Flanno’s plan to unleash ‘new combination’ as coaches make big selection calls: Trials Team Tips

The first week of the NRL’s pre-season challenge will begin on Saturday — with the four teams travelling to Las Vegas set to battle it out.

The Bulldogs and Cowboys alongside the Dragons and Knights will play a double header at Jubilee Oval to kick off rugby league proceedings in 2026.

As per usual, their team lists will be announced at 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, with a 28 player squad being named.

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That includes 15 players on the interchange bench, with the final run-out side being finalised one hour before kick-off, with that team still including all 28 players.

Coaches have unlimited interchanges at their disposal to give as many players time on the field as possible, and a host of teams are planning to rest their big guns.

Read below for all your team news ahead of the first week of the pre-season challenge!

WEEK 1 (Times in AEDT)

Bulldogs vs. Cowboys, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm

Bulldogs Team Tips: Phil Gould has revealed Mitchell Woods will not feature in the Dogs trial matches after picking up a fresh hamstring injury. He also revealed “most” of the NRL squad won’t feature against the Cowboys.

Therefore, the likes of Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Bailey Hayward, Kurt Mann, Leo Thompson, Jacob Kiraz, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton, Connor Tracey, Max King, Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston are unlikely to feature. Expect to see new recruits Sean O’Sullivan, Fletcher Baker and Gordon Cham Kum Tong get some minutes alongside Zyon Maiu’u, Finau Latu, Jonathan Su’A, Jack Underhill and Joseph O’Neill.

Cowboys Team Tips: The Cowboys are set to take a similar approach to the Bulldogs, fielding players from their wider squad and reserve grade group before their first grade regulars return in their second trial. Expect to see the likes of Jake Clifford, James Walsh, Kaiden Lahrs, Mason Kira, Soni Luke and Zac Herdegen turn out.

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Dragons vs. Knights, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 7:30pm

Dragons Team Tips: Shane Flanagan has made it clear he will field a near full strength team for his side’s first trial of the year, with Daniel Atkinson set to make his Red V debut according to NRL.com. Atkinson is set to partner Kyle Flanagan in the Dragons halves, with Flanagan revealing he will field his best side to start their clash with the Knights. “We’re going to Vegas, we have a new combination in the halves and some new forwards in our team,” he said. “We’ll play our best team in the first half of trial one and then about 20-30 minutes in trial two. We’re hoping to get about 70-80 minutes over the two trials into what we’re thinking is our best team.” Flanagan’s comments also hint new recruit Josh Kerr could be an integral figure in the middle of the park, while he has already unveiled a new first-choice wing pairing in recruits Setu Tu and David Fale, who have impressed in pre-season. So much so, they have leapfrogged the likes of Tyrell Sloan, Mat Feagai and Christian Tuipulotu. As expected, Valentine Holmes and Moses Suli will partner in the centres. Jacob Liddle is also sidelined due to a hamstring injury, meaning Damien Cook will once again assume hooker duties but it’s unclear who will be the second string No.9 with reserve grade rake Connor Muhleisen suffering an ACL injury in last year’s NSW Cup final. In the forwards, Jaydn Su’A, Hamish Stewart and Luciano Leilua are locks to be included in the pack. Hooker Haele Finau could get a chance to showcase his skills in the second half against the Knights, while we can also expect to see the likes of Lykhan King-Togia, Nick Tsougranis, Hayden Buchanan and Jacob Webster.

Knights Team Tips: Kalyn Ponga won’t feature in either of Newcaste’s two trial matches as he continues to recover from a Lisfranc injury. But the biggest question for the Knights this season is who will partner Dylan Brown in the halves. The two candidates to fill the vacant spot come Round 1 are Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe — but all of Newcastle’s first string players are unlikely to feature in their first trial. Justin Holbrook could then field a full-strength side in their second hitout as they prepare for their Vegas trip. However, expect to see new recruits Pasami Saulo, Asu Kepaoa, Harrison Graham and Peter Hola feature against the Dragons as they vy for spots in the forward pack. Trey Mooney could also feature, however he is considered the frontrunner to partner Jacob Saifiti in the front row come Round 1. Sharpe and Smith will also be given minutes in the halves as Holbrook hopes to make the final decision regarding his halves pairing.