Every NRL player is under pressure, every season.

Yet as 2026 officially gets underway with this weekend’s pre-season challenge, some stars will inevitably find themselves in the spotlight far more than others. 

Here’s our take on the ten NRL players most under pressure to perform this season.

Lachlan Galvin (Bulldogs)

The most hyped transfer of 2025 didn’t translate into immediate on-field success for Cameron Ciraldo’s men. In fact if anything Galvin’s mid-season arrival proved disruptive as the one-time 2025 competition front runners found themselves stuck in a weekly team selection sideshow. A year older and wiser, and with a full pre-season behind him, all eyes will once again be on the former Tiger to prove it was all worth it.

Daly Cherry-Evans (Roosters)

He’s not at the Roosters for a testimonial season, despite turning 37 just before Round 1. After bowing out in the first week of the 2025 finals series, hopes are high amongst Tricolours fans that the former Sea Eagles legend can be the second coming of Cooper Cronk. Can he be?

Dylan Brown (Knights)

The bigger the money the bigger the expectations—and $13 million over 10 years is about as big as it gets in the NRL. The dream is for Brown to become Newcastle’s long-term saviour. Accordingly the Kiwi international enters 2026 carrying a massive weight of expectation to lead the wooden spooners back to the promised land under new head coach Justin Holbrook.

Daniel Atkinson (Dragons)

The former Shark has been signed by Shane Flanagan to help shore up the halves—a position that’s caused the Dragons plenty of headaches in recent seasons. The big query is the fact Atkinson, 25, has only ever been a fringe first grader, featuring in just 36 NRL games across his three seasons in the Shire. Can he step up and be the player the Dragons need him to be? We’re about to find out.

Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

Another big money star who is critical to the Knights’ prospects in 2026, Ponga has struggled to stay on the field in recent seasons through injuries and concussions. Off-field dramas haven’t helped either with uncertainty around the fullback’s future stubbornly persisting. His chemistry with new teammate Dylan Brown will be crucial.

David Fifita (Rabbitohs)

Thrown something of a lifeline by the Rabbitohs after an injury-riddled five year stint with the Titans, it’s now or never for Fifita. The former Origin star is still only 25 and certainly has the ability to be a game changer if he can stay fit and focussed. Can he turn his career around under Wayne Bennett? 

Reed Mahoney (Cowboys)

A high-profile signing for the Cowboys, Mahoney wasn’t happy coming off the bench at the Bulldogs in the second half of 2025 and gets his chance to show the NRL what he can still do. With Reece Robson’s departure to the Roosters, Todd Payton’s men desperately need Mahoney to bring leadership and defensive steel to Townsville, as much as his crafty dummy-half play.

Jaxon Purdue (Cowboys)

Purdue is another Cowboy’s spine player set to command plenty of attention this season as the club looks to turn around a disappointing 2025. Undoubtedly brimming with talent, the 20-year-old played well at centre last year but never quite nailed his chances at five-eighth. That’s the long-term role the club wants him to fill, so the pressure is on.

Jamal Fogarty (Sea Eagles)

He’s no DCE. But having joined Manly from the high-flying Raiders in the off-season Fogarty, 32, has a massive role to play for Anthony Seibold’s evolving squad. Leadership, organisation and playmaking, the veteran needs to bring it all if the Sea Eagles are to challenge for finals in 2026.

Nicho Hynes (Sharks)

The Sharks are always thereabouts. But can they take that next step and become bonafide premiership contenders? In a side that still feels a little short on X factor, Hynes is likely to be a bellwether player. If he can consistently bring his most dynamic footy in 2026, the Sharks can beat anyone.

Honourable Mentions

Ethan Sanders (Raiders) – set to get his chance in the halves alongside Ethan Strange, can he take it?

Sua Fa’alogo (Storm) – first crack at the vacant Storm number one jersey, but Bellamy has other options if it doesn’t work out.

Jesse Arthurs (Broncos) – a fixture in the Broncos backline for several seasons, Josiah Karapani is breathing down his neck and the arrival of Grant Anderson from the Storm only complicates matters further.

Cory Paix (Broncos) – another long-serving Bronco likely to face serious selection pressure in 2026, especially when the versatile Billy Walters returns from his ACL injury in the second half of the season.

Connor Tracey (Bulldogs) – the out of contract custodian has been one of Bulldogs’ most reliable backline performers, yet may find himself under pressure should Matt Burton get pushed into the centres at some stage during 2026 potentially shifting Stephen Crichton to fullback.