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
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Fletcher Sharpe (Newcastle Knights)
Sharpe's position for 2026 is up in the air.
He was a player to watch last week when named in the halves, and will be again this week named at fullback.
Justin Holbrook has a real battle to keep him close to the ball, but also must find a way to name all of his key players - Sandon Smith and Dylan Brown among them - in the spine.
Lachlan Galvin (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Last year saw Lachlan Galvin engulfed in controversy after his mid-season exit from the Tigers to the Bulldogs.
The 20-year-old playmaker shifted between roles at Canterbury, causing inconsistency and disruption to their spine, resulting in an end-of-season drop-off.
However, Galvin has been named at halfback for this weekend's pre-season clash against the Newcastle Knights, accompanied by Matt Burton in the number six jersey.
Bulldogs players have spoken out about Galvin's impressive preseason efforts, highlighting his fitness and comfortability in the playing group.
All eyes will be on Galvin this weekend to see whether he has matured into a reliable, dynamic playmaker capable of leading his pack around the park in the No. 7 jersey in Las Vegas.
Bailey Hayward (Canterbury Bulldogs)
At the beginning of the 2025 season, Bailey Hayward was given a contract extension for 2026.
He then played a valuable role in the middle of the field, as well as some games in the halves and managed to earn a two-year extension in the middle of the season that sees him at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
The Bulldogs bought out the final year of Reed Mahoney's four-year deal and started planning a spine in which Hayward would play significant minutes at the dummy half position.
There are high expectations for the club this season and curiosity is building as to whether he can play big minutes and be serviceable in that role.
Connor Votano (Newcastle Knights)
An impressive young back, Votano gains another opportunity to impress for the Knights this weekend.
While he is well down the pecking order in the Hunter given the depth of talent in front of him, it could be an opportunity to put himself in the shop window.
Jonathan Sua (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Winger Jonathan Sua has earned himself a place in Canterbury's Top 30 roster for the first time in his career.
The 21-year-old winger made his NRL debut back in 2024 for the Bulldogs, and although he has not made an appearance since, he is working towards a spot in the first grade side.
Sua is coming off a strong NSW Cup campaign for the Bulldogs last year, securing 15 tries and an average of 131 running metres in 21 matches.
With the absence of Fijian international Jethro Rinakama, the Bulldogs junior is likely to make his second NRL appearance this season and earn himself a regular spot fighting for minutes.
Dylan Brown (Newcastle Knights)
The 13-million-dollar man will be showcased in Newcastle Colours for the first time this weekend, playing five-eighth alongside Sandon Smith at half.
Brown is a player who is composed with the ball in hand and has a great kicking game, short or long.
After coming off a successful Pacific Championship series, Brown showcased why he is worth every dollar of his new contract, controlling the game strongly and popping up with try assists everywhere, earning himself nominations for the Golden Boot winner.
His partnership with Kalyn Ponga is set to light the competition on fire, with both players complementing each other nicely.
