Just when you thought the NRL pre-season couldn’t get more dramatic, injuries strike again, leaving fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats. The 2026 NRL pre-season challenge kicks off this Saturday in Las Vegas, but it’s not just the location that’s making headlines. The Bulldogs, Cowboys, Dragons, and Knights are gearing up for a double-header at Jubilee Oval, but several key players are already sidelined, raising questions about team strategies and season prospects. And this is the part most people miss: while some teams are resting their star players, others are using this as a chance to test new talent—but at what cost?
The team lists, as always, will be unveiled at 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, featuring a 28-player squad. But here’s where it gets controversial: coaches have unlimited interchanges, allowing them to shuffle players freely. Is this a fair way to assess team performance, or does it dilute the competitive spirit of the trials? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Round 1 Highlights:
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys (5:30pm AEDT, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium)
Phil Gould has confirmed that Mitchell Woods and Jacob Kiraz will sit out due to injuries, with Woods nursing a hamstring issue and Kiraz in rehab for an undisclosed ailment. But here’s the kicker: Gould also hinted that most of the NRL squad will be benched, giving newcomers like Sean O’Sullivan, Fletcher Baker, and Gordon Cham Kum Tong their moment to shine. For the Cowboys, it’s a similar story, with rising star Tom Chester out due to an MCL injury—his second major setback after missing 2025 with an ACL tear. Players like Jake Clifford and James Walsh are expected to step up, but will it be enough to make a statement?
Dragons vs. Knights (7:30pm AEDT, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium)
Shane Flanagan is taking a bold approach, fielding a near full-strength Dragons side. New recruit Daniel Atkinson will debut alongside Kyle Flanagan in the halves, and Josh Kerr is set to make his mark in the forwards. But here’s where it gets interesting: Setu Tu and David Fale have leapfrogged established names like Tyrell Sloan and Mat Feagai for the wing positions. For the Knights, Kalyn Ponga remains absent due to a Lisfranc injury, and international stars like Phoenix Crossland and Bradman Best will be rested. Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe will get their chance in the halves, but will they secure the starting spots for Round 1?
Thought-Provoking Question: With so many teams resting their star players, are these trials truly indicative of what’s to come in the 2026 season? Or are they just a glorified training session? Share your opinions below!
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