The new year has arrived and pre-season is well and truly heating up in the NRL.
Reports of players training the house down and breaking new bench press and time trial records will be flying across the game as everyone tries to get a grasp on who is ready to perform when the trials and early rounds of the season hit.
For some clubs, new recruits will bolster their first-choice team. For others, the loss of key players from 2025 will prove to be a major hole in the list.
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Here’s the best currently available 17 for every club heading into the season.
Players who are injured or suspended at the moment have not been included.
Brisbane Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Josiah Karapani 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Payne Haas 9. Ben Hunt 10. Corey Jensen 11. Jordan Riki 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Xavier Willison 16. Aublix Tawha 17. Ben Te Kura
Reece Walsh. Getty
Billy Walters (knee) will be out of action for a large portion of the season, which will likely see Ben Hunt shift back to hooker and Ezra Mam play at five-eighth.
The rest of the grand final-winning side will likely remain the same early in the year, with young prop Ben Te Kura a potential bench option following Kobe Hetherington’s exit.
Deine Mariner and Josiah Karapani cemented themselves as the first-choice wingers leading into the finals and it would be a major surprise if they aren’t there for round one.
Canberra Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papalii 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matty Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Morgan Smithies 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Ata Mariota
Coby Black during the U19s State of Origin. Getty
There will be two massive changes to the Canberra side that won the minor premiership and both of them will likely come in the spine.
Jamal Fogarty’s move to Manly will lead to a shootout between young gun Ethan Sanders and teen recruit Coby Black, who are neck-and-neck to wear the No.7 jersey.
The other key signing is Jayden Brailey, who brings class and toughness in the hooker role but will likely share it with Tom Starling or perhaps even Owen Pattie.
Matty Nicholson missed a lot of last year due to injury, but feels destined to earn back his starting back-row position for 2026.
Canterbury Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Leo Thompson 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Max King 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Sitili Tupouniua
Lachlan Galvin. Getty
The big talking point heading into this season will be what the Bulldogs do with their prized signing Lachlan Galvin, who many believe derailed their 2025 season.
Galvin is expected to get first crack at No.7 with Matt Burton at five-eighth, but that could change if results don’t go their way and Mitchell Woods is waiting in the wings.
Leo Thompson brings some much-needed size and grunt to Canterbury’s engine room, while Bailey Hayward looks set to play hooker full-time after Reed Mahoney’s exit.
Cronulla Sharks
1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Sam Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhuon 14. Billy Burns 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Siosifa Talakai
Cameron McInnes won’t play to start the season. Â Getty
Cronulla will be without two key men to start the 2026 season with captain Cameron McInnes and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo both sidelined with ACL injuries.
Sam Stonestreet and Jesse Colquhoun loom as the logical replacements.
Other than that, expect it to be business as usual for Craig Fitzgibbon’s team.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Tom Flegler 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Morgan Knowles
Tom Flegler Dolphins
There’s not much in the way of recruits, but the Dolphins will welcome back a litany of high-profile players from injury including Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler to start the season, while Max Plath could be back on deck within the first month.
The backline feels rather settled, at least until Jack Bostock is available to come back from his ACL injury on the wing, which would lead to a tricky dilemma.
England international Morgan Knowles is likely to get a crack at NRL to start the year.
Gold Coast Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Phillip Sami 3. AJ Brimson 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Max Feagai 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Beau Fermor 12. Klese Haas 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Cooper Bai 17. Josh Patston
AJ Brimson and Sam Verrills. Â NRL Photos
Josh Hannay has his work cut out for him in more ways than one, but the biggest call he needs to make with the Titans team is what to do with AJ Brimson.
There’s no doubting he is a brilliant attacking weapon, but Brimson has never been able to fully cement one position in the starting side.
Keano Kini and Jayden Campbell are both guarantees for the spine and new recruit Lachlan Ilias will want to earn the halfback role, which could see Brimson at centre.
In the forwards, David Fifita’s exit will open the door for Klese Haas to earn a back-row spot, while young gun Cooper Bai is all-but locked in for a debut in 2026.
Manly Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Lehi Hopoate 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Tolu Koula 5. Jason Saab 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siua Taukieaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Nathan Brown
Haumole Olakau’atu leaves the field. Â Getty
The high-profile loss of Daly Cherry-Evans will usher in a new era on the Northern Beaches and it will be Jamal Fogarty who steps into the No.7 jumper this year.
The nucleus of the side will remain largely intact, with young gun Joey Walsh pushing for a bench spot and Kobe Hetherington also in the mix.
Jake Trbojevic, Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu spent plenty of time off the field last year and will give Manly a boost in the forwards.
Melbourne Storm
1. Sua Faalogo 2. Xavier Coates 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Shawn Blore 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Jack Hetherington
Sua Faalogo. Getty
There will be some big changes for the Storm this year, most notably in the fullback role after the departure of Ryan Papenhuyzen, allowing speedster Sua Faalogo to step up.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s early exit has opened up room in the front-row rotation, while the absence of Eliesa Katoa for the entire season will mean more changes in the pack.
Look for the likes of Ativalu Lisati and Josiah Pahulu to emerge in 2026 and new recruit Jack Hetherington to nab a bench spot after his move to the club.
Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dom Young 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Sandon Smith 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Matt Arthur 15. Trey Mooney 16. Thomas Cant 17. Mat Croker
Fletcher Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga. Getty
With a new coach comes a new-look spine as well, with Fletcher Sharpe expected to partner Dylan Brown in the halves and Sandon Smith slotting in at hooker.
There will need to be decisions made around the outside backs, with the likes of James Schiller and Fletcher Hunt potentially on the outer but a strong pre-season could see them force their way onto the wing in place of Greg Marzhew.
Trey Mooney is a quality pick-up and could force his way into the starting side, while coach Justin Holbrook has plenty of other young forwards at his disposal.
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Robert Derby 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Coen Hess 11. Karl Lawton 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. John Bateman 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Matt Lodge
Jaxon Purdue of the Cowboys. Getty
The biggest decision for Todd Payten to make revolves around youngster Jaxon Purdue, who was shuffled around the backline in his rookie season.
Purdue came through in the halves and looms as one option to partner Tom Dearden, but he could also be used in the centres or even fullback, if required.
Reed Mahoney will be the side’s new hooker after Reece Robson’s departure, while Matt Lodge is the only other notable signing and could be used off the bench.
Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai will both be out of action to start the season due to shoulder injuries, but won’t be too far away from returning.
Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaumanga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Getty
The biggest concern early in the year for coach Andrew Webster will be the injuries, with both Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf unavailable due to ACL recoveries – but they should both be back on the park before too long.
Alofi Khan-Pereira will add plenty of speed out wide for the Warriors, while young hooker Samuel Healey appears poised for more first grade football in 2026.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has filled a variety of positions since coming back to the club and it remains to be seen where in the back five he will line up this season.
Parramatta Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Will Penisini 4. Joash Papalii 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Ryley Smith 10. Jack de Belin 11. Jack Williams 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. J’maine Hopgood 16. Luca Moretti 17. Kitione Kautoga
Isaiah Iongi and Mitchell Moses. Getty
Some key changes on the way for Parramatta, most notably in the halves with the addition of Jonah Pezet on a one-year deal to partner Mitchell Moses.
The outside backs will be an intriguing one, with the likes of Sean Russell, Joash Papalii and Bailey Simonsson all battling for two spots after Zac Lomax’s exit.
Jack de Belin could fill a variety of roles for the Eels after signing with the club, while the likes of Luca Moretti and Kitione Kautoga cemented themselves in 2025.
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Liam Martin 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 16. Luke Garner
Paul Alamoti with Nathan Cleary. Getty
It will be business as usual for the Panthers, who finally settled on their best team late in the 2025 season and there will be very few changes.
Jack Cogger will return to the club and could be a bench utility option, but the rest of the side will remain largely the same as what trotted out in the finals series.
The only real question mark is over the wing spot, with Tom Jenkins playing most of the year ahead of Paul Alamoti before a change was made leading into September.
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Jacob Halangahu 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Josh Kerr 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Hame Sele
Lyhkan King-Togia of the Dragons. Getty
The key addition will be halfback Daniel Atkinson and while Shane Flanagan has already said his son Kyle is in line to play five-eighth, young gun Lyhkan King-Togia showed some glimpses of attacking brilliance in 2026 and could be a better long-term option.
Josh Kerr adds some size and skill in the forward pack, while young back-rower Jacob Halangahu should be starting in round one with Dylan Egan unavailable.
The wing position is also interesting with the arrivals of David Fale and Setu Tu – but the combination of Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu remains the Red V’s best bet.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Jai Arrow 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Brandon Smith 15. Euan Aitken 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Thomas Fletcher
David Fifita signs his contract with the Rabbitohs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Wayne Bennett has some huge selection decisions to make heading into the season.
It’s expected that Latrell Mitchell will make a permanent move to the centres to accommodate Jye Gray at fullback – but that could push Campbell Graham to the wing.
Then there’s the halves, with four options – Ashton Ward, Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys and Jonah Glover – all in the mix to partner Cody Walker. Another option is Jack Wighton playing in the halves with Walker and allowing Graham to stay at centre.
Humphreys will miss the start of the season due to suspension.
The hooker and utility role will likely be split between Brandon Smith and Peter Mamouzelos, while new recruit Bronson Garlick is also in the mix.
David Fifita is expected to play on the left edge for the Bunnies in 2026.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Robert Toia 4. Billy Smith 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sam Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Reece Robson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Connor Watson 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Blake Steep
James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans. Twitter
The two major inclusions will be Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson, who will add both class and experience to the spine.
Victor Radley will be out of action to start the year due to suspension but once he returns, could either play on the edge or in the No.13 jumper.
Naufahu Whyte has more than earned his starting role at prop, while Nat Butcher is expected back in the team after missing the majority of 2025 due to injury.
Wests Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Sunia Turuva 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth
Jarome Luai. Getty
The big question mark remains in the halves and at least to begin with, Adam Doueihi probably has his nose in front to partner Jarome Luai.
Latu Fainu will likely play the bench utility role once he returns from a shoulder injury.
The rest of the side picks itself at full-strength, with the addition of Kai Pearce-Paul in the forward pack a valuable one for the joint venture.