Who Can Win it From Here? Sam Walker Injury + Jett Cleary STARS | Round 26 NRL Review

<p>Welcome back to the podcast.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>NRL ROUND 26 IS DONE — AND THE FINALS PICTURE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE INTERESTING! </strong></p><p>I break down <strong>the biggest performances, controversies, injuries and storylines</strong> as we head into the final round of the regular season.</p><p>And there is plenty to talk about.</p><p>The <strong>Roosters&#39; premiership hopes have taken a huge hit</strong> with Sam Walker suffering a serious ankle injury in their loss to the Dolphins. Can the Roosters still win the competition without their star halfback? </p><p>Meanwhile, <strong>Jett Cleary made an incredible NRL debut for the Warriors</strong>, producing three try assists as the Warriors returned to the top of the ladder. </p><p>We also break down:</p><p><strong>- Panthers return to No.1</strong> — are Penrith hitting their best e right time?</p><p><strong>- Bulldogs MISS THE FINALS</strong> — what went wrong for Canterbury?</p><p><strong>- Sharks smashed by the Eels</strong> — are Cronulla genuine premiership contenbers?</p><p><strong>- Dolphins stun the Roosters</strong> — are the Dolphins the team nobody wants to play?</p><p><strong>- Warriors beat the Knights</strong> — can Andrew Webster&#39;s side win the premiership?</p><p><strong>- Rabbitohs make the finals</strong> — how far can South Sydney go?</p><p><strong>- Broncos collapse continues</strong> — where did it all go wrong in Brisbane?</p><p><strong>- Storm smash the Broncos</strong> — are Melbourne the best team to miss the finals?</p><p><strong>- Manly destroy the Dragons</strong> — too little, too late?</p><p><strong>- Cowboys secure their finals spot</strong> — can North Queensland cause an upset in September?</p><p><strong>Jacob Saifiti SENT OFF</strong> — what does his suspension mean for Newcastle&#39;s finals campaign?</p><p>Plus the biggest player performances, coaching questions, injuries, finals combinations and <strong>my biggest takes from Round 26.</strong></p><p>One of the craziest stats from the round: <strong>both teams from last year&#39;s Grand Final — Brisbane and Melbourne — will miss the 2026 finals.</strong> </p><p><br></p><p>It is the first time since 2010 that both previous Grand Finalists have failed to make the finals.</p><p>Subscribe to The Chad Townsend YouTube channel for NRL news, analysis, tips, interviews, player stories and weekly rugby league podcasts.</p><p>If you like these videos please make sure you SUBSCRIBE!</p><p>Join BearBet today for all my footy tips and multis throughout the season: </p><p>https://www.bearbet.com.au/signup/ChadTownsend</p><p>Gamble Responsibly</p><p>Join FANSCOOP for members only exclusive insights and access:</p><p>https://www.fanscoop.tv/chadtownsend</p><p><br></p><p>MY WEBSITE:</p><p>https://www.chadtownsend.com.au </p><p><br></p><p>PLAYERS GOLF CLUB - SHOP HERE:</p><p>https://www.playersgolfclub.com.au</p><p><br></p><p>THE CHAD TOWNSEND SHOW PODCAST:</p><p>Apple: </p><p>https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...</p><p>Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EvFnF9...</p><p><br></p><p>Contact:</p><p>Chad@chadtownsend.com.au </p><p><br></p><p>THE NUTRITIOUS BROS:</p><p>CHAD20 for 20% off first order</p><p>CHAD10 for 10% off ongoing order</p><p>https://thenutritiousbros.com.au/</p><p><br></p><p>LEAVE A MESSAGE ON OUR VOICEMAIL TO GET ON THE SHOW:</p><p>https://www.speakpipe.com/thechadtownsendshow</p><p><br></p><p>HUDDLE CONNECT FAST INTERNET:</p><p>Donate up to $5 to your local sporting club with Huddle Connect:</p><p>https://huddleconnect.com.au</p><p><br></p><p>Please make sure if you enjoy the content that you subscribe, like and comment it really does make a huge difference and I am really grateful for your support.</p><p>CT</p>