12 teams will take to the park for the first time in 2026, while the four Las Vegas-bound teams have their final hit out before Round 1 in Week 2 of the NRL's pre-season challenge.
From players returning from injury, to those fighting for spots, and youngsters looking to impress, there will be plenty of storylines to follow out of the weekend ahead.
Here are all the key players to watch across every game.
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The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans
Noah Fien (The Dolphins)
The son of former premiership winning player Nathan, Noah has caught the eye of talent scouts in Queensland as he has worked through the ranks.
Recently named to the Queensland under-19 emerging State of Origin squad under the eye of Darius Boyd, the youngster, who like his old man has versatility, gains an opportunity in the Dolphins' first trial this weekend.
Certainly one to watch this weekend, but throughout the year as he likely becomes a QLD Cup regular.
Sialetili Faemani (Gold Coast Titans)
A rising star who has made the move from the Penrith Panthers to the Gold Coast Titans over the off-season, Faemani has come from the clouds to be considered a chance of playing in Round 1 for Josh Hannay's new-look side.
It was previously tipped that Jaylan De Groot and Jojo Fifita would be the walk up wingers for the Robina-based outfit when they clash with the Sharks in the opening round of the season.
Faemani has reportedly impressed during the pre-season though and will have a chance to show that on Thursday against the Dolphins.
A strong performance could have him in line for his NRL debut to open the campaign.
Zane Harrison (Gold Coast Titans)
As a teenager, Zane Harrison has been one of the most impressive playmakers on the rise in recent years.
The club is playing the long game with their local junior, letting him grow more confidence and develop more maturity to be a game-managing halfback.
If the Titans are looking to change their results and improve, they will need to make big calls during the season to bring in the 19-year-old who has shown signs of being able to bring calmness in a storm to pair with Jayden Campbell in the halves.
Intriguingly, he will also play halfback this weekend while Lachlan Ilias lines up at five-eighth.
Tom Gilbert (The Dolphins)
A battle-hardened skipper returning from injury will bring great confidence to a young forward pack.
The two-time Origin representative will be looking to build some consistency in staying on the paddock after disrupted seasons in the past.
In what will be a great moment for the Dolphins, he and Thomas Flegler will line up together on Thursday in their trial match, a great vote of confidence that will elevate his game to the next level.
Klese Haas (Gold Coast Titans)
Makes the move into the middle third for the start of the 2026 season, and could be in the mix for more minutes and responsibility, particularly given the season-ending ACL injury for Jaimin Jolliffe.
The brother of Payne Haas, Klese could also make a contract move at the end of the year, and whether it's for an upgrade or new club, he will be keen to put himself in the shop window.
The Titans will need him to step up his game massively in 2026 if they are going to prove successful, and fans will get a bit of a look into what he might be able to provide here after an off-season training in the middle third.
Cooper Bai (The Dolphins)
A new contract, and a season long injury to Jaimin Jolliffe, will likely present an enormous opportunity for Cooper Bai throughout the 2026 season.
He gets a start at lock in the Titans' first trial against the Dolphins on Thursday, and will be looking to impress from the get-go.
He certainly did that in his NRL debut in the final round last year, and despite his age, he looks like he has all the tools to make something of a serious career in the NRL.
There will be plenty of attention on him too, given the nature of his contract, and the fact that he could well become a prime target for the PNG chiefs once they are allowed to begin negotiating with players from November 1.
Thomas Flegler (The Dolphins)
The last time Thomas Flegler played in the NRL was back in round five just two seasons ago.
After being on the sidelines for almost two years with significant shoulder and nerve damage, the front-rower has been named to start on the bench against the Gold Coast Titans.
There has been plenty of anticipation for his return, and on Thursday night, fans will get to see Flegler run out on the field.
The 26-year-old will need games under his belt after being out of the game for so long, but with a healthy forward pack, another level to this Dolphins team could be unlocked for this season.
