Andrew Johns makes huge Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm predictions

The 2026 NRL season has been as unpredictable as ever with some surprise performers at the top end of the ladder, while some huge clubs languish in the lower reaches.

Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, last year’s two Grand Finalists, have had underwhelming seasons as they sit in 11th and 12th respectively.

The Storm have picked up in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches after a club-record seven straight losses which put them out of reach of the eight.

However, their recent upturn has given them an outside chance this season with Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant returning to form.

It has been the opposite for the reigning premiers Brisbane who, after a solid start to the year, have lost their last five matches and now face a must-win game against the Rabbitohs on Thursday.

Whether either or both of these NRL heavyweight will be playing finals footy in 2026 will depend on the next few weeks, with both facing a challenging draw.

Given their history, it might be perhaps foolish to write off either team’s chances yet, but rugby league immortal Andrew Johns has insisted one of these big hitters is ‘gone’ for 2026.

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Andrew Johns makes Broncos and Storm predictions

Speaking on Channel Nine, Johns was in a no-nonsense mood as he predicted the ominous fate of the Broncos over the remainder of the season.

“Brisbane are down on confidence and they are just not getting it done,” said Johns. “They are leaking a lot of points and they are trying to trick shot their way to victory.

“I don’t see them getting anywhere near what they did last year. They are gone. I think they would be very lucky to get into the eight and play finals.

“To get in the top four you have to finish with either 34 or 36 points. That now for Canberra and for Brisbane is near enough impossible.”

Despite sitting on the same number of points as the Broncos, Johns gave a contrasting prediction for Melbourne after their recent purple patch.

“Melbourne are different, however, because they have three byes, but after that I think the Storm need to win 9 of their last 11 games.

“For mine, the Broncos can’t win it because you have got to get in the top four to win it. We have seen that down the years, nobody has won the comp from outside the top four.

“You have got to get in the top four. So, for the Storm, maybe? But the Broncos and the Raiders cannot now finish in the top four.”