The wheeling and dealing has been done, the first half of pre-season training is over, and the serious stuff for 2026 is just around the corner.
Players have begun settling at their new clubs after moving during the off-season, but some are under a lot more pressure than the rest.
From big-money recruits, to those thrust into key roles, and others who will essentially be playing for their careers, there are plenty of players who will be in focus throughout the course of the upcoming campaign at new clubs.
Here are our most under-pressure players for 2026.
6. Reed Mahoney (North Queensland Cowboys)
Mahoney heads to Townsville seeking fresh opportunities after a disappointing end to his time at the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The former Parramatta Eel has often been talked about as second in line for the Queensland number nine jumper behind Harry Grant throughout the course of his career, but by the end of 2025, he couldn't wind enough game time in the Bulldogs' system as they imploded from the top of the table.
That wasn't necessarily Mahoney's fault, who had an exceptional first half of 2025. Still, his on-field discipline issues certainly played a role in the decision made by head coach Cameron Ciraldo.
It was, frankly, hardly a surprise to see Mahoney request a release, or him link up with the Cowboys, who have lost Reece Robson for 2026.
Robson, who has joined the Sydney Roosters, is the incumbent New South Wales Blues hooker, and with Todd Payten's side struggling anyway, Mahoney has enormous shoes to fill, and a big role to play in not only lifting the Cowboys, but proving he is still at a first-grade starting level.
I’d argue Brown isn’t the most under pressure. Sure he signed that massive deal but he’s going to the team that finished last. The injuries Newcastle had to key players and real lack of offensive threat is why they were last. They won’t be last again so he’ll be seen as a success in the short term. I’d argue Thompson and DCE are under more pressure, maybe DCE at number 1. The roosters have signed him and risked the likes of Savala and already lost Smith. Thompson as well was signed on potential for huge money and is going to a top 4 side who’s pack has often been criticised. He has to step up and be the main star in the pack which he has struggled to do on a consistent basis. He’s aggressive but lacks the go forward of other elite middles. Thompson is expected to help turn the dogs into a grand final side and DCE is expected to also turn the roosters into a top 4 side and premiership side again where as Brown is expected to lift the knights off the bottom of the table and judging by comments online people are tipping them to be last again even with the very strong recruitment they’ve done.