Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\nHOW DCE\/WALKER HALVES COMBINATION WILL WORK<\/p>\n
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has outlined how the halves combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker will work heading into the 2026 season, despite both players being traditional halfbacks.<\/p>\n
As shown in the trial match against the Eels, Cherry-Evans will don the No.6 jersey and Walker will remain in the No.7 jumper, but they won\u2019t play the roles of a traditional five-eighth and traditional halfback. <\/p>\n
Instead, they will complement each other and play on both sides of the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing is they\u2019re going to be themselves. The first thing is to ask them to play their game. They will complement each other,\u201d Robinson told Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt different times, the way that we\u2019ve played over a long period of time is with halves and five-eighths, but allowing them to run and move both sides of the ball, that\u2019ll be no different.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam\u2019s in the middle of growing into a really dominant half of the game, but he\u2019s also got some creativity that we want him to express. He\u2019s still 23, so play like a 23-year-old and I think Daly will allow that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam WalkerSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The way they complemented each other was on full show during the opening half against the Parramatta Eels and while it will take more time to get used to each other and adjust to the new combination, they had some good moments throughout the contest in attack.<\/p>\n
Cherry-Evans\u2019 presence also freed Walker to play with less pressure and this was evident when he scored ten points (one try and three goals), made four tackle busts, one line-break and provided one line-break assist and two try assists in the opening half alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe word out of the Roosters is that he and Sam Walker (are) contributing and complementing each other in attack,\u201d former Roosters premiership-winner turned Fox League commentator Cooper Cronk added.<\/p>\n
Australian Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said, \u201cHe\u2019s got Sam Walker beside him. One of the most gifted young players in our game, he\u2019s going to bring some knowledge and wisdom, but the energy that Sam Walker plays with will rub off on Daly Cherry-Evans.<\/p>\n
Looking to follow in the footsteps of Cronk by joining the Roosters in the hope of claiming a premiership, Cherry-Evans\u2019 arrival was marred by controversy, but he has put that all behind him as he shifts his focus to their opening match against the Warriors next week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been great. A few things have changed, the colour of the jersey, but pre-season\u2019s still the same old, they\u2019re bloody hard,\u201d Cherry-Evans said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a good pre-season under my belt which is pretty good. A lot of time with new teammates and getting used to the Roosters way.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is also looking forward to furthering his combination with Walker. \u201cHe\u2019s a very, very talented player and I think everyone knows that but I think it\u2019s the person that Sammy is that\u2019s really striking me. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s such a down-to-earth, humble person. He\u2019s willing to learn and I\u2019m still learning off him. He\u2019s got some real ability and love playing alongside him.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘Been great!’: DCE ahead of Chooks debut | 01:28<\/p>\n
CAN TRINDALL AND HYNES LEAD SHARKS TO A TITLE?<\/p>\n
It is no secret that 2026 is the last hurrah for the Cronulla Sharks to win a premiership with their current squad.<\/p>\n
Failing to add another trophy to their cabinet since 2016, the Sharks enter this year\u2019s campaign after back-to-back losses in the preliminary final and under a ton of pressure and expectations.<\/p>\n
While coach Craig Fitzgibbon has turned them into one of the best teams in the competition, there have been many calls that they don\u2019t have the halves pairing to lead them to premiership success.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve always been a good defensive side (but) scoring the points and just being that consistent team throughout the year will be really big for them,\u201d Kevin Walters said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
With multiple players off-contract at the end of the season and with many critics believing that they don\u2019t have what it takes to contend with the likes of the Broncos, Panthers and Storm, the Sharks will need to rely heavily on the halves pairing of Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are an above-average good team. They do a lot of things really well. When it comes to a prelim final, the last couple of years they just haven\u2019t taken that next step,\u201d Cooper Cronk said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe signs are always around the spine to take that next step and Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall did last week against the All Stars I think that\u2019s an improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause let\u2019s be honest, if they\u2019re going to walk into a prelim final, dominate that and then lift the trophy this man [Hynes], along with Trindall, needs to own the moments and come up with big plays when it counts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can Nicho Hynes lead the Sharks to a title?Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Coming off strong showings in the All Stars match last week, they once again dominated on the field together on Saturday afternoon against the Canberra Raiders. <\/p>\n
While the Raiders were missing most of their regulars, the halves pairing had a combined 70 running metres, four tackle busts, four line-break assists, one line-break and three try assists in limited minutes on the field.<\/p>\n
Now, they need to do it on a regular basis during the 2026 NRL season – something they have lacked over the past couple of years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought the initial exchanges where they got the ball they were definitely in command and we worked hard on their combination,\u201d coach Craig Fitzgibbon said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the mix and match sometimes Nicho\u2019s on the ball and Tricky off it, and I thought they took the line on quite well and asked plenty of questions, and I think that\u2019s important for any halves combination\u2026we\u2019re looking to develop that over the coming weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several Sharks players are off-contract at the end of 2026.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Speaking to Fox League during the match, Hynes acknowledged that this season will essentially be the final straw for the club to win a premiership with the current squad, as more than ten players are yet to ink contract extensions and are likely to depart.<\/p>\n
Ready for the challenge it presents, the NSW Blues representative wants to embrace it and stand up when it matters the most.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been to two prelims in a row, and it\u2019s pretty well documented that there could be a lot of players leaving,\u201d Hynes said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve built over the last few years and we\u2019re looking to build again this year and we\u2019ve had a really good pre-season like everyone says they\u2019ve had. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust looking forward to a really tough challenge, every season brings new challenges and I\u2019m looking forward to the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hynes continued to speak on his combination with Trindall, \u201cWe\u2019re going into our third full year together so it can only get stronger and get better. As long as we stay on the field fit and healthy. We love getting to training every day and making everyone fit and better so looking forward to the big year.\u201d<\/p>\n
RABBITOHS\u2019 HALVES HEADACHE SOLVED<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs halves were on fire on Sunday afternoon, with Cody Walker winding back the clock and young gun Ashton Ward delivering to down the Sea Eagles.<\/p>\n
Walker, 36, battled with injuries last season and was limited to just 11 games \u2014 but legendary playmaker Cooper Cronk had \u201calready seen enough\u201d of him by halftime.<\/p>\n
The talented five-eighth skipped through a hole with a dynamic step to score a try and consistently schemed on his left-edge, using his football intelligence and crafty playmaking skills to puzzle the Sea Eagles defence.<\/p>\n
Question marks hovered over Walker heading into the 2026 season, considering his age and injury issues, but Cronk believes he will find the form that has him among the game\u2019s best attacking playmakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve already seen enough from Cody Walker, his speed and acceleration,\u201d Cronk said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat combination with David Fifita and Latrell Mitchell on that left edge, there is a lot to like.\u201d<\/p>\n
Greg Alexander also added: \u201cHe missed plenty of action last year and you can tell he\u2019s excited to be back on the field… acceleration, that\u2019s a good sign, the fact he\u2019s able to accelerate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis body held together, the support play he\u2019s shown… he\u2019s been on the ball and looking like he wants to be involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ashton Ward should wear the No. 7 jersey for Souths in Round 1 according to a Hall of Fame halfback.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Walker\u2019s injury woes was just one part of Wayne Bennett\u2019s halves headache, but the fact the veteran looks healthy ahead of the 2026 puts out on fire.<\/p>\n
The next is who will wear the No.7 jersey, with Jamie Humphreys suspended to start the year, leaving Jayden Sullivan and Ashton Ward to fight it out for the starting spot.<\/p>\n
Sullivan has had a disrupted pre-season and went under the knife to treat an infection according to News Corp, but could still be available for Round 1.<\/p>\n
Regardless, Ward did no harm to his selection chances on Sunday afternoon with a solid performance alongside Walker, playing a hand in Souths\u2019 first try.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like what Ashton Ward and Jack Wighton have done on the right side,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2018m not sure what Wayne Bennett is thinking for the halfback spoke, but after 40 minutes Ashton Ward is my halfback for Round 1.\u201d<\/p>\n
Braith Anasta also added: \u201cI think he gets that No.7 jersey\u201d.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Greg Alexander explained Ward\u2019s performance could unlock another dimension to Souths\u2019 attack.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve often spoken about Souths and their left-side dominance, we\u2019ve always thought Cody needs to get around to the right side and create,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Wighton and Ward, the way they have looked, Souths would be a far more dangerous team if they have strike on both sides.\u201d<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Rabbitohs skipper Cam Murray also spoke glowingly of the 22-year-old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he was one of our best tonight, he had the ball on a string. His kicking game was really good and for a rookie half he controlled the game really well,\u201d he said post-match.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain, it probably comes down to our pre-season, fighting for positions…. he has done a really good job.\u201d<\/p>\n
ARE THE DOLPHINS CONTENDERS OR PRETENDERS?<\/p>\n
After a dominant performance against the New Zealand Warriors on Friday night, the Dolphins cemented themselves as a serious threat to win the NRL premiership.<\/p>\n
While they are arguably the most entertaining and best attacking team in the competition, one main question looms. Can their defence improve?<\/p>\n
If so, they will enter the 2026 season as one of the contenders to win the premiership alongside the Broncos, Storm and Penrith Panthers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked hard on it [defence] through the pre-season. Everyone\u2019s told us that a number of times, so we know it\u2019s an area we need to improve,\u201d coach Kristian Woolf told Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look at last year, we had some games in particular around the middle of the year when we were playing well, our defence was a real strong point.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we weren\u2019t consistent enough and we fell away and that\u2019s something we worked hard at in the pre-season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Always being able to find the tryline with their incredible back-line, there were several performances in 2025 where they gave up to many easy tries and thus the two premiership points in the process.<\/p>\n
Dolphins beat Warriors in a thriller | 03:40<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve liked the effort as a group we\u2019ve put in. We\u2019ve gone into pre-season with a big focus on defence and it\u2019s something that we\u2019re going to continue to improve,\u201d Isaiah Katoa said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that if we keep buying into it and being our worst critics in terms of what we\u2019re doing defensively. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe know what we can do with the footy, we just need to back it up with our defensive efforts\u201d<\/p>\n
Braith Anasta added, \u201cThe Dolphins looking fit and ready for a big season this year. We\u2019ve spoken about their stars and looking at the squad we think they\u2019re going to do pretty well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only have the Dolphins received back Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler from injuries which will further improve their defence around the ruck but they also recruited Selwyn Cobbo from the Broncos, adding to their outside back stocks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the pleasure of coaching Selwyn for several years at the Broncos,\u201d Kevin Walter said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a real excitement machine and if he\u2019s happy and healthy the Dolphins have a genuine match-winner on their hands. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s already played State of Origin and one of those players that can pull something out of nothing, whether it\u2019s a defensive move like an intercept or an attacking move (like) a little chip over. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a real talent and he looks happy and fit\u2026I know he\u2019s in for a big season.\u201d<\/p>\n
BURGEONING TITANS TURNING THE CORNER<\/p>\n
They might have fallen just short of winning the Pre-Season Challenge, but it\u2019s hard to argue that the Titans were the most impressive team in the past fortnight.<\/p>\n
In both games, they were clear underdogs, but were able to beat the Dolphins by 12 and the Storm by 30. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to read too much into trial games, but given their ordinary past few seasons, the last two weeks have been a massive step in the right direction under new coach Josh Hannay.<\/p>\n
Fox League\u2019s Braith Anasta admitted that prior to the Pre-Season Challenge, he didn\u2019t give the Titans a hope of playing finals this season, but he\u2019s since been left very impressed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look at their squad compared to others heading into this year, you\u2019d probably be concerned and no chance of making the eight, but after those two wins and looking at the immediate impact Josh Hannay has had on the club,\u201d Anasta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey kept the Storm to 12. Yeah they didn\u2019t have their best team the Storm but the Titans\u2019 effort areas were impressive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s only trials but you can tell they\u2019ve come a long way. The style in which they\u2019ve won these games has been impressive.\u201d <\/p>\n
As Anasta noted, the Storm rested their best players in the second half, which is when the Titans did most of their damage, scoring 26 points.<\/p>\n
However, it was the Titans\u2019 first stringers\u2019 performance against the Storm\u2019s best side in the first half which gave cause to sit up and notice.<\/p>\n
Despite the fact the Titans had no ball compared to their opponents, Hannay\u2019s men fought back from 12-4 down to lead 16-12 at the break.<\/p>\n
They managed this even though they had just 38% possession and were only tackled once in Melbourne\u2019s 20. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something to build on for the season. They haven\u2019t had too much to cheer about the last couple of seasons,\u201d premiership winner Bryan Fletcher said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was impressed with their commitment to defence. We don\u2019t talk about the Titans when it comes to defence or their concentration in defence. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey were up against a Storm side who were starting to get on the front foot and they stopped them. They stopped them without any ball… Their technique in defence was excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Titans skipper Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui agreed with Fletcher\u2019s assessment. <\/p>\n
\u201cI loved the aggression in our tackling, the urgency from marker… It\u2019s only just the start but every week we strive to be a better team,\u201d the star prop said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The final weekend of trial games produced much more drama than anticipated, led by Nathan Cleary\u2019s two-game ban…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":497438,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,11096,222174,222177,4746,761,762,158,247204,240012,85,7663,11089],"class_list":{"0":"post-497437","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nrl","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-daniel-nuttall","11":"tag-ethan-lee-chalk","12":"tag-lee-chalk","13":"tag-mark-st-john","14":"tag-national-rugby-league","15":"tag-nationalrugbyleague","16":"tag-nrl","17":"tag-ruthless-roster-calls","18":"tag-season-previews","19":"tag-sports","20":"tag-talking-points","21":"tag-tom-sargeant"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=497437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/497438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=497437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=497437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=497437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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