NRL pre-season challenge Week 3: 43 players to watch

Sam Stonestreet (Sharks)
The Cronulla Sharks' 2025 Rookie of the Year has enjoyed a successful start to his NRL career, boasting 16 tries in his first 16 matches, but couldn't solidify his spot in the team.

But with Ronaldo Mulitalo out for an extended period and Sione Katoa leaving at the end of this season, Stonestreet has the opportunity to lock down a spot on the wing.

Even though it was a quiet 53-minute stint for the 23-year-old in the Sharks' first pre-season match, with Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes returning to the halves, keep your eyes on Stonestreet who will come alive with the improved service.

Billy Burns (Sharks)
Billy Burns could be a player to follow this year - he took the starting spot of Briton Nikora at the back-end of the season last year and was in career-best form.

The forward is off-contract at the end of 2026 and has been heavily linked with a move to the Perth Bears, but he could do his chances of that, and a pay rise, no harm, by locking up a starting spot or big minutes this year.

Will look to prove a point here, particularly with Teig Wilton understood to be racing the clock for Round 1.

Niwhai Puru (Sharks)
One of the most exciting talents in the Cronulla Sharks' pathways, Niwhai Puru is an exceptionally talented halfback who has represented the Indigenous All Stars, despite not having made his NRL debut.

The 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final Player of the Match had a remarkable 2025, tallying 12 tries, 21 try assists and 19 linebreak assists.

Last week, he was a shining light in a Sharks team that was embarrassed by the Eels, playing 60 minutes and recording a try assist and linebreak assist.

This week, he finds himself back on the bench with Nicho Hynes returning, and while his minutes may be limited, expect the livewire half to be on a mission to impress considering he is off contract this season.

Ata Mariota (Raiders)
At the age of 24, Ata Mariota is already entering his fifth season as an NRL player, and arguably his most important.

Off-contract at the end of this season, Mariota needs a strong start to the year to secure either a contract extension, or a new deal.

Boasting extremely skilled footwork and a dangerous offload, Mariota has been extremely impressive off the bench for the Raiders across the last two seasons.

However, this week, he gets the nod to start, so expect a strong showing to prove he is the right man to replace Josh Papali'i once the 33-year-old departs.

Jayden Brailey (Raiders)
Canberra Raiders added to their dummy half coverage with getting an experienced player in Jayden Brailey, who can provide solid service and play within a system.

It will be a first look for the former Knights player in the Canberra green and after being let go due to poor performances and Newcastle going in a different direction, it will be important to start this season on a high note.

Owen Pattie, who the club sees as their long term number 9, will need reps in NSW Cup to get better, which provides the Raiders a clear one-two punch with Brailey and Tom Starling.

Joe Roddy (Raiders)
After having one of the most memorable debuts possible by crossing the try-line twice, Joe Roddy will be looking for more of that in 2026.

Playing as a traditional second rower, Roddy provides cover for a strong, but not overly deep Raiders backrow.

He has been named on the bench for this weekend, but if he takes the field, the Sharks must keep the ball away from him close to the try line.

With his tackle-busting ability, speed and power, Roddy is often too much for defences to handle only a few metres out.