The wheeling and dealing has been done, the first half of pre-season training is over, and the serious stuff for 2026 is just around the corner.
Players have begun settling at their new clubs after moving during the off-season, but some are under a lot more pressure than the rest.
From big-money recruits, to those thrust into key roles, and others who will essentially be playing for their careers, there are plenty of players who will be in focus throughout the course of the upcoming campaign at new clubs.
Here are our most under-pressure players for 2026.
7. Daniel Atkinson (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Atkinson also appeared in our value signings list for the 2026 campaign, but there is also little doubt around the pressure he is under.
The utility, who has for most of his career been a fringe first-grade backup option, has joined the Dragons as the club’s new great white hope.
Shane Flanagan will give him the first crack at the club’s number seven jumper, and if it works, he will instantly become an NRL starting option for potentially the rest of his career in one of the game’s most important roles.
If it doesn’t, he could find himself treading water once again as a utility, struggling for game time and opportunities.
It’s that big of a season for Atkinson.