Whats new in 2026
What to expect for the first kick off of the 2026 Rugby League Season!
The Squad has been hard at work creating more additions and improvements ahead of the new season to make this one the best season yet! Some of the big gameplay changes for 2026 include:
Three Brand New Weekly Specials Competitions:
In 2026 we’re going to do what no other platform can, continuing to change the game and redefine how coaches experience and compete in fantasy sports.
The 2026 season will feature three brand new special competitions, each with their own unique rules, player requirements, and exciting new ways to earn rewards. Every one of these competitions will be completely free to play all season long and will challenge your strategy, skill, and player knowledge like never before.
They are:
Primetime (Thursday and Friday night competition)
Under 24s (eligible only players born in or after 2002)
Fantasy Bros Sunday Showdown (Sunday competition)
A Full Season of the Contender Competition
Last year we launched the Contender competition mid-season and it quickly became a huge success. Designed to give new GDS coaches a level playing field, it provided the perfect environment to compete without facing off against those in our top-tier competitions.
Now established as one of our five core competitions, the Contender returns from Round 1 giving coaches the ideal stage to showcase their Silver and Gold cards and compete for cash rewards all season long.
Changes to our exisiting core competitions
As part of a rebalance to ensure progression and improve the competitive balance, the following changes are occurring from the 2026 season:
Starter
Coaches competing in the Champion and Challenger competitions will be unable to compete in the Starter Competition.
Contender
Coaches competing in the Challenger competitions will be unable to compete in the Starter Competition.
Coaches playing in this competition are also now able to compete in the challenger competition.
Classic
Diamonds and Legend cards are no longer able to be used in the classic competition.
The Special card limit has also increased to 2 (max 1 prize card).
The salary cap has increased from 10m to 11.5m.
Challenger
Bronze and Silver cards are no longer able to be used in the Challenger competition.
The prize card limit of 2 has been introduced with the 5 card special limit
Salary Cap has increased from 13m to 14m
Coaches competing in the contender competition are eligible to compete in the challenger comp
Champion
Coaches competing in the champion competitions will be unable to compete in the Starter Competition.
The introduction of a salary cap (16m).
The introduction of a special card limit of 5 (3 prize card).
QLD vs NSW Competition Changes
The following changes will be made for the 2026 QLD vs NSW competition:
Removal of the HOK,MID and EDG positions and replacing with FWD positions. Removal of FB, CTR and WNG positions and replacing with BCK positions.
Salary cap change from 10mil to 11mil
The removal of a QLD vs NSW card limit
Diamonds and Legend cards are no longer able to be used in the QLD vs NSW competition.
Reduction on Finals Competitions
In 2026 we will be changing our finals competitions structure, reducing the playable competitions to 2, the Finals Classic and Finals Champion competitions.
Both these competitions will follow the same rules as their regular season counterparts however with just 2 competitions, the prizes for our winners will be greater!
Even More Start Packs
You spoke, we listened. In 2026 coaches are going to get even more starter packs upon sign up, and this is before the additional packs that can be earned through our onboarding
Coaches on day 1 should be able to now roll out competitive squad across the starter, contender and classic competitions.
The Return of Knockout Cups
In 2025 we launched the GDS Cup and the Classic Cup with great success. In 2026 we are running it back with more excitement, more coaches and of course, more prizes!
Planned addition of emergencies and how they will work
TBA at a later date.
Planned changes to Legend Cards from the 2027 Season
TBA at a later date.
Updated Player Pool:
And of course in December we will launch the updated 2026 player pool update that will include team changes, position changes, player additions, draftees and the latest removals.
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