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
Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters
Heamasi Makasini (Wests Tigers)
After turning down a rugby union offer and signing a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers, the 18-year-old centre/winger debuted in the last game of last season and scored a try in a eight point loss to the Titans.
Heamasi Makasini played four games of NSW Cup for the Western Suburbs Magpies, and he scored one try, ran 102 metres per game and made 33 of 36 tackles at a 91.6% efficiency.
Outside of Jahream Bula and Taylan May, the outside back spots are open, and if Makasini can impress, there is a legitimate chance he earns a Tigers jersey during the season.
Rex Bassinghtwaighte (Sydney Roosters)
Bassinghtwaighte has quite literally been earmarked by James Tedesco as his likely future successor.
That is incredible praise for the youngster, who is on a development deal this year at Bondi Junction.
The rising star has a chance to show off his potential this weekend too, taking the fullback jersey in the Roosters' first trial. Will be an intriguing watch.
Javon Andrews (Wests Tigers)
After a man-of-the-match performance in the Under-19s State of Origin for the Queensland Maroons last season, Javon Andrews signed a three-year deal to leave the Gold Coast Titans and head to the Wests Tigers.
Currently on a development just for this season, the Tigers have managed to find another young talent to build for the future, while maximising the current combination of Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi.
With a strong running game and maturity in close game scenarios, Andrews could push for a debut depending on injuries or what happens in the pursuit to keep Luai.
Toby Rodwell (Sydney Roosters)
A young halfback who is fast on the rise, Rodwell has a chance to show off over the two trials this season.
The chance of any game time in 2026 is extremely limited, but it's clear that a player widely dubbed the future of the Roosters is in this for a build to 2027, once Daly Cherry-Evans retires.
It will be intriguing to watch him this weekend.
Tommy Talau (Sydney Roosters)
After a 2-year stint at Manly, Talau's career had been rejuvenated, and he is an excellent depth pick-up by the tri colours.
When moving on from the Tigers, Talau had a breakout season in 2024, playing 23 games and scoring 18 tries. Unfortunately, in 2025, he was plagued with injuries and never quite got going.
Talau is strong in contact close to the line and is a powerful return-carrier with the ball. Look out for a strong fend to offload too.
Another player who will be applying serious pressure on the Roosters' outside backs and will be seeking a starting spot in their backline.
