The 2026 NRL pre-season is officially underway, and the first team lists are out! As teams gear up for their Las Vegas debut, the Dragons, Knights, Bulldogs, and Cowboys have revealed their lineups for the opening trial matches. This is your first look at who's in, who's out, and who's looking to make a statement.
Star recruit Sandon Smith is set to debut for the Knights in their upcoming clash against the Dragons. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have confirmed that Gordon Chan Kum Tong will be taking the hooker position for their game. These early trials are crucial for players to impress and secure their spots for the main season.
But here's where it gets interesting... The absence of some key NRL stars in these initial trials means a golden opportunity for emerging talent to shine. Many teams are opting to rest their seasoned veterans, giving younger players a chance to prove their mettle.
Round 1 of the NRL Trials: What You Need to Know
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys
* When: Saturday, 5:30 PM AEDT
* Where: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Bulldogs Team: The Bulldogs have strategically decided to rest their established NRL talent, focusing instead on showcasing a significant number of their younger squad members. It's noteworthy that only seven players named have prior first-grade experience. A key absence is rookie halfback Mitchell Woods, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Keep an eye on Raymond Puru, the Under-19s Queensland fullback, and Aaymon Fitzgibbon, son of Craig Fitzgibbon, who joined the club from the Dragons during the pre-season. These young guns are eager to make their mark.
Cowboys Team: The Cowboys are fielding a balanced squad, featuring a mix of experienced NRL players and promising young talent. Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford are set to lead the attack from the halves. Mason Barber, the 2024 Australian Schoolboys fullback, will wear the No.1 jersey after missing the entire last season due to injury. Heilum Luki is making a welcome return from injury, and players like Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, and Jaxson Paulo will be aiming for strong performances to vie for regular starting positions come Round 1.
Dragons vs. Knights
* When: Saturday, 7:30 PM AEDT
* Where: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Dragons Team: The Dragons have assembled a formidable squad as they aim to improve their standing in 2026. However, the absence of recruit Daniel Atkinson is a surprise. Instead, coach Shane Flanagan has opted for Lyhkan King-Togia and Kade Reed as his halves pairing. Tyrell Sloan is back at fullback, though his future at the club remains uncertain. Haele Finau steps in at hooker due to an injury to Jacob Liddle. New recruits David Fale, Setu Tu, and Joseph O’Neill are all slated to feature.
Knights Team: The Knights will be without their international contingent for this match, including prominent players like Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best, as well as their highly anticipated signing, Dylan Brown. This absence opens the door for Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith to play in the halves together. They'll be competing to impress and potentially secure a halves partnership with Brown for Round 1. Tyson Gamble is also named and is expected to get game time. Keep an eye on junior standouts such as Sosaia Latu, Wilson De Courcey, Logan Aoake, and Matthew Hunter, who have arrived from the Eels.
And this is the part most people miss... The competition for starting spots is fierce, especially in the halves for the Knights. With Dylan Brown's arrival, the performances of Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith in this trial will be crucial. Is this a genuine opportunity for these players to stake their claim, or are they simply filling a gap until Brown is ready? What are your thoughts on these trial team selections? Let us know in the comments below!
