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
Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels
Liam Ison (Cronulla Sharks)
Liam Ison spent the 2025 season recovering from an ACL rupture and will be looking to earn his opportunities this upcoming season.
The young fullback has a lot of quickness in his game and can play as a ball-dominant fullback who can read defences with little to no attacking space.
With 12 months left on Will Kennedy's contract, the Cronulla Sharks will want to have stability in the fullback position as the club hope to remain competitive for the future.
Michael Gabrael (Cronulla Sharks)
The Sharks have injuries in their backline, and the outside back positions could be in play for the centre.
Since being swapped by the Bulldogs for Connor Tracey before the 2024 season, Gabrael has been biding his time in the Sharks' pathways and has been able to improve his offensive game.
A centre with size and the ability to play off the catch on early ball passes could be his way in this current Sharks side, similar to when KL Iro earned his way to being in the Sharks side consistently.
Sam Stonestreet (Cronulla Sharks)
Ronaldo Mulitalo rupturing his ACL when playing for the Kiwis against Samoa opens up a spot for Sam Stonestreet to make his own this season.
The 6'4 winger has a great try-scoring ability, and being an aerial threat for kicks from Nicho Hynes or Braydon Trindall opens up the attack for the Sharks.
With rival clubs like the Perth Bears interested, Stonestreet has to play consistently in a contract year for the club to perform and for a potential extension to be on the cards.
Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels)
Pezet will come to Parramatta on a unique one-year deal; however, will compliment half Mitch Moses very nicely with his short kicking game and silky passing skills.
The Eels will be looking to go all guns blazing this year while they have Pezet to their disposal, so expect them to use him a lot during the trial period.
With strong composure and elite vision, he will serve Parramatta well this season by sharing the kicking load with Moses, before heading off at the end of the year.
Pezet also held a 91.1% tackling efficiency in 2025, which is especially impressive for a half.
Matt Doorey (Parramatta Eels)
Parramatta junior Matt Doorey has been named at lock for this weekend's pre-season contest against the Sharks.
This year will mark Matt Doorey's third season at Parramatta, after extending his contract with the club until the end of 2027.
Although Doorey is currently unlikely to crack the top 17 for Parramatta at the start of the season, his defensive commitment and strong work ethic could see him earn a place in the squad if injury occurs.
Doorey will be a key player to watch for Parramatta, as he aims to keep building his workload and crack the 50 NRL games mark.
Lorenzo Talataina (Parramatta Eels)
The Eels have huge wraps on Lorenzo Talataina, signing the 18-year-old on a long-term deal until the end of the 2028 season.
Last season, Talataina made his NSW Cup debut and played a significant role in leading the Eels SG Ball side to a Grand Final while being named the 2025 SG Ball Player of the Year.
Talataina is a young half with elite playmaking vision, who doesn't play limited to one side of the field and can play direct to the line when his team is in the red zone.
