The final week of the NRL's pre-season challenge has arrived, with stars returning, and plenty set to push their chance for selection in Round 1.
The Las Vegas-bound teams are out, but the other 12 will have a final hitout before their seasons kick-off.
Here are all the players to watch across the course of the weekend. You can use the drop down menu below to cycle between games.
Written by Zero Tackle's Kye Ferreira, Adan McGovern, Magdalena Murdoch, Scott Pryde and Leo Twemlow
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels
Tommy Talau (Roosters)
Talau has strength and power close to the line that can be dangerous, he was decent in patches on the right edge last week, but now with a stronger Roosters lineup around him, he will excel.
With plenty of depth in the outside backs, Talau needs to come out with a statement this weekend in order to tell coach Trent Robinson he is ready to lock down a starting spot.
Blake Steep (Roosters)
After enjoying a meteoric rise to first-grade, Blake Steep has cemented himself as the future of the Roosters' forward pack.
Statistically, Steep was one of the best defensive locks in 2025, having a tackle efficiency score of 95.96 per cent.
An academy graduate, the 20-year-old lock will be looking to take the next step in his NRL career and repay the club's faith for handing him a two-year extension late last year.
Cody Ramsey (Roosters)
While he hasn't been named to start, seeing Cody Ramsey's name on a first-grade team sheet should bring a smile to every NRL fan's face.
After spending 2023 and 2024 on the sidelines due to ulcerative colitis, Ramsey returned in 2025 but was stuck in the Dragons' NSW Cup side.
But now, since departing the Saints and with another pre-season under his belt, all eyes will be on Ramsey and whether his body is ready for the demands of first-grade footy.
One thing is for certain, though, Ramsey is still lightning quick, so if he is brought on, the Eels cannot let him find open space.
Toby Rodwell (Roosters)
The young half-back started at seven last week against the Tigers , pairing nicely with Hugo Savala in attack throughout the first half.
Although coach Trent Robinson will be utilising his first string halves this week, Rodwell is still expected to have some game time off the bench.
The rookie, currently touted as one of the best up and coming playmakers, will need to make more of an impact this week in order to keep up with Hugo Savala and advocate himself to Robinson as a genuine first grade contender this year.
Mitchell Moses (Eels)
First game of the pre-season for Mitch Moses, who looks to start the season healthy and get to a winning start.
Only playing 13 games last season, the star halfback will be looking to help the club go back to the finals for the first time since the 2022 season.
When the club has made the top 8 since Moses arrived at the club, he has played 16 games or more.
His combination with Jonah Pezet will also be a key watch for the match against the Roosters, as the game will offer a first look at both players together.
Charlie Guymer (Eels)
In a contract year, Charlie Guymer is competing against quality forwards for spots on the bench.
Although it was an up and down year for Guymer, the 21-year-old impressed in his seven NSW Cup games in 2025, where he showed strong defensive form with a 90.8% tackle efficiency and won five out of the seven games he played.
Guymer played 16 first grade games in 2025, and found his way on the side in the back end of last season.
With the addition of Jack de Belin, it makes the margin of error smaller for Guymer to impress Jason Ryles.
Lorenzo Talataina (Eels)
The young talented half has shown flashes of his ability in the pre-season so far and will be looking to continue to impress on the NRL stage.
Lorenzo Talataina has speed and the ability to play at the line with a lot of confidence and maturity, which will put the Roosters defence to the test.
He will be on a development contract for this season and the next, but he has shown quickly he has talent and will be looking to continue his form into more NSW Cup games this season and to potentially debut in first grade at the end of this season.
Teancum Brown (Eels)
Teancum Brown showed his physical playstyle in the big win against the Sharks, and against the Roosters who have big forwards, he will be looking to continue utilising his running game and lay a platform for the halves.
Brown's defence stood out last round and Jason Ryles has been hoping to build a Eels side where defence comes first.
With spots up for grabs at the end of the bench, Brown could offer value in a specialist role and Ryles hasn't been afraid to play young players if he believes they are ready now.
