The National Rugby League (NRL) is the top level of professional rugby league in Australia and New Zealand. The competition features 17 teams. Here's our quick guide to each team in the competition.
| Team | Founded | Location | Home Stadium | Premierships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Broncos | 1988 | Brisbane, Queensland | Suncorp Stadium | 7 |
| Canberra Raiders | 1981 | Canberra, ACT | GIO Stadium | 3 |
| Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | 1934 | Sydney, NSW | Accor Stadium / Belmore Sports Ground / CommBank Stadium | 8 |
| Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 1967 | Sydney, NSW | PointsBet Stadium | 1 |
| Dolphins | 2023 | Brisbane, Queensland | Suncorp Stadium / Moreton Daily Stadium | 0 |
| Gold Coast Titans | 2007 | Gold Coast, Queensland | Cbus Super Stadium | 0 |
| Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles | 1946 | Sydney, NSW | 4 Pines Park | 8 |
| Melbourne Storm | 1997 | Melbourne, Victoria | AAMI Park | 4 |
| Newcastle Knights | 1987 | Newcastle, NSW | McDonald Jones Stadium | 2 |
| New Zealand Warriors | 1995 | Auckland, New Zealand | Go Media Stadium | 0 |
| North Queensland Cowboys | 1992 | Townsville, Queensland | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | 1 |
| Parramatta Eels | 1947 | Sydney, NSW | CommBank Stadium | 4 |
| Penrith Panthers | 1967 | Sydney, NSW | Penrith Stadium | 6 |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs | 1908 | Sydney, NSW | Accor Stadium | 21 |
| St George Illawarra Dragons | 1998 | Sydney / Wollongong, NSW | WIN Stadium / Jubilee Stadium | 1 |
| Sydney Roosters | 1908 | Sydney, NSW | Allianz Stadium | 15 |
| Wests Tigers | 1998 | Sydney, NSW | Leichhardt Oval / Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 1 |
Brisbane Broncos
- Year founded: 1988
- Nickname(s): Broncos
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Home venue: Suncorp Stadium
- Premiership titles: 7
- Current head coach: Michael Maguire
- Current captain: Adam Reynolds
- Total wins vs total losses: 549 wins, 374 losses
- Club website: www.broncos.com.au
The Brisbane Broncos are one of the NRL's most recognisable teams. They represent Brisbane in Queensland and have done so since the 1988 season. With multiple premiership titles and many NRL finals appearances, the Broncos are one of the most successful teams in the league.⁶
Canberra Raiders
- Year founded: 1981
- Nickname(s): Raiders
- Location: Canberra, ACT
- Home venue: GIO Stadium
- Premiership titles: 3
- Current head coach: Ricky Stuart
- Current captain: Joseph Tapine
- Total wins vs total losses: 555 wins, 509 losses
- Club website: www.raiders.com.au
The Canberra Raiders represent Australia's capital. They've been part of the NRL since 1981. They enjoyed lots of success during the late 1980s and early 1990s.⁷
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Year founded: 1934
- Nickname(s): Bulldogs
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: Accor Stadium, Belmore Sports Ground, CommBank Stadium
- Premiership titles: 8
- Current head coach: Cameron Ciraldo
- Current captain: Stephen Crichton
- Total wins vs total losses: 993 wins, 925 losses
- Club website: www.bulldogs.com.au
One of Sydney's historic NRL clubs, the Bulldogs have competed in the league and its predecessors since 1934. Over the decades, the club has won multiple NRL premierships and produced many notable players. They remain one of the best-known rugby league teams in New South Wales.⁸
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Year founded: 1967
- Nickname(s): Sharks
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: PointsBet Stadium
- Premiership titles: 1
- Current head coach: Craig Fitzgibbon
- Current captain: Cameron McInnes
- Total wins vs total losses: 691 wins, 688 losses
- Club website: www.sharks.com.au
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are based in southern Sydney. They joined the competition in the 1967 season and represent the Sutherland Shire region of New South Wales. The club secured its first NRL premiership in 2016.⁹
Dolphins
- Year founded: 2023
- Nickname(s): Dolphins
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Home venue: Suncorp Stadium, Moreton Daily Stadium, Sunshine Coast Stadium
- Premiership titles: 0
- Current head coach: Kristian Woolf
- Current captain: Isaiya Katoa
- Total wins vs total losses: 32 wins, 41 losses
- Club website: www.dolphinsnrl.com.au
The Dolphins are the newest addition to the list of NRL teams. They entered the competition in the 2023 season and are based in Queensland. Since joining the league, they have been building a competitive squad to establish themselves among the competition's established clubs.¹⁰
Gold Coast Titans
- Year founded: 2007
- Nickname(s): Titans
- Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
- Home venue: Cbus Super Stadium
- Premiership titles: 0
- Current head coach: Josh Hannay
- Current captain: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
- Total wins vs total losses: 175 wins, 283 losses
- Club website: www.titans.com.au
The Gold Coast Titans joined the NRL in 2007. Based on Queensland's Gold Coast, the team attracts fans from across the coastal city. The Titans continue to develop young players for future seasons.¹¹
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
- Team name: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
- Year founded: 1946
- Nickname(s): Sea Eagles
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: 4 Pines Park
- Premiership titles: 8
- Current head coach: Anthony Seibold
- Current captain: Tom Trbojevic
- Total wins vs total losses: 989 wins, 730 losses
- Club website: www.seaeagles.com.au
One of the traditional Sydney rugby league teams, the Sea Eagles, has competed since 1946. The club is based on the Northern Beaches and has won several premierships. Manly remains one of the league's most recognisable clubs.¹²
Melbourne Storm
- Year founded: 1997
- Nickname(s): Storm
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Home venue: AAMI Park
- Premiership titles: 4
- Current head coach: Craig Bellamy
- Current captain: Harry Grant
- Total wins vs total losses: 493 wins, 238 losses
- Club website: www.melbournestorm.com.au
Melbourne Storm have become one of the most successful modern NRL teams. The club joined the competition in 1998 and quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the league. With multiple premiership titles and consistent performances, the Storm remain one of the competition's strongest clubs.¹³
Newcastle Knights
- Year founded: 1987
- Nickname(s): Knights
- Location: Newcastle, New South Wales
- Home venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
- Premiership titles: 2
- Current head coach: Justin Holbrook
- Current captain: Kalyn Ponga
- Total wins vs total losses: 428 wins, 479 losses
- Club website: www.newcastleknights.com.au
The Newcastle Knights entered the competition in 1988. Enjoying strong local support, the team represents Newcastle in New South Wales. The Knights won premiership titles in 1997 and 2001 and remain a key regional NRL team.¹⁴
New Zealand Warriors
- Year founded: 1995
- Nickname(s): Warriors
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Home venue: Go Media Stadium / Mt Smart Stadium
- Premiership titles: 0
- Current head coach: Andrew Webster
- Current captain: James Fisher-Harris
- Total wins vs total losses: 335 wins, 394 losses
- Club website: www.warriors.kiwi
The New Zealand Warriors are the only NRL club based outside Australia. Located in Auckland, they represent rugby league supporters across New Zealand. Since entering the competition in 1995, the Warriors have helped expand the league internationally.²¹
North Queensland Cowboys
- Year founded: 1992
- Nickname(s): Cowboys
- Location: Townsville, Queensland
- Home venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
- Premiership titles: 1
- Current head coach: Todd Payten
- Current captain: Reuben Cotter
- Total wins vs total losses: 324 wins, 418 losses
- Club website: www.cowboys.com.au
The North Queensland Cowboys represent Townsville and the northern regions of Queensland. The club joined the competition in the mid-1990s and developed a strong regional following. They won their first NRL premiership in 2015.¹⁵
Parramatta Eels
- Year founded: 1947
- Nickname(s): Eels
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: CommBank Stadium
- Premiership titles: 4
- Current head coach: Jason Ryles
- Current captain: Mitchell Moses
- Total wins vs total losses: 836 wins, 933 losses
- Club website: www.parraeels.com.au
The Parramatta Eels have been part of the competition since 1947. Based in western Sydney, the club has a long history in Australian rugby league. Although their greatest success came during the 1980s, the Eels remain competitive in the modern NRL¹⁶.
Penrith Panthers
- Year founded: 1967
- Nickname(s): Panthers
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: Penrith Stadium / BlueBet Stadium
- Premiership titles: 6
- Current head coach: Ivan Cleary
- Current captain: Isaah Yeo
- Total wins vs total losses: 652 wins, 712 losses
- Club website: www.penrithpanthers.com.au
The Penrith Panthers joined the league in 1967. Based in western Sydney, the club is known for producing talented young players across a range of rugby league positions through its development system. In recent seasons, the Panthers have been among the NRL's dominant teams.¹⁷
South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Year founded: 1908
- Nickname(s): Rabbitohs
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: Accor Stadium
- Premiership titles: 21
- Current head coach: Wayne Bennett
- Current captain: Cameron Murray
- Total wins vs total losses: 1196 wins, 1064 losses
- Club website: www.rabbitohs.com.au
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are one of the oldest clubs in rugby league. Founded in 1908 and based in Sydney, the club has won more premiership titles than any other current NRL team. The Rabbitohs remain one of the most widely supported clubs in the competition.¹⁸
COUNTUP: The South Sydney Rabbitohs have won 21 Premiership titles, more than any other team.
St George Illawarra Dragons
- Year founded: 1998
- Nickname(s): Dragons
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: WIN Stadium, Jubilee Stadium
- Premiership titles: 1
- Current head coach: Shane Flanagan
- Current captain: Clinton Gutherson
- Total wins vs total losses: 322 wins, 346 losses
- Club website: www.dragons.com.au
The St George Illawarra Dragons were formed in 1998 through a merger between two historic rugby league clubs. The team represents southern Sydney and the Illawarra region and splits home matches between two stadiums. They won their first NRL premiership in 2010.¹⁹
Sydney Roosters
- Year founded: 1908
- Nickname(s): Roosters
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: Allianz Stadium
- Premiership titles: 15
- Current head coach: Trent Robinson
- Current captain: James Tedesco
- Total wins vs total losses: 1275 wins, 1039 losses
- Club website: www.roosters.com.au
The Sydney Roosters are one of the NRL's oldest teams. Their history dates back to the original rugby league competition in 1908. The Roosters have won numerous premiership titles and regularly produce elite players.²⁰
Wests Tigers
- Year founded: 1998
- Nickname(s): Wests Tigers
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Home venue: Leichhardt Oval, Campbelltown Sports Stadium
- Premiership titles: 1
- Current head coach: Benji Marshall
- Current captain: Apisai Koroisau
- Total wins vs total losses: 253 wins, 377 losses
- Club website: www.weststigers.com.au
The Wests Tigers were formed through a merger between the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies. The club represents several areas of Sydney and plays home matches at multiple stadiums. Their greatest success came when they won the NRL premiership in 2005.²²
Timeline of NRL Teams Joining the Competition
1908
Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs
1934
1934 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1946
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1947
Parramatta Eels
1967
Penrith Panthers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
1981
Canberra Raiders
1988
Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights
1995
North Queensland Cowboys and New Zealand Warriors
1998
Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, and St George Illawarra Dragons
2007
Gold Coast Titans
2023
Dolphins
References
- Austadiums. “NRL Teams.” Austadiums, https://www.austadiums.com/sport/comp/nrl/teams. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- Dolphins Rugby League Club. “Teams.” Dolphins NRL, https://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/teams/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- ESPN Australia. “NRL 2026: Team-by-Team Season Preview.” ESPN, https://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/47801921/nrl-2026-lineups-verdicts-tips-odds-team-team-season-preview. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- Flashscore. “NRL 2026 Predicted Ladder.” Flashscore, https://www.flashscore.com/news/rugby-league-nrl-who-can-stop-the-broncos-and-panthers-our-predicted-nrl-ladder-for-2026/Awjxg83e/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- League Unlimited. “2026 NRL Club Season Previews.” League Unlimited, https://leagueunlimited.com/news/43317-2026-nrl-club-season-previews/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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- National Rugby League. “Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Dolphins.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/dolphins/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Gold Coast Titans.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/gold-coast-titans/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/manly-warringah-sea-eagles/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Melbourne Storm.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/melbourne-storm/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Newcastle Knights.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/newcastle-knights/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “North Queensland Cowboys.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/north-queensland-cowboys/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Parramatta Eels.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/parramatta-eels/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Penrith Panthers.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/penrith-panthers/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “South Sydney Rabbitohs.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/south-sydney-rabbitohs/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “St George Illawarra Dragons.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/st-george-illawarra-dragons/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Sydney Roosters.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/sydney-roosters/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Warriors.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/warriors/ . Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- National Rugby League. “Wests Tigers.” NRL.com, https://www.nrl.com/clubs/wests-tigers/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
- Zero Tackle. “NRL 2026: Every Club’s Current Full Squad, Best 17, Ins and Outs and Off-Contract Players.” Zero Tackle, https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl-2026-every-clubs-current-full-squad-best-17-ins-and-outs-off-contract-players-3-217909/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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