Like new recruits: NRL stars set for major comebacks in 2026

A club's most important addition doesn't always come from the transfer market. Sometimes, it's the player already on the roster, one returning from a long injury layoff, refreshed and ready to contribute immediately. As the 2026 NRL season approaches, several high-profile players loom as “like new recruits” for their clubs. Thomas Flegler (Dolphins) [caption id="attachment_209080" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Thomas Flegler of the Dolphins is tackled during the round four NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium, on March 30, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Before injury struck, Flegler had established himself as one of the NRL's most damaging front-rowers. Since debuting in 2018, he's built a reputation for strong post-contact metres, high defensive work rate, and an edge that lifts teammates. At the representative level, Flegler has already tasted State of Origin success, underlining his standing among the game's elite middle forwards. When fit, he consistently averages double-digit hit-ups and 100+ running metres, making his return a significant boost for the Dolphins' engine room. Flegler hasn't featured in an NRL match since 2024, so his return will truly be a new addition to this Dolphins outfit in Round 1. Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs) [caption id="attachment_211635" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Cameron Murray. (Photo: Joshua Davis)[/caption] Murray has been one of the competition's premier locks since his debut South Sydney Rabbitohs season, earning multiple State of Origin and Kangaroos honours. Having played just one match for the Rabbitohs in 2025, the club captain's return is desperately needed in 2026. Renowned for his work ethic, leadership and durability, he has regularly topped the tackle count while maintaining strong running output through the middle. The Rabbitoh's best periods in recent seasons have almost always coincided with Murray's presence. His return provides not just elite performance, but also calm leadership for a side looking to reset in 2026. Heilum Luki (Cowboys) [caption id="attachment_113860" align="alignnone" width="2560"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Heilum Luki of the Cowboys runs onto the field during the round 11 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights at QCB Stadium, on May 20, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Luki's rise over the past few seasons marked him as one of the NRL's most improved edge forwards. In 2024, he took a major step forward for the North Queensland Cowboys, combining line-running with improved defensive reliability. Before injury, Luki was averaging strong metres per carry and regularly threatening the line, making him a key part of North Queensland's attacking shape. Still only 24, Luki missed the entirety of 2025, a major hurdle in an otherwise promising rise in the NRL. The star forward is said to be training the house down in the Cowboys preseason, with many anticipating his return to add strike and size to the Cowboys' right edge. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors) [caption id="attachment_144795" align="alignnone" width="2358"] WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 03: Mitchell Barnett of the Warriors makes a break during the round one NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights at Sky Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)[/caption] Mitchell Barnett's value has always extended beyond raw statistics. Since arriving at the New Zealand Warriors, he's become a leader through aggression, professionalism, and competitiveness. A State of Origin Blues representative for New South Wales, Barnett brings versatility across the middle and edge. When fully fit, he routinely produces high tackle counts, strong involvements and momentum-shifting defensive efforts, traits the Warriors sorely missed during his absence. Having played just 11 games in 2025, the return of a well-rested Barnett next season is almost certain to strike fear in opposing forward packs. Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs) [caption id="attachment_221780" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Campbell Graham of the Rabbitohs offloads the ball during the round nine NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Campbell Graham has long been regarded as one of the NRL's most talented centres. Since debuting in 2018, he's consistently ranked among the competition's best defensive outside backs while also offering strong yardage carries. At his peak, Graham regularly averaged 150+ running metres per game, often taking tough carries out of trouble. His return gives the South Sydney Rabbitohs a genuine two-way centre capable of stabilising an edge and contributing offensively. Unfortunately, fans were only granted glimpses of his brilliance in 2025, but they will hopefully get the opportunity to see more of him in 2026. Kalyn Ponga (Knights) When healthy, Newcastle Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga remains one of the most influential players in the competition. A Dally M Medallist and Queensland Origin star, his attacking impact is unmatched, combining speed, footwork, and elite ball-playing. Even in limited appearances, Ponga has consistently ranked among the league leaders for try involvements, line breaks, and attacking kicks. A clean run into 2026 could see him return to the form that made him one of the NRL's premier fullbacks, and while he is currently said to still be rocking a moon boot, Ponga is confident he will be suiting up for his side at Vegas in Round 1. Luke Metcalf (Warriors) [caption id="attachment_221348" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Luke Metcalf of the Warriors makes a break during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Metcalf's career has been shaped by promise interrupted by injury. When fit, he offers genuine pace, a strong kicking game and the ability to challenge the line, qualities that suit the modern half role. Across his NRL stints, Metcalf has shown flashes of being a high-involvement attacking half, particularly in 2025 when he was atop the Dally M medal race and playing with a stack of confidence. His impressive campaign this year was halted by injury, but with a fresh contract extension in front of him and a full pre-season as the go-to guy, his red-hot form looks set to continue. A full season could finally allow him to cement himself as a superstar halfback in the NRL, instead of just a promising one. Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) [caption id="attachment_152175" align="alignnone" width="2560"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Tom Gilbert of the Dolphins and Felise Kaufusi of the Dolphins celebrate winning the round three NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium on March 17, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Tom Gilbert's influence often shows up in the less glamorous areas of the game. A Queensland Maroons representative, he built his reputation on defensive workload, consistency, and effort plays through the middle. Prior to injury, Gilbert regularly produced 40+ tackles per game while offering strong support play in attack. The 25-year-old has played just 21 games in 3 years, but that hasn't stopped him from putting in the work to get his body right for the Dolphins in 2026. His return strengthens the Dolphins' defensive resolve and adds professionalism to their forward rotation.