Official team lists, updates and injury news for the opening round of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge.
Pre-Season Challenge Team Lists: Round 1
Bulldogs v Cowboys, Saturday 5.30pm at Jubilee Oval
Bulldogs: Experienced forwards Fletcher Baker, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Sam Hughes and Gordon Chan Kum Tong will lead the way for the Bulldogs in their first hit-out of the season. Young halves Alex Conti and Joseph Teaupa also get an early chance to impress. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s son Aaymon comes off the bench while former Bulldog Steve Reardon’s son Jed lines up in the centres. Samoa international Justin Matamua has joined Canterbury on a train and trial contract and is also listed on the interchange.
Cowboys: A welcome return for star back-rower Heilum Luki after missing the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury. The pack also includes props Thomas Mikaele and Harrison Edwards, lock Sam McIntyre and rising star Xavier Kerrisk at hooker. In the backs, young gun Liam Sutton is joined by PNG internationals Robert Derby and Zac Laybutt while Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford steer the ship in the halves. Former Eel Wiremu Greig has been named on the interchange after earning a train and trial deal with the club while former Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers forward Aitasi James and former Rooster Tyler Moriarty also get a chance to impress coach Todd Payten.
Dragons v Knights, 7.30pm at Jubilee Oval
Dragons: Gun forwards Toby Couchman (shoulder) and Ryan Couchman (ACL) have been named to return from injury while veteran prop Josh Kerr is back in the Red V after three years at the Dolphins. Recruits David Fale (Panthers) and Setu Tu (Warriors) debut in the backline while former Bulldog Joseph O’Neill comes off the bench. Lyhkan King-Togia and Kade Reed call the shots in the halves with Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson being held back along with skipper Clint Gutherson.
Knights: Veteran back-rower Tyson Frizell will captain a strong Newcastle outfit that includes Fletcher Hunt at fullback, Jacob Saifiti at prop, Greg Marzhew on the wing and new signing Sandon Smith at halfback. Smith is joined in the halves by Fletcher Sharpe, who plays his first match since suffering a lacerated kidney against the Dolphins in Round 16 last year. Former Raiders Trey Mooney and Pasami Saulo make their Knights debut along with Peter Hola, Harrison Graham, Asu Kepaoa, Matthew Hunter and Lachlan Crouch. Star backs Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and Bradman Best and back-rower Dylan Lucas will be kept in cotton wool this week.