NRL great Andrew Johns is confident the Eels and Dolphins will turn their fortunes around in 2026, predicting both sides to feature in next year's finals series.
The Eels got off to a shaky start in Jason Ryles' first season as head coach, losing 12 of their first 17 games to sit second last on the ladder after round 20.
But sparked by the return of their star halfback Mitchell Moses late in the season, the Eels won five of their last seven games to finish the year in eleventh spot.
The Dolphins, led by first year coach Kristian Woolf, missed out on finals by one game despite having the number one attack in the competition.
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Speaking on Channel Nine's Immortal Behaviour, Johns backed the Eels to move up the ladder next year, following the side's strong form to finish the season.
"They (Eels) beat the Roosters by 20, as we know they (Roosters) are flying," Johns said.
"Then they went to Auckland the following week and rolled the Warriors over there...they put on 66 against Newcastle.
"Jack De Belin goes there next year, those players are a year older.
"I think they're a big chance of making the eight next year."
Johns also tipped the Dolphins to make next year's final series, provided they avoid the same injury dramas that disrupted this year's campaign.
"They (Dolphins) were decimated by injuries in their forward pack," he said.
"When Herbie (Farnworth) went down in Auckland that basically cost them (a finals spot).
"If they have luck with injuries they'll be there (in the top eight)."
Johns named the Sharks and Warriors as the two sides most likely to drop out of the top eight next season.