of the mountains, although the club maintains he is not for sale.

These three players, all undoubtedly possessing first-grade calibre and capable of starting for many other NRL teams, are currently experiencing a temporary setback.

Beyond the Centres: A Wider Talent Pool

The depth of talent extends beyond these prominent centres. Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri, who featured in the Las Vegas season opener, has also been dropped. His future at Belmore appears increasingly uncertain, with ongoing speculation about his long-term prospects at the club, particularly after being informed that his services may not be required beyond 2027.

The NRL is currently brimming with players who possess significant first-grade experience but are finding themselves on the periphery. Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki, despite showing he’s more than capable in his three NRL appearances this year, often finds himself behind Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the pecking order. Similarly, Dragons speedster Tyrell Sloan, a player who was a leading try-scorer just two years ago, is another example of a talented fullback frequently placed on the backburner.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira, once the league’s leading try-scorer, has moved to the Warriors after falling out of favour at the Titans under Des Hasler. Despite his blistering pace, he has struggled to break into the unbeaten Warriors side, with experienced wingers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck holding down the starting spots.

In the back row, Kalani Going, a recipient of the NSW Cup Player of the Year award, has arrived at the Panthers but faces stiff competition from established stars like Liam Martin, Luke Garner, and Scott Sorensen. Experienced forwards such as Jack de Belin, Matt Lodge, and Nathan Brown have also found themselves outside their respective starting lineups, while players like Wiremu Greig, Shaq Mitchell, Peter Hola, and Tom Ale have accumulated considerable NRL game time.

Emerging halves like Manly’s Joey Walsh and St George Illawarra’s Lyhkan King-Togia are currently blocked by more senior options but could easily find their way back into top-grade action as pressure mounts on their clubs. Young hookers are also experiencing similar challenges. Owen Pattie impressed for Canberra last year but has been relegated to reserve grade following the signing of Jayden Brailey. Benaiah Ioelu, who recently represented Samoa, started the season at hooker for the Roosters but has been displaced by the return of Reece Robson.

Several promising young forwards, including Finau Latu, De La Salle Va’a, Ben Te Kura, and Kaiden Lahrs, are actively pushing for opportunities in their respective teams.

Forgotten Men and Comeback Stories

The depth of talent also includes players who have been somewhat forgotten but continue to ply their trade in lower grades. Matt Dufty, who signed with the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup team, is one such example. After a successful stint with the Dragons and a period in the Super League, Dufty is back in Australia and making a strong case for an NRL return with some impressive early performances.

Former State of Origin players Moses Mbye and Anthony Milford are currently featuring in the halves for reserve grade teams Ipswich Jets and Souths Logan Magpies, respectively. At just over 30 years old, they could still offer valuable contributions at the top level.

Karl Oloapu, a former Bulldogs prodigy, is making a remarkable comeback with Redcliffe after a career-threatening neck injury. At only 21, his potential return to the NRL would be an inspiring story. Patrick Herbert, an outside back who spent two years away from the sport, has signed a top-30 contract with the Wests Tigers and appears poised for a potential return this season.

The Blueprint for Expansion Success

While the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs might face challenges attracting established stars for their inaugural seasons in 2027 and 2028, there are undoubtedly hungry players eager for an opportunity, whether at the beginning or end of their careers. The Dolphins have already demonstrated a successful blueprint for unearthing talent, transforming players like Kurt Donoghoe, Jack Bostock, Trai Fuller, and Oryn Keeley into regular first-graders.

Beyond the NRL’s 17th club, other teams have successfully revitalised careers. Jackson Ford, once a discard from the Dragons, is now leading the Dally M Medal leaderboard. Similarly, Tanah Boyd, who was overlooked at the Titans, is now excelling at halfback for the Warriors.

The world of rugby league is vibrant and dynamic. It’s a sport where it’s never too late – or too early – for a player to turn their fortunes around and reach the pinnacle of the game.