Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf will unveil prized Broncos recruit Selwyn Cobbo when Maroons enforcer Tom Flegler makes his long-awaited playing return.

Woolf has named a star-studded Dolphins side for Thursday night’s opening pre-season trial against the Titans at Kayo Stadium.

Cobbo will pull on a Dolphins jersey for the first time since his off-season move to Redcliffe when he starts at centre.

The former Queensland flyer is looking to rebound from a challenging 2025 season which saw him limited to 15 NRL appearances and sent to reserve grade by Broncos coach Michael Maguire.

Cobbo, 23, was squeezed out of Red Hill after the Broncos prioritised other re-signings on their way to snapping a 19-year NRL premiership drought.

The 83-game NRL representative has responded by shedding 10kg as he looks to rebuild his career and will get an early run against a mostly inexperienced Titans team.

The trial will also mark the return of Flegler following 677 days on the sidelines with a career-threatening shoulder injury.

Flegler hasn’t played since round 5 of the 2024 season after sustaining the rare nerve problem in just his fourth appearance for the Dolphins.

Having undergone multiple operations and a slow rehabilitation process, Flegler has finally got to the point of being cleared to play.

He has been named to come off the bench along with the likes of Felise Kaufusi and rookies Noah Fien and Seb Su’a.

The match will also mark the return of Dolphins captain Tom Gilbert after he missed most of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury.

The Dolphins went within a whisker of playing finals for the first time last year, finishing ninth following a late-season fade out.

Woolf wants to get some minutes into a host of regular NRL players, naming Jake Averillo, Jamayne Isaako, Isaiya Katoa, Frank Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Oryn Keeley and Super League recruit Morgan Knowles.

Penrith signing Brad Schneider has been named at five-eighth in his first appearance for the Dolphins, but star players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth have been put on ice.

VEGAS PREVIEW? PAYTEN NAMES STRONG COWBOYS SIDE

North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has shown his hand ahead of the NRL season-opener in Las Vegas, betting on Jake Clifford for Friday night’s pre-season trial match against the Panthers.

Clifford will partner Maroons star Tom Dearden in the halves with Jaxon Purdue shifting out to the centres in a star-studded full strength Cowboys team.

This week’s team is a sneak peek at Payten’s intentions for 2026, although the side is still missing Griffin Neame (round 2), Jeremiah Nanai (round 6), Tom Chester (round 1) and Viliami Vailea (round 1-2) through injury.

The lack of outside back depth may have forced Payten’s hand but it was still a major selection win for Clifford, who set up two tries and kicked four goals in 40 minutes of action against the Bulldogs.

Despite Clifford earning the first opportunity in the No.6 jersey, Payten said he wasn’t going all in on the Tully Tigers junior just yet.

Heilum Luki will start in the back row alongside Sam McIntyre after making his comeback from long-term injury lay-off last week, with John Bateman and Kai O’Donnell included on the interchange.

Luki said it was a great feeling to be back in a Cowboys jersey after more than 12 months on the sideline.

Payten said the 195cm Cairns product would be a welcome addition to the squad in 2026.

Cowboys development players Liam Sutton and Mason Barber have both been included in Payten’s top 19 for the trial, and they could figure into the Las Vegas equation if Chester and Vailea have not proven their fitness.

Lodge is one of the other big inclusions this week, and Payten challenged the veteran middle forward to bring his aggression to the trial.

—Patrick Woods

OTHER NOTABLE TEAM NEWS

All eyes will be on the Eels on Sunday evening when Jonah Pezet runs out in the No.7 jersey having made the move from the Storm for 2026 before he joins the Broncos next year.

He’ll lead a strong Eels side missing Mitch Moses, with Ryley Smith named to start at hooker ahead of Tallyn da Silva.

Ativalu Lisati has earned a starting spot in the back row for the Storm as hype builds that he will be the man most likely to replace Eli Katoa, while new recruit Jack Hetherington gets the chance to impress coach Craig Bellamy in the front row.

There’s still plenty of intrigue about the halves situation in Newcastle with Sandon Smith named alongside high-profile recruit Dylan Brown, with Fletcher Sharpe to play fullback with Kalyn Ponga unavailable. Thomas Cant starts in the back row ahead of Jermaine McEwen against a strong Bulldogs side that’s missing Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya.

Setu Tu is the frontrunner to start on the wing in Vegas after he was named ahead of Tyrell Sloan for the Charity Shield, with Daniel Atkinson to play halfback in his first game for the Dragons.

Former Dragons Matt Dufty and Jonah Glover will run out for the Rabbitohs, with Latrell Siegwalt to play centre.

And Manly’s next generation of halves will get the chance to shine with Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh named to start as life after Daly Cherry-Evans begins on the northern beaches.

They’ll have to contend with powerhouse Leka Halasima in the centres for the Warriors, while Hugo Savala starts at five-eighth for the Roosters as he pushes for a spot in their first grade squad.

—Martin Gabor

NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE WEEK TWO TEAMS

DOLPHINS VS TITANS

Thursday 8pm, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins

1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Brian Pouniu 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Brad Schneider 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. John Fineanganofo 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Morgan Knowles

Interchange: 14. Felise Kaufusi 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Matthew Milson 17. Toby Batten

Reserves: 18. Noah Fien 19. Elijah Rasmussen 20. Lauloto Salei 21. Sebastian Su’a 22. Lewis Symonds 23. Callum Bowles 24. Sangstar Figota

Titans

1. Jaylan de Groot 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Sunny Kama 4. Max Feagai 5. Jenson Taumoepeau 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Klese Haas 11. Arama Hau 12. Adam Christensen 13. Cooper Bai

Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Jett Liu 17. Tukimihia Simpkins

Reserves: 18. Kyle Pickering 19. Max Bradbury 20. Bodhi Sharpley 21. Tony Francis 22. Dean Ieremia 23. Phoenix Steinwede 24. Brenton Baira

RAIDERS VS STORM

Friday 5:30pm, Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan

Raiders

1. Chevy Stewart 2. Michael Asomua 3. Mark Tuialii 4. Savelio Tamale 5. Jed Stuart 6. Jalen Afamasaga 7. Daine Laurie 8. Samuel Hyne 9. Owen Pattie 10. Vena Patuki-Case 11. Matt Nicholson 12. Jordan Uta 13. Joseph Roddy

Interchange: 14. Malachi Smith 15. Sebastian Kris 16. Sione Finau 17. Jayze Tuigamala

Reserves: 18. Ethan Alaia 19. Kain Anderson 20. Shaun Packer 21. Myles Martin 22. Jake Clydsdale 23. Roman Tuaimau 24. Saxon Innes

Storm

1. Hugo Peel 2. Luke Cesari 3. Marion Seve 4. Moses Leo 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Eli Morris 7. Jordan Hamlin 8. Davvy Moale 9. Gabriel Satrick 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero

Interchange: 14. Amare Milford 15. Zayvian Langkilde-Fale 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Angus Hinchey

Reserves: 18. Preston Conn 19. Liam Williams 20. Jesse Rafferty 21. Mitchell Jennings 22. Amaziah Murgha 23. Waka Hammond 24. Alan Holten

COWBOYS VS PANTHERS

Friday 8pm, BB Print Stadium, Mackay

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Tom Mikaele 16. Matt Lodge 17. John Bateman

Reserves: 18. Liam Sutton 19. Mason Barber 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Jaxson Paulo 23. Robert Derby 24. Ethan King

Panthers

1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Jesse McLean 3. Patrick Moimoi 4. Sione Fonua 5. Nick Murphy 6. Keahn Skipps 7. Kurt Falls 8. Delahia Wigmore 9. Billy Scott 10. Tobias Crosby 11. Zakauri Clarke 12. Kalani Going 13. Billy Phillips

Interchange: 14. Jenson Tuaoi 15. Jakeb Vailalo 16. Vea Tapa’atoutai 17. Harry Armstrong

Reserves: 18. Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea 19. Isaiah Scanlan 20. Hokafonu Lemoto 21. Jirah Liddiard 22. Braye Porter 23. Haami Loza 24. Josh Ruxton

WARRIORS VS SEA EAGLES

Saturday 1:40pm, McLean Park, Napier

Warriors

1. Geronimo Doyle 2. Haizyn Mellars 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Hanson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Demitric Vaimauga 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Morgan Gannon 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 17. Kayliss Fatialofa

Reserves: 18. Makaia Tafua 20. Motu Pasikala 21. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea 22. Jack Thompson 23. Caelys-paul Putoko 24. Daeon Amituanai 25. Sio Kali

Sea Eagles

1. Blake Metcalfe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Clayton Faulalo 4. Josh Feledy 5. Navren Willett 6. Onitoni Large 7. Joey Walsh 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Paul Bryan 11. Jackson-levi Shereb-schmidt 12. Corey Waddell 13. Caleb Navale

Interchange: 14. Zaidas Muagututia 15. Hugo Hart 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Kylan Mafoa

Reserves: 18. Tyler Melrose 19. Andes Johansson 20. Benjamin Keene-o’keefe

WESTS TIGERS VS ROOSTERS

Saturday 3:50pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Wests Tigers

1. Heath Mason 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Heamasi Makasini 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Faaletino Tavana 6. Javon Andrews 7. Jock Madden 8. Kit Laulilii 9. Tristan Hope 10. Sione Fainu 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Phoenix Godinet 13. Charlie Murray

Interchange: 14. Jared Haywood 15. Jack Attard 16. Solomone Saukuru 17. Christian Taupau-Moors

Reserves: 18. Max Taotua 19. Siotame Havea Jr 20. Lachlan Broederlow. 21. Luke Jack 22. Iverson Matai 23. Logan Deininger 24. Mitch Taotua 25. Josese Lanyon 26. William Craig

Roosters

1. Rex Bassingthwaighte 2. Junior Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Tom Rodwell 6. Hugo Savala 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Egan Butcher 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Taylor Losalu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Nat Butcher 13. Siua Wong

Interchange: 14. De La Salle Va’a 15. Jackson Stewart 16. Jaxson Allen 17. Itula Seve

Reserves: 18.Jake Elliott 19. Lachlan Dooner 20. Zac Sarfati 21. Reece Foley 22. Lui Lee 23. Kanaan Magele 24. Enzo Griffier 25. Ashton Warwick

KNIGHTS VS BULLDOGS

Saturday 6pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights

1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Thomas Cant 13. Mathew Croker

Interchange: 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jermaine McEwen 16. Elijah Leaumoana 17. Pasami Saulo

Reserves: 18. Brodie Jones 19. James Schiller 20. Wilson de Courcey 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Francis Manuleleua 23. Connor Votano

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 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. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin 21. Taye Cochrane 22. Cooper Toy 23. Raymond Puru 24. Jed Reardon 25. Alekolasimi Jones 26. Aaymon Fitzgibbon

DRAGONS VS RABBITOHS

Saturday 8:10pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hame Sele

Interchange: 14. Hamish Stewart 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Reserves: 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Mathew Feagai 20. David Fale 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Kade Reed 23. Jacob Halangahu 24. Hayden Buchanan 25. Nick Tsougranis 26. Haele Finau

Rabbitohs

1. Matt Dufty 2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hope 3. Talanoa Penitani 4. Latrell Siegwalt 5. Jordi Mazzone 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jonah Glover 8. Salesi Ataata 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Lachlan Hubner 11. Thomas Fletcher 12. Max McCarthy 13. Bronson Garlick

Interchange: 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Junior Tatola 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Matthew Humphries 19. John Radel 20. Tim Johannssen 21. Elijah Keung 22. Jay Kirk 23. Nazareth Taua 24. William Afualo 25. Oliver Lawry 26. Tayson Fakaosi

SHARKS VS EELS

Sunday 6pm, Henson Park, Sydney

Sharks

1. Liam Ison 2. Kristian Dixon 3. Chris Veaila 4. Michael Gabrael 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Riley Pollard 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Braeden Uele 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Billy Burns 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf

Interchange: 14. Riley Jones 15. Bradley Fearnley 16. Felix Faatili 17. Harrison Hassett

Reserves: 18. Samuel McCulloch 19. Jaxon Lavender 20. Taj Ford 21. Xavier Cacciotti 22. Alex Challenor 23. Nikora Williams 24. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Jonah Pezet 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Sam Tuivaiti 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Matt Doorey

Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Teancum Brown

Reserves: 18. Apa Twidle 19. Mohamed Alameddine 20. Richard Penisini 21. Araz Nanva 22. Lorenzo Talataina 23. Ronald Volkman 24. Ryda Talagi

MAORI ALL STARS VS INDIGENOUS ALL STARS

Sunday 3:45pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Maori

1. Keano Kini 2. Jojo Fifita 3. Casey McLean 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Trey Mooney 9. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Leo Thompson 11. Briton Nikora 12. Jacob Laban 13. James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Royce Hunt 16. Preston Wiki 17. Joe Chan

Reserves: 18 Manaia Waitere 19. Adam Pompey 20. Jesse Arthars

Indigenous

1. Trai Fuller 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Jack Wighton 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicholas Hynes 8. Josh Kerr 9. Connor Watson 10. Shaquai Mitchell 11.Tallis Duncan 12. Josh Patston 13. Hohepa Puru

Interchange: 14. Jamal Fogart 15. Jayden Campbell 16. Kaiden Lahrs 17. Blake Steep

Reserves: 18. Oliver Pascoe 19. Caleb Tohi 20. Brent Woolf