The Dragons have been handed a huge backline boost with a star flyer declaring he will be fit for his side’s season-opening Las Vegas clash.
Elsewhere, the Knights may have given a big hint regarding their halves make-up in their last trial, while the Cowboys and Bulldogs could unveil strong outfits.
Read below for all your latest team news ahead of Round 1.
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LAS VEGAS – SUNDAY MARCH 1
Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, 1:15pm AEST
Predicted Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Dom Young 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Thomas Cant 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Tyson Gamble 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Matthew Croker 18. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana 19. Pasami Saulo
Team Tips: Kalyn Ponga hasn’t stepped foot on the playing field in pre-season, but he looks set to wear the No.1 jersey in Las Vegas, creating a backline headache for Justin Holbrook. Fletcher Sharpe was pulled from Newcastle’s last trial due to hamstring tightness, but according to the Newcastle Herald, Holbrook gave a big hint. Marquee recruit Dylan Brown spent his time on the right side of the field against the Bulldogs, with Sharpe previously playing on the left during his time in the halves last season. Brown’s switch could be viewed as a method of accommodating Sharpe, although that decision still remains up in the air. Holbrook could be set to make a mammoth selection call, but for now the logical move considering their pre-season time spent together is that Sandon Smith starts alongside Brown, with Sharpe on the pine. Elsewhere, Thomas Cant and Jermain McEwen are locked in a back row battle for Kai Pearce-Paul’s vacant spot, with Cant earning the spot in their last trial against the Bulldogs. Trey Mooney is set to partner Jacob Saifiti in the front row, with Tyson Frizell at lock. On the bench, both Sharpe and Tyson Gamble could provide utility value on the six-man bench, with forwards making up the rest of the reserves.
Predicted Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Tom Chester 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Matt Lodge 16. John Bateman 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Mason Barber
Team Tips: Zac Laybutt earned himself a suspension in the Cowboys’ last trial against the Panthers, with Tom Chester set to take his centre spot. Elsewhere, the biggest question for Todd Payten looks to have answered itself in pre-season, with Jake Clifford delivering two impressive displays to win the halves battle with young gun Jaxon Purdue. Purdue will shift back to the centres in a move that undoubtedly strengthens the Cowboys’ backline. John Bateman has been battling with a wrist injury but should be fit for Round 1, while Griffin Neame could be touch and go due to a shoulder injury. Heilum Luki and Sam McIntyre could start in the back row with Jeremiah Nanai sidelined due to a shoulder injury, while Soni Luke will win a spot on the pine to partner new recruit Reed Mahoney at hooker. The backline utility slot could be taken by Mason Barber, who wore the No.19 jersey in their final trial over the Cowboys. Ethan King could be another contender given her versatility.
Smith: “I was going down a dark road” | 02:59
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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Allegiant Stadium, 3:30pm AEST
Predicted Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Enari Tuala 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Harry Hayes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Sitili Tupouniua 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Sebastian Su’A
Team Tips: The Bulldogs were handed a huge boost with Matt Burton declared fit to take the field in Vegas after a hamstring scare and he will partner Lachlan Galvin. Elsewhere, in the absence of Leo Thompson, either Harry Hayes and Sam Hughes will partner Max King in the front row but both look to be included in the team after featuring in their trial win over the Knights. Both Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya are battling soft tissue injuries, meaning Enari Tuala could get a starting spot with Sebastian Su’A included on the extended bench. In the Dogs’ latest training session, Kiraz and Montoya both did take the field when Cameron Ciraldo surprised his troops with a visit to the $100 million training centre of the Las Vegas Raiders. Elsewhere the Bulldogs look largely unchanged from last season with Jason Preston and Viliame Kikau once again partnering in the back row and Jaeman Salmon at lock, with a host of regular faces on the bench. Sean O’Sullivan, meanwhile, could be included to provide cover in the halves, with Kurt Mann able to slot into hooker if Bailey Hayward goes down.
Predicted Dragons team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Dan Atkinson 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Hame Sele 14. Hamish Stewart 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Josh Kerr 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Team Tips: Valentine Holmes declared he will be fit for Round 1 after landing in America, saying: “shoulder is sweet, it has been good since December. But the (hamstring) has been good, could have played last week but Flanno wanted to park the car in the garage I think the saying was.” The wing positions have also been of big interest in the pre-season, but Setu Tu and Christian Tuipulotu look to have won those spots after featuring against the Rabbitohs in their last trial. Elsewhere, Kyle Flanagan will partner Daniel Atkinson in the halces, while Luciano Leilua will slot into the back row alongside Jaydn Su’A. Toby Couchman and Emre Guler will be the front rowers, while Shane Flanagan could pack his bench full of forwards alongside the versatile Tyrell Sloan.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo and captain Stephen Crichton will join NRL 360 for the first show of 2026, from 3.30pm on Thursday, February 26.
Dominant Souths put Manly to the sword | 02:58
REMAINDER OF ROUND 1
Thursday March 5
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park, 8:00pm AEST
Storm Team Tips: With winger Xavier Coates sidelined with an Achilles injury, Craig Bellamy has a backline headache on his hands. Young gun Hugo Peel slotted into the role in Melbourne’s trial against the Titans and could find his way into the starting side after impressing in pre-season. Moses Leo. Manaia Waitere and Marion Seve are his other options.
Eels Team Tips: Jordan Samrani was impressive in the Eels’ trial win over the Roosters and looks likely to have won a spot on the six-man bench given his versatility. Elsewhere, Bailey Simonsson and Sean Russell look to have edged past Brian Kelly in the backline pecking order.
Friday March 6
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST
Warriors Team Tips: Jackson Ford escaped with a fine after being placed on report in the Warriors’ last pre-season challenge outing. Te Maire Martin’s broken leg suffered in the All Stars game all but secures Tanah Boyd’s spot in the halves alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Marata Niukore are likely to be fit for Round 1.
Roosters Team Tips: In the absence of Reece Robson due to a thumb injury, Benaiah Ioelu looks to have won the No.9 jersey after slotting in at hooker against the Eels, meaning Connor Watson will slot into the bench as a utility. Blake Steep could also start the season in the No.13 jersey, having been named after
Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST
Broncos Team Tips: The Broncos unleashed what looks to be their first string side in the World Club Challenge, with the biggest talking point being Ben Hunt’s position. The veteran started on the pine, with Cory Paix being named in the No.9 jersey and for now that looks to be Michael Maguire’s spine make-up.
Panthers Team Tips: Jack Cogger has been declared fit for the Panthers’ Round 1 clash as it stands, and he will replace Nathan Cleary. Cleary could also be available if he is able to secure a downgrade to his careless high tackle charge, which would see him receive only a fine instead of a two-game ban. However, should he lose, Penrith will be without their superstar No.7 for three games.
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Holmes declared fit for Vegas | 01:49
Saturday March 7
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans at Ocean Protect Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
Sharks Team Tips: Sione Katoa could be set for a stint on the sidelines, leaving the field with a potential groin injury which could see him join Ronaldo Mulitalo in the casualty ward. Sam Stonestreet looks to have locked down Mulitalo’s spot, with Mawene Hiroti the leading candidate to replace Katoa if he unable to take the field in Round 1.
Titans Team Tips: The Titans backline looks to be locked in, with Max Feagai in the centres alongside Jojo Fifita and Phillip Sami on the wings alongside Sialetili Faeamani. AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell will partner in the halves. Elsewhere, Josh Patston looks set to start in the back row alongside Beau Fermor, with Chris Randall at lock.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders at 4 Pines Park, 7:35pm AEST
Sea Eagles Team Tips: The Sea Eagles’ line-up is expected to look very similar to 2025, with some minor changes. Jamal Fogarty will replace the club’s longest-serving player, Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves after agreeing on a three-year contract from the Raiders. Meanwhile, Caleb Navala will miss the entire season after rupturing his ACL. After missing the trials, Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder) will be available for Round 1. Nathan Brown avoided a sideline stint after escaping with a fine for a careless high tackle on Bayleigh Bentley-Hape.
Raiders Team Tips: Assistant coach Brock Sheppard has confirmed that Ethan Sanders will wear the No.7 jersey for Round 1 and while Raiders fans didn’t get to see either him or Coby Black during the trials, Daine Laurie pressed his case to be named on the extended bench. Meanwhile, the Raiders will be sweating on the availability of Englishman Matty Nicholson. According to The Canberra Times, he sustained a shoulder subluxation in their final trials match, but medical staff remain hopeful that he will be available. If he is ruled out, Noah Martin looms as his obvious replacement on the extended bench.
Sunday March 8
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Dolphins Team Tips: Despite rumours emerging that the Dolphins were considering a shock back-line switch with Trai Fuller playing in the No.1 jersey, coach Kristian Woolf confirmed that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be the fullback for Round 1. This allows Jake Averillo to play in the centres, and recruit Selwyn Cobbo to take his spot on the wing. The club have been forced into at least one change in the forwards from the trials after Francis Molo copped a three-match suspension, but they do receive Thomas Flegler back from a long lay-off. Daniel Saifiti revealed on SEN Radio that he is “touch-and-go” for Round 1, while Jeremy Marshall-King, Jack Bostock and Max Plath are all out with injuries.
Rabbitohs Team Tips: The Rabbitohs have opted for a new-look back-line this season, with star Latrell Mitchell making the full-time transition from fullback to the centres – allowing Jye Gray to play in the No.1. With no Jamie Humphreys (suspension) and Jonah Glover (jaw) for Round 1, youngster Ashton Ward pushed his case for selection with a strong trials showing. Jayden Sullivan is another option, but is still on the mend from injury. Veteran Jai Arrow (shoulder) remains on the sidelines with injury and there are fears that he could be absent for an indefinite period of time. Elsewhere, the club confirmed that Adam Elliott (calf) and Alex Johnston (hamstring) will both be available after missing the final trial match.
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