Get ready for a thrilling season ahead as the 2026 NRL Pre-season Challenge kicks off with a bang! The first trials have left coaches with some tough decisions, and it's all thanks to a few standout performances that are shaking up the starting lineups.
The Rising Stars Challenge
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Cowboys and Bulldogs faced off, showcasing some incredible talent. Jake Clifford, the Cowboys' halfback, put on a masterclass, leaving coach Todd Payten with a selection dilemma. Clifford's partnership with skipper Tom Dearden was electric, creating three try assists and setting up two more in the opening half. But here's where it gets controversial... Clifford's impressive display might just steal the starting role from Jaxon Purdue, who was initially favored for the position.
Meanwhile, over at the St. George Illawarra Dragons, an unknown rookie, Kade Reed, has emerged as a future star. With a superb performance against the Newcastle Knights, Reed has put the established Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson on notice. His eye-catching stats - 30 run metres, an offload, two linebreak assists, two try assists, and a try - speak for themselves. But it's his intercept and try-saving tackle that truly showcase his potential as an NRL playmaker. Will Reed's performance create a halves dilemma for the Dragons?
The Bulldogs' Bright Future
Despite falling short against the Cowboys, the Canterbury Bulldogs proved they have an incredibly bright future ahead. With a young and talented squad, they pushed their opponents to the limit, scoring six of the last seven tries. Joseph Teaupa, a member of the club's 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg Cup squad, led the charge with three try assists in the second half. Teaupa is likely to give Lachlan Galvin a run for his money in the coming seasons for the No.6 jersey.
The Bulldogs also showcased their depth with Raymond Puru, the incumbent Under-19s Queensland fullback, who replaced Taye Cochrane and made an impact with 78 running metres off just four runs. Other young guns like Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Justin Matamua, Louis Grossemy, Jope Rauqe, Mikey Nassar, and Cooper Toy all crossed the line for tries, showing the club's promising talent pipeline.
The Return of Heilum Luki
After an 18-month absence due to an ACL injury, Heilum Luki made a successful return to the field for the Cowboys. Luki, a two-time Samoan international, was in career-best form before his injury and is eager to get back to his best this season. In his limited minutes, he scored a try, made 68 running metres, and produced one line-break, showcasing his determination and skill.
The Knights' Halves Dilemma
The Newcastle Knights are facing a halves conundrum as the start of the 2026 NRL regular season approaches. While Sandon Smith seemed like the frontrunner to play alongside Dylan Brown, Fletcher Sharpe's return to the field after suffering a lacerated kidney and damaged spleen last year has added a new dimension. Sharpe's performance, with a line-break assist and a try assist, has left the Knights with a tough decision. Kieran Foran and Dan Ginnane discussed the dilemma, highlighting Sharpe's X-factor and his threat when running with the ball.
And this is the part most people miss... Sandon Smith also had a positive impact, despite a few errors. His try assist and overall performance have left the Knights with a tough choice for their halves pairing in Round 1.
As the season progresses, these young guns and rising stars will continue to make their mark, challenging the established players and keeping the competition fierce. Who will emerge as the season's standout performers? Only time will tell! So, what do you think? Are you excited for the upcoming season and the potential these rookies bring? Let's discuss in the comments!
