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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View the full team lists for Week 2 of the pre-season challenge here
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Mason Barber (North Queensland Cowboys)
Mason Barber made a strong impression against the Bulldogs in the Cowboys' first trial match with his agility and ability to break the game open with a great understanding of when to attack space.
This weekend, he will be playing his second rugby league game in 18 months after having shoulder reconstruction surgery.
Currently on a one-year development contract this season, Barber has the opportunity to showcase his tools as a fullback of the future.
Jaxen Edgar (Penrith Panthers)
Jaxen Edgar made his first grade debut in round 26 of last season against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and showcased his speed, agility and elite try-scoring ability.
He built stardom climbing up the Panthers ranks, winning the NSWRL Harold Matthew Player of the Year in 2023, and represented the Australian Schoolboys.
In Jersey Flegg for the Panthers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the 19-year-old fullback scored 14 tries in 22 games.
Reed Mahoney (North Queensland Cowboys)
After a disappointing season from Reed Mahoney at the Bulldogs, he will be looking to build form with the North Queensland Cowboys, as he replaces Reece Robson in the dummy half role.
There is pressure on Mahoney, as there are dummy halves at the club that could start over him if he doesn't perform.
At his best, Mahoney can provide solid defence in the middle third to complement his forwards and be serviceable with his play around the ruck and offer an occasional run when markers are not square.
Billy Scott (Penrith Panthers)
A promising dummy half is waiting in the wings to make his debut in first grade, having played over 30 games of NSW Cup.
With crafty service and solid instincts around the ruck, Billy Scott was one of the few signings the Panthers made for the 2026 season.
Panther lost depth with the likes of Daine Laurie, Soni Luke and Trent Toleau this off-season, and with the addition of Scott, there is dummy half coverage under Mitch Kenny that if injuries or suspensions come up, he could debut and provide some spark in the Panthers new attacking structure.
Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)
Kalani Going is one of the three players to join Penrith from the New Zealand Warriors, who played key roles in the NSW Cup premiership and NRL-State Championship winning side last season.
Going was named the 2025 NSW Cup Player of the Year, and was crucial in the Warriors' NSW Cup success.
The 29-year-old last season scored eight tries, averaged 114 running metres per game and made 27 tackles per game, while also having 56 tackle breaks.
