The first full weekend of pre-season matches are in the books, and while plenty was learned, several clubs have unanswered questions over the make up of their team as we near the 2026 season proper.
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It was against a B-grade Panthers side, but there was a lot to like about North Queensland’s new-look spine, with recruit Reed Mahoney starring.
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Meanwhile, Ricky Stuart might have something to think about when it comes to who will replace Jamal Fogarty in the Raiders No. 7 jersey.
Read on for the NRL Talking Points from Trials Week 2.
FORMER BRONCOS STAR SHINES IN DOLPHINS DEBUT
Selwyn Cobbo made his Dolphins debut and impressed on Thursday night.
But his inclusion raises a huge question – where can he make the biggest impact?
The Broncos recruit featured in the centres against the Titans, racking up three tackle breaks and a linebreak assist in only a short time on-field.
However, league legend Greg Alexander believes he would be better suited to shift wider in the Dolphins’ backline.
“It will be interesting to see where Kristian Woolf fits him in the team… I don’t think I’d burden him with the role of defending in the centres,” Alexander said.
“Stick him on the wing, let him use that brute strength… I think on the wing will be the best spot for Selwyn.”
Meanwhile, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa was quizzed on how he connection with Cobbo was coming along in pre-season.
“Still building, understanding some of the strengths of Selwyn’s game and making sure that we give him time and space with the ball,” he said.
“Just let him do his thing, he can come up with some crazy things… the more I can give him the ball in time and space, the better our team will be.”
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Michael Ennis, meanwhile, praised his performance and urged the star flyer to get the ball in his hands.
“I thought he was terrific, he looks a lot fitter Selwyn… Selwyn can do things on a field that others just can’t,” Ennis said.
“I thought he had a good first half, he can go looking for more work, but they didn’t hold the footy a lot.”
With Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds leaving the broncos, Cobbo could return to the Broncos on a big money deal.
But one thing is for sure if he doesn’t stay at the Dolphins — there will be no shortage of clubs lining up for his services most notably the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs.
Titans down Phins in pre-season hit out | 01:52
YOUNG GUN ENTERS RACE TO REPLACE ELI KATOA
Less than three months ago, the Melbourne Storm were dealt a major blow when it was confirmed that Eli Katoa would miss the entire 2026 season due to a horrific brain injury that he had sustained during the Pacific Championships.
Coming off what was arguably his best season to date, the news couldn’t have come at a worse time for Storm, who had granted a release to Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen just weeks earlier.
“He was for me, the best back-rower in the competition last year and for the last few years,” Luke Keary said on the Fox League Pre-Show.
“The evolution of him since getting to Melbourne from the Warriors has been outstanding. I think other than Reece Walsh (he was) the best player on the field and it is a massive loss for them.
“It can’t be understated to lose Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson, and then to lose Eli is a big hole, but they have proven they can fill those holes.
“And there will be some guys that Craig’s worked with over this last eight to 12 weeks that just fit into those roles and we’ll be talking about them as household names by Round 10.”
While Katoa’s absence is a massive loss, it has opened the door for others to step in.
Ativalu Lisati is the frontrunner for the vacant spot and finished with a team-high 66 running metres and 20 tackles in the opening half, but Under-19s NSW Blues representative Cooper Clarke is hot on his heels.
Despite mainly being used in the front row throughout his junior career, Clarke was named in the back row and was seen on the right edge before making the transition to the left edge.
Pressing his claim for a first-grade spot, the former Wests Tigers junior made 45 running metres and 16 tackles in the opening half against the Raiders before finishing with a further three tackle busts, 24 running metres and ten more tackles.
However, the most impressive thing about his performance was his ability to continually lead the kick chase, which showed his endurance and his refusal to give up in defence.
“The footwork is impressive of Cooper Clarke, it’s been on display all afternoon – footwork and strength,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.
“He’s been impressive,” Michael Ennis added.
‘I can play a number of positions’ | 01:22
EELS RECRUIT TICKS FIRST BOX
It was a decent start to Jonah Pezet’s one-year Parramatta pit stop.
Pezet was solid without being spectacular in his first game in Eels colours, wearing the No. 7 and leading Parra to 22 first half points in a 40-6 rout of Cronulla.
Partnering Joash Papalii in the halves with Mitch Moses rested, Pezet had a try assist and over 300 kick metres in a measured and controlled perfomance before he was benched at half time.
According to Fox League’s Lara Pitt, Moses was very happy with what he saw from his future halves partner.
Former star halfback Greg Alexander said Pezet deserves a pass mark for his 40-minute stint.
“Everyone has liked what they’ve seen from Jonah Pezet even though it’s been a small sample size of 18 NRL games but some of the moments he’s had with the Storm and the big games, he’s handled them comfortably,” Alexander said.
“He looks at home playing NRL
“He is a very confident young man and that’s another good thing. That’s what you want from a half.
“I think the Eels will be a better side this year playing alongside Mitch Moses.”
Parramatta were taking on a Sharks team without most of their best 17, but Sunday’s performance would have been more than encouraging for Eels fans starved of premiership success.
It’s no secret the Eels have underachieved since reaching a grand final in 2022 but with two classy playmakers in Pezet and Moses at the helm and with a bit of injury luck, it wouldn’t shock to see Parramatta make a serious finals bid this year.
COWBOYS URGED TO MAKE A CALL IN ANSWER TO ‘BIGGEST QUESTION’
The Cowboys spine is ready to answer their critics after orchestrating a big 66-24 win over an admittedly depleted Panthers side.
Jake Clifford had two tries, 51 run metres, a linebreak and two try assists to announce himself as the frontrunner to partner Tom Dearden, who had two linebreak assists and a try assist of his own.
And Jaxon Purdue shone at centre with a linebreak, a linebreak assist, a try assist and a try to put his hand up for both centre and a halves spot.
Luke Keary noted pre-game that the Cowboys need to decide on their spine and stick to it to build combinations.
“When you go through that team, they should be playing finals footy,” Keary said.
“That pack is great and there is Origin players everywhere. Tom Dearden is one of the best halves in the competition.
“They have a very good roster. They have proven it over the years. They made a prelim final in Todd Payten’s second year.
“The one question mark is they have got to get the halves and the spine right.
“To go into a season not knowing who your No.6 and No.7 are, I don’t understand that. It is hard for me to get my head around.
“You can’t not know who your halfback and five-eighth is and think you are going to walk into a season and dominate, it doesn’t happen.”
Kevin Walters backed Purdue to play centre at this stage of his career after an eye-catching display.
“Right now Purdue’s best position is left centre,” Walters said.
“I think for stability and their best 17 on the field, I like the look of Clifford and Dearden in the halves and Purdue at centre.”
Brent Tate agreed the Cowboys need Purdue in the centres.
“Looking at Purdue for the balance of this side he needs to play centre,” Tate said.
“He just gives them a lot more strike. The Cowboys have two good young centres in Purdue and Laybutt, who look very hard to handle.”
Clifford has been the best Cowboys player in the trials and Walters put it down to his role changing from previous years.
“He is more of a running player so the No.6 on his back could be good for his mind frame,” Walters said of Clifford.
Keary, meanwhile, didn’t think Clifford could have done much more to put his hand up to start in the halves and said North Queensland’s spine in general answered the questions he had pre-game.
“He’s (Clifford) been awesome, exactly what Todd Payten asked for,” Keary said.
“He’s been calm over on the left. His kicking game has been great from the start. He has taken his opportunities. Nice little try off the scrum there.
“He looks like he is in control. Dearden looks like he is playing a little bit of second fiddle to him.
“The big question mark we had pre-game was the spine and I feel like those four players have been the best players on the field.
“Clifford has been outstanding. Dearden has just done his job. Reed Mahoney has had a huge impact and Drinkwater has just been floating around doing his thing.”
Payten the coach under the most pressure | 01:44
MAHONEY SENDS BULLDOGS MESSAGE IN STELLAR COWBOYS DEBUT
Reed Mahoney has a point to prove to the Bulldogs in 2026, and he got off to an emphatic start in a stunning debut for the Cowboys in their 66 to 24 thrashing of the Panthers.
Mahoney had 16 run metres, an offload, two linebreak assists and two try assists to go with 12 tackles and just one miss in an eye-catching display.
Luke Keary noted Mahoney played with a steel and purpose in a great sign for the Cowboys going into the season.
“He’s a leader, he was the captain of that Bulldogs team,” Keary said.
“He has got a chip on his shoulder. He came out and said if anyone knows why the Bulldogs got rid of me let me know. He is playing like that tonight.
“He is going to be a great addition to the Cowboys. Robson is a big loss but they get a leader and a tough competitor in Mahoney.”
Kevin Walters agreed Mahoney looked like a man possessed in his first hit-out for the Cowboys, calling him “the most impressive player on the field”.
“He’s up in Townsville to prove a point with the Cowboys,” Walters said.
“He’s been in everything good for the Cowboys tonight. He has been involved in every try with his passing and his vision out of dummyhalf.
“He has some good options with Dearden and Drinkwater outside him. That’s what he brings to a football team. He has found a new home up north and he looks pretty good to me.
“He is rolling out of dummyhalf and taking some good options.I really like him as a player. He is so competitive.”
Cooper Cronk lauded Mahoney’s application and impact, going as far as to point out that he had a steel in his eyes from pre-game.
“Brent Tate interviewed him before the game and there was a different feel and energy about Reed Mahoney,” Cronk said.
“He came out with a kick to put the pressure on the Panthers and then he set up a nice try for Drinkwater off the scrum.
“His teammates said he has been doing it all pre-season, which is a good omen for the Cowboys and their leader in the No.9 around the ruck in his first game for the club.”
Reed Mahoney stars on Cowboys debut | 00:58
IS DAINE LAURIE THE BARGAIN SIGNING OF 2026?
In his first match at the Raiders since making the move from the Penrith Panthers, Daine Laurie has proven that he could potentially be the bargain buy of the season.
The versatile Laurie was one of the Raiders’ best performers as they took apart the Storm on Friday evening.
And while neither team played their best players, Laurie has rocketed into contention for the Raiders’ Round 1 team as they look to improve on their straight-sets finish in last year’s finals series.
“He will certainly ask questions of the opposition defence,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.
Laurie has spent time in and out of first grade throughout the years, starting at Penrith and managing just three games in 2020 before getting more of an extended run with the Tigers.
The 26-year-old then headed back to the foot of the mountains to play back-up to Dylan Edwards and impressed every time he filled in for the representative fullback, but Dan Ginnane said that based on Laurie’s performance against Melbourne it is clear he has different motivations this time around.
“He’s not here to be a back-up fullback, he’s here to play first-grade,” Ginnane said.
“Ricky Stuart putting Daine Laurie in the No.7 today may just be the opportunity where he can find himself,” Ennis continued.
While he is unlikely to surpass Kaeo Weekes in the fullback role, the Raiders currently have a vacant spot in the halves alongside Ethan Strange as both Ethan Sanders and Coby Black are yet to make that position their own.
He could also be used by Ricky Stuart off the interchange bench as a specialist utility, especially with the implementation of new rules surrounding the interchange – teams can now have six reserves instead of four.
Playing at halfback for the first time in his career, the former Penrith and Tigers utility provided a try assist and played a crucial part in another try as he took apart from the Melbourne Storm.
“It’s been good. The boys have been heaps welcoming. It’s been a tough pre-season and it’s good to get some game time there today and the boys turned up,” Laurie said on Fox League post-match.
“I can play a number of positions so I’m just going to keep working hard and if Stick wants me anywhere, I’ll put my hand up.
“He’s been good. A champion bloke. When I first came down, I had a feed with him and his missus (and) he’s a heaps genuine person.”
Flanno confirms Holmes fit for Vegas | 00:19
YOUNG MANLY GUNS SHINE TO SHAKE UP HALVES RACE
Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks are tipped to get first crack at being Manly’s halves combination this season, but they will have two young guns keeping them honest.
Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large impressed in the Sea Eagles’ 33-18 win over the Warriors in their first pre-season trial, to show that there is life after the DCE era.
Walsh had 41 run metres, three tackle busts, an offload, a linebreak assist, two try assists and 14 tackles, while he controlled the contest with his kicking game and capped it off with a late field goal.
Large had 44 run metres and 18 tackles and looked dominant on both sides of the ball, particularly with his defence for a young kid fresh out of school.
Michael Ennis lauded Walsh’s calmness and composure for a young player in an eye-catching display.
“Some promising signs, he looks Sharpe and he looks confident,” Ennis said.
“Had a couple of misdirected moments one with a pass as expected.
“But his kicking game has been very sound in the wet. He has put it over the opposition at times and his defence has looked good.
“It was a nice moment when Walsh and Large combined to put Wilson away for a try to Faulalo.”
However, Ennis was even more impressed with Large, who looked dangerous every time he took the ball to the line.
“Onitoni Large has been the one, he has looked really sharpe,” Ennis said.
“I thought this was going to be a physical test for Large, who has just stepped out of high school, but he has been really good.
“He has handled everything in defence and actually dominated a couple of tackles and when he hits the accelerator he is off.”
Cherry-Evans was the king of field goals during his time at Manly and his heir apparent capped a great performance with a late one-pointer of his own in a passing of the torch moment.
“Walsh capped off a good afternoon with a late field goal,” Ennis said.
“It was a great performance from the Manly side and their young halfback.”
Joey Walsh stars in Manly’s trial win | 03:14
TIGERS PRODIGY SHOWS ENORMOUS POTENTIAL IN ‘ONE PLAY’
A dual-code prodigy, Heamasi Makasini shone in his first outing for the Wests Tigers this season as he crossed the line for not one, not two, but three tries.
After playing just one match in the NRL last season (the final game of the regular season), Makasini has leapt into contention to play in the back-line for the club’s opening clash in Round 2.
Still only 18, the Newington College product finished the win over the Roosters with three tries, 110 running metres, six tackle busts, one offload and three line-breaks to his name.
The best of these tries came in the opening half when he took on opposing centre Tommy Talau in a one-on-one battle and was able to get past the former Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles player with ease.
“In one play, we have just seen what this kid’s potential could be,” commentator Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
“It ultimately ends up being Makasini one-on-one with Talau and he shows up the more experienced right centre of the Roosters. Stands him up, skips to the outside, gives him a little bump, gets through [Tom] Rodwell and powers over for the Tigers.
“This is all you want to see. You just want to see a little bit of athleticism, something that you can work with and Rodwell falls over but Makasini looks a threat with the ball in his hands close to the line.
“That was a little Stephen Crichton that. The big shimmy shimmy shake to the outside, big physical in contact, bumps off Talau and then pushes through.”
Described in commentary as a “scary prospect”, Makasini spoke to foxsports.com.au earlier this month, where he opened up on his decision to select rugby league over rugby union, where he represented the Under-18s Wallabies and attracted interest from various French and Japanese rugby union teams.
However, if he is to force his way into the starting line-up, coach Benji Marshall will have a difficult choice as to who he replace with the spots currently occupied by Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Starford To’a and Jeral Skelton.
“He has had an impressive performance here this afternoon, Makasini. Started at centre and moved to the left wing,” Cronk said.
Not to be unnoticed, the halves pairing of Javon Andrews and Jock Madden stood out above the rest. The two playmakers are currently in a two-way battle for the utility spot on the interchange bench due to Latu Fainu missing the opening month with a shoulder injury.
Rejoining the club after a stint with the Brisbane Broncos, Madden had two try assists, two line-break assists and was everywhere in attack.
While he is likely the frontrunner due to his experience, Andrews is hot on his heals and had two try assists and two line-break assists of his own.
“When he drifts across the field, he has a good understanding of edge defence,” Cooper Cronk said of Javon Andrews, who was named the 2025 Under-19s Player of the Match.
“He came up with a double pump that gave Makasini the space for his third try.
“I like what Andrews does with the double pump and makes the Roosters hesitate and when he sees space he gets it over to Makasini who does the rest.”
INSANE Tigers try DEFIES BELIEF! | 00:48
BULLDOGS CONTINGENCY AS BURTON BLOW ROCKS HALVES COMBO
Cameron Ciraldo was planning to persist with a halves combination of Matt Burton at five-eighth and Lachlan Galvin at halfback in 2026, but an injury could see a big change for Round 1.
Burton limped off with a hamstring injury in the 28-0 win over the Knights and is unlikely to play in Round 1, which could see a reshuffle.
Greg Alexander said in commentary on Fox League that it was “not a good sign” that Burton was limping off and expected he will miss the team’s opener in Vegas.
“But if you are looking for a replacement, the man that came on the field Sean O’Sullivan might have been close to the Bulldogs’ best player,” the former Panthers playmaker added.
“An experienced campaigner that just made things tick for the Dogs when he got on the field, including a sideline conversion.”
Ironically in the build-up to their final trial, Braith Anasta revealed O’Sullivan was looming as the contingency if Galvin failed to fire at No.7.
“This is the million-dollar question, the contingency is O’Sullivan,” Anasta said when asked if Galvin can make the halfback jersey his own.
“I’ve heard some mail that he’s just been training really well there and he’s the steady head with his experience.
“And if Galvin and Burton don’t go to plan in the first month there, I think he’ll be in sooner rather than later.”
Now with Burton likely to miss the start of the season, Galvin could switch to his preferred five-eighth role and allow O’Sullivan to be the general at halfback.
The 27-year-old journeyman has played 60 NRL games for the Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers and Dolphins and could now be the answer to the Bulldogs halves dilemma.
If Galvin and O’Sullivan shine as a pairing, it could allow Burton to come back into the team at centre and form an Origin-calibre pairing with skipper Stephen Crichton.
More importantly, it could take the pressure off Galvin having to be a general and kicker and allow him to play to his strengths as a running five-eighth.
That would mean finding a spot for Bronson Xerri on the wing, but his versatility and speed should make that assignment no problem, and the new combination could unlock the Bulldogs’ attack, which is the only thing stopping them from competing with the elite teams for the title this season.
Burton Injured: ‘No Chance of Vegas!’ | 00:48
THREE SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR DRAGONS … SO WHO MISSES OUT?
Shane Flanagan is set to be forced into a difficult decision ahead of the Dragons’ Round 1 clash against the Bulldogs in Las Vegas, with the coach admitting that there are still three spots up for grabs.
Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes and Moses Suli have all cemented their spot in the back-line. Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson are confirmed to be the halves.
And Jadyn Su’A, Damien Cook, Luciano Leilua, Toby Couchman, Emre Guler, Hame Sele and Ryan Couchman have all cemented their spots in the forwards.
“There’s probably about three spots I’m undecided about and tonight I’ll sort of make my mind up and hopefully we get through with no injuries,” Flanagan told Fox League pre-match.
“We just thought Luc at the back end of the year was a bit slow and carried a bit too much weight and the way the game is, he needs to move quickly.
“Edge back-rowers these days can run faster than centres and wingers so he’s dropped about 15kg and he’s feeling better and looking better and hopefully his footy comes good in the next couple of weeks.”
This means two of Christian Tuipulotu, David Fale, and Setu Tu will play in the back line, while one misses out.
Facing the Bunnies, Tu looked the best in attack but made some terrible unforced errors which led to tries, while Tuipulotu seems to have cemented the spot on the left wing and finished with 137 running metres.
Rabbits shock Dragons in Charity Shield | 01:03
A spot has also opened up on the interchange bench following an injury to dummy-half Jacob Liddle who is unavailable for the match in Las Vegas.
Options to replace him include the likes of Hamish Stewart, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Lykhan King-Togia and Jacob Halangahu.
“He had a lot of good moments in patches of the game but it was one where we just put ourselves under a lot of pressure…so definitely some learnings to take out of tonight,” Damien Cook said on the Fox League post-show.
“Setu, I thought he was doing some great work. Dave Fale was doing some great stuff out there in the centres and wing. For a couple of young boys they definitely don’t look out of place.
“Flanno’s been dangling that carrot for the Vegas trip so it’s good that we all got through the game. I’m pretty sure there’s no injuries so that’s the most important thing and we’ll see who goes over.”
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