NRL Pre-Season: Final Week Showdowns and Round 1 Clues
The final week of the National Rugby League (NRL) pre-season challenge is upon us, offering a crucial tune-up for clubs before the official Round 1 commences. For many teams, this is their last chance to fine-tune combinations, test out potential debutants, and see star players get their first significant hit-out of the year. This is your rapid-fire guide to the key talking points across all 12 fixtures as the countdown to the premiership season intensifies.
New Zealand Warriors vs. The Dolphins
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors are using this fixture to iron out a few key positions. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad appears to be the preferred fullback for Round 1, despite the presence of Taine Tuaupiki in the reserves. The battle for a centre spot is likely down to Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak expected to return for Round 1 to solidify the backline.
Te Maire Martin’s broken leg opens up an opportunity at five-eighth, and Luke Hanson is poised to impress. With Luke Metcalf also sidelined, this position is genuinely up for grabs to start the season. The Warriors have rested several forwards, but Tanner Stowers-Smith is in a strong position to earn some early minutes before Mitchell Barnett returns from an ACL injury, likely in Rounds 2 or 3, assuming Jackson Ford and James Fisher-Harris lock down starting spots. Leka Halasima’s situation is one to watch; after being named at centre last week and on the bench this week, he could be a surprise starter in the second row come Round 1.
The Dolphins
The absence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow makes it difficult to gauge the Dolphins’ fullback plans, but Trai Fuller is reportedly in contention for the Round 1 jumper. Fuller, along with Selwyn Cobbo and Jake Averillo (named at centre), will be players of interest for the Dolphins this weekend.
Tom Gilbert starting at prop is an intriguing move, as many had anticipated him playing in the second row. Similarly, Brad Schneider at dummy-half warrants attention. With Jeremy Marshall-King out for the first six weeks, a vacancy exists. While Max Plath could return for Round 1, Schneider might just have the inside running for that crucial hooker role.
Wests Tigers vs. Penrith Panthers
Wests Tigers
Heamasi Makasini continues his run on the wing, aiming to secure a Round 1 berth. Starford To’a being named in the centres suggests Benji Marshall has a clear vision for the backline, potentially leaving Jeral Skelton as the player to miss out. Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi are firming as the Tigers’ halves combination for the season.
Bunty Afoa, on a development contract, starts this match. His performance could be a key indicator for a potential bench spot in Round 1. This game also offers the Wests Tigers their first look at Kai Pearce-Paul in action. With Samuela Finau on the opposite side of the park, the second row appears to be at full strength, and Alex Twal is set to feature at lock.
Penrith Panthers
Casey McLean is the only likely starter not appearing in the Penrith back seven this weekend. Thomas Jenkins (wing) and Paul Alamoti (centre) are in a direct shootout for what is expected to be a single wing spot. Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen are the only forwards missing from what is anticipated to be Penrith’s Round 1 forward pack. Kalini Going, an experienced forward joining from the Warriors with limited first-grade experience, has clearly impressed in pre-season and gets a chance to test himself against a strong Tigers outfit. While Penrith’s bench selections may seem straightforward, Going and Luron Patea could be the players pushing for minutes with a standout performance here.
Cronulla Sharks vs. Canberra Raiders
Cronulla Sharks
Reports of an injury to Sione Katoa have been quashed, and he will feature this weekend, beginning his campaign to secure a contract and the right to partner Ronaldo Mulitalo once he returns from an ACL injury later in the season. The Sharks are otherwise close to full strength, although Teig Wilton is not playing, with Zero Tackle understanding he will be fit for Round 1. Jesse Colquhoun will play at lock with Cameron McInnes unavailable. The Sharks’ bench spots are the major talking point, with Siosifa Talakai, Toby Rudolf, Oregon Kaufusi, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Hohepa Puru, and Tuku Hau Tapuha all featuring.
Canberra Raiders
In typical Ricky Stuart fashion, the Raiders are keeping their cards close to their chest, with most of their key players expected to be held back until Round 1. Daine Laurie gets an opportunity to push for a bench role from fullback, while Sebastian Kris surprisingly plays for the second consecutive week. Jayden Brailey is set to start at dummy-half.
Sydney Roosters vs. Parramatta Eels
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are rolling out a strong contingent of their top players. Daniel Tupou and Robert Toia are absent, with both expected to slot into the side for Round 1. Daly Cherry-Evans will play at five-eighth, with Sam Walker at halfback, a combination that could well be the Round 1 pairing. Blake Steep starting is a positive sign for his potential role this year as he continues his development.
Parramatta Eels
The Eels appear to be at full strength. Bailey Simonsson and Sean Russell are named, suggesting Brian Kelly might be the player to miss out. Eels fans will be eager to see Jonah Pezet and Mitchell Moses playing together for the first time. Jack de Belin starts at lock, with Dylan Walker coming off the bench.
Melbourne Storm vs. Gold Coast Titans
Melbourne Storm
Sua Fa’alogo gets his first chance at fullback. Moses Leo has another opportunity, this time on the wing with Xavier Coates not playing. Jack Howarth is also missing. Marion Seve starts at centre, but there’s been speculation that either Seve or Leo could play in the centres, with Howarth shifting to the second row. Joe Chan and Ativalu Lisati will compete for the right to partner Shawn Blore (who isn’t playing) in the second row for Round 1. Tyran Wishart will run out at halfback with Jahrome Hughes absent. Alex MacDonald at lock and Trent Loiero on the bench are players to watch, with MacDonald in particular drawing attention this season.
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans appear to be preparing for Sialetili Faeamani’s potential Round 1 debut, while Max Feagai is leading the race for the vacant centre spot. AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell are set to form the 2026 halves combination. Josh Patston may have won the race for the vacant second-row spot, but will need a strong performance. It looks like Josh Hannay will utilise Chris Randall at lock.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly Sea Eagles
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs are close to full strength, with the exception of Jamie Humphreys at halfback, who is coming off the bench. Ashton Ward starts at seven. Campbell Graham, as anticipated, will line up on the wing. Tevita Tatola starts at prop and has an opportunity to reclaim his starting spot. Brandon Smith has the first crack at dummy-half, with Peter Mamouzelos and Bronson Garlick vying for minutes from the bench.
Manly Sea Eagles
Lehi Hopoate is slated to play on the wing in 2026. Tom Trbojevic is not playing, but Clayton Faulalo will run out at fullback, with Hopoate on the wing. Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty will play their first game together in the halves. The absence of Haumole Olakau’atu and Ben Trbojevic presents a significant opportunity for Hugo Hart and Corey Waddell to push for second-row minutes.
