Jackson Stewart

The South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons are set to clash in a pre-season trial match at WIN Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Cronulla Sharks will host the Parramatta Eels at Henson Park. The trials come as teams finalize preparations for the 2026 NRL season.

The Rabbitohs will field a largely inexperienced side for their trial against the Dragons, with former Dragon Matt Dufty starting at fullback, according to team lists released by Fox Sports Australia. Latrell Siegwalt, a recent acquisition from the Broncos, will feature in the centres, partnering with Ashton Ward in the halves alongside Jonah Glover. Peter Mamouzelos will start at hooker.

Conversely, the Dragons are expected to field a more established lineup, including Clinton Gutherson, Damien Cook, and a new halves pairing of Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson. Shane Flanagan has named what could be his starting 17 for the team’s upcoming Las Vegas venture, according to Fox Sports Australia.

Elsewhere, the Dolphins will face the Gold Coast Titans at Kayo Stadium on Thursday evening. The Dolphins’ team includes debutants Morgan Knowles and Selwyn Cobbo, with Thomas Flegler returning from injury on the bench. Isaiya Katoa will partner with Brad Schneider in the halves.

On Friday, the Canberra Raiders will host the Melbourne Storm at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan. The Raiders will see recruit Daine Laurie start at halfback, while the Storm will feature new signings Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington. The Storm’s lineup also includes a number of players from their 2025 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning team.

The North Queensland Cowboys will take on the Penrith Panthers at BB Print Stadium, Mackay, on Saturday evening. The Cowboys will field a strong side including Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden, Jason Taumalolo, and Reed Mahoney. The Panthers have named a youthful side, with Billy Scott, Jaxen Edgar, and Toby Crosby among those selected.

The New Zealand Warriors will play the Manly Sea Eagles at McLean Park, Napier, on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors will feature stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kurt Capewell, and Erin Clark. The Sea Eagles will have teen sensations Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large starting in the halves.

Also on Saturday, the Wests Tigers will face the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium. Benji Marshall’s first team selection includes Queensland Maroons under 19s playmaker Javon Andrews in the No.6 jersey alongside Jock Madden. The Roosters will see highly-rated Rex Bassingthwaighte start at fullback.

Finally, the Cronulla Sharks will host the Parramatta Eels at Henson Park on Sunday. The Sharks will have Riley Pollard and Niwhai Puru in the halves, while the Eels will feature Jonah Pezet in his first game for the club.

The trials will provide a final opportunity for players to press their claims for selection ahead of the start of the 2026 NRL season. The Eels and Sharks will be looking to fine-tune their combinations before the season proper begins.