The anticipation is palpable as the 2026 NRL pre-season kicks off, with teams set to compete in their initial trials before heading to Las Vegas. Among those taking to the field are the Dragons, Knights, Bulldogs, and Cowboys, all eager to showcase their lineups for the upcoming season.
In a thrilling matchup, star newcomer Sandon Smith will take his place for the Knights in their game against the Dragons, while the Bulldogs have appointed Gordon Chan Kum Tong as their starting hooker.
Curious to see how these teams will perform? Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the NRL Teams for Trials Week 1.
Round 1 Matchups
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WEEK 1 Match Times (in AEDT)
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5:30 PM
Bulldogs Team:
1. Taye Cochrane
2. Cooper Toy
3. Sosaia Alatini
4. Jed Reardon
5. Jonathan Sua
6. Joseph Teaupa
7. Alex Conti
8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
10. Samuel Hughes
11. Alekolasimi Jones
12. Logan Spinks
13. Lipoi Hopoi
14. Fletcher Baker
16. Zyon Maiu’u
17. Aaymon Fitzgibbon
19. Jack Underhill
20. Raymond Puru
21. Hamish Wilson
22. Jope Rauqe
23. Michael Nassar
24. Justin Matamua
25. Bud Smith
26. Bailey Myers
Analysis: As anticipated, the Bulldogs are opting to rest many of their seasoned NRL stars, instead giving younger squad members a chance to shine. Notably, only seven players have experience in first-grade matches. Rookie halfback Mitchell Woods has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, but keep an eye on promising talents like Under-19s Queensland fullback Raymond Puru and Aaymon Fitzgibbon, who is the son of Craig Fitzgibbon and joined from the Dragons this pre-season.
Cowboys Team:
1. Mason Barber
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Liam Sutton
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Jaxon Purdue
7. Jake Clifford
8. Harrison Edwards
9. Xavier Kerrisk
10. Thomas Mikaele
11. Heilum Luki
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Sam McIntyre
14. Zac Herdegen
15. Kaiden Lahrs
16. Mason Kira
17. Matthew Watts
18. Creedence Toia
19. Ronald Philitoga
20. Maddox Goodwin
21. Wiremu Greig
22. Tyler Moriarty
23. Joseph Doyle
24. Isaiah Latu
Analysis: The Cowboys have put together a balanced mix of experienced NRL players and rising stars. Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford will direct the team from the halves, while Mason Barber, who missed last season due to injury, will don the No.1 jersey as the fullback. Heilum Luki is making his comeback from injury, and players like Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, and Jaxson Paulo will be looking to make a strong case for inclusion in the starting lineup as they approach Round 1.
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Dragons vs. Knights
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 7:30 PM
Dragons Team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. David Fale
4. Mathew Feagai
5. Setu Tu
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kade Reed
8. Josh Kerr
9. Haele Finau
10. Toby Couchman
11. Ryan Couchman
12. Jacob Halangahu
13. Hame Sele
14. Tyler Peckham-Harris
15. Charles Heidke
16. Hayden Buchanan
17. Nicholas Tsougranis
18. Joseph O’Neill
19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
20. Isaiah Fagalilo
21. Blake Lawrie
22. Dylan Coutts
23. Cyrus Stanley-Traill
24. Ryan Hutchinson
Analysis: The Dragons have assembled a formidable lineup, aiming to improve their outcomes in 2026. However, the absence of recruit Daniel Atkinson is unexpected. Coach Shane Flanagan has opted for Lyhkan King-Togia and Kade Reed as his halves combination. Tyrell Sloan returns to the pivotal fullback role, despite uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. Meanwhile, Haele Finau takes over as hooker due to Jacob Liddle’s hamstring injury, and recruits David Fale, Setu Tu, and Joseph O’Neill are set to make their impact felt.
Knights Team:
1. Fletcher Hunt
2. James Schiller
3. Kyle McCarthy
4. Wilson De Courcey
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Harrison Graham
10. Trey Mooney
11. Thomas Cant
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mathew Croker
16. Matthew Arthur
17. Pasami Saulo
18. Brodie Jones
19. Cody Hopwood
20. Connor Votano
21. Sosaia Latu
22. Asu Kepaoa
23. Logan Aoake
24. Matthew Hunter
25. Peter Hola
26. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
27. Francis Manuleleua
28. Lachlan Crouch
Analysis: The Knights will be missing key international players, including Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, and the highly sought-after signing Dylan Brown, this Saturday. This opens the door for Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith to share the halves position as they vie for a spot alongside Brown come Round 1. Tyson Gamble is also included and should receive some playing time. Eyes will be on junior talents like Sosaia Latu, Wilson De Courcey, Logan Aoake, and Matthew Hunter from the Eels, who could make significant impressions.
