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
St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Setu Tu (St George Illawarra Dragons)
After having an incredible season with the New Zealand Warriors' NSW Cup side winning the Grand Final, Setu Tu earned a two-year deal with the Dragons.
Currently a development deal player, head coach Shane Flanagan spoke highly of the 27-year-old rookie during the off-season, praising his work ethic and naming him as one of his two likely starting wingers for this season.
Tu scored 13 tries in 14 games and averaged over 100 running metres per game last season, while showing his athleticism, ability to compete for the ball in the air and versatility in the backline.
Matthew Dufty (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
A few were caught surprised by Dufty signing a lifeline 1-year NSW Cup contract. However, his speed, agility, and X-factor make him a dangerous threat on any side.
Dufty scored 47 tries in 88 appearances for Warrington Wolves, and was playing so well that he earned himself a shortlist position on the 2024 Man of Steel.
His ability to break open a game has been a feature of his during his entire career, and with moving back to Australia, seeking a full-time NRL contract, he will be looking to excel in the trial period.
Jonah Glover (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
After impressing in the NSW Cup for the Dragons last season in the halves, Jonah Glover earned a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs.
With the end of Cody Walker's career nearby and the addition of Payne Haas to the club next season, Glover will be looking to impress Wayne Bennett and earn a debut this season and for the future, potentially to build a combination with Jamie Humphreys.
The 20-year-old playmaker has shown his ability to play freely and outside of the structured footy style clubs like to play and break the cadence of a normal NRL game with unpredictable kicks over the other team's fullback and shift the ball to the open man when his team have an overwhelming number on the defence.
Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Leilua has reportedly shed 15 kilograms over the course of the off-season and is in tip top shape as the new campaign arrives.
He will need to be too, if he wants a starting spot.
Dylan Egan starts the season injured, giving him a chance to find some form, but Leilua is up against it, with the Dragons having Jaydn Su'A, Ryan Couchman, Jacob Halangahu and the aforementioned Egan all on the roster for 2026 looking for minutes on the edge.
Tevita Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Unfortunately, the past few seasons have seen Tevita Tatola an injury-riddled write-off at South Sydney.
When fit, the powerhouse prop, has been a key member of the Rabbitohs depth in the forward pack and electric attack with his work ethic and powerful runs.
Named on the interchange at 15 for this weekend's pre-season game against the Dragons, all eyes will be on Tatola's fitness and uncompromising grit, seeing if he will be a regular at the Rabbitohs this season.
Kade Reed (St George Illawarra Dragons)
A young halfback with plenty of upside, Reed was explosive for the Dragons during their first trial against a mixed Knights side.
His vision at both ends of the park was impressive, and unsurprisingly, calls for him to go straight into the starting side have been forthcoming.
That's unlikely given how raw he is at just 19 years of age, but another big performance here would certainly leave all eyes in his direction.
