Bulldogs Giant Reemerges; Young Talent Faces Harsh Reality: Discussion Points

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 6, 2026 1:06 AM ET

Bulldogs Giant Reemerges; Young Talent Faces Harsh Reality: Discussion Points

The anticipation for the upcoming NRL season is heating up as fans prepare for the opening matches in Las Vegas on March 1, 2026. Teams such as the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Dragons, and Knights are gearing up for pre-season trials, which will determine their line-ups for the regular season.

Bulldogs: Focus on Young Talent and Leadership Decisions

The Bulldogs face critical decisions regarding player selection, particularly in the halves. With mid-season recruit Lachlan Galvin unavailable due to age restrictions, Coach Cameron Ciraldo must choose between Matt Burton and promising young talent Mitchell Woods for the starting position alongside Galvin.

Mitchell Woods: Recently injured and expected to miss a couple of weeks.
Joseph Teaupa and Alex Conti: Named to start against the Cowboys in the upcoming trials.

In the forward pack, the absence of key signing Leo Thompson opens opportunities for Alekolasimi Jones, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, and Fletcher Baker to make their mark. Baker, who has previously played for the Broncos, is excited to showcase his abilities after signing a development contract.

Cowboys: Halves Selection Under Pressure

The Cowboys are under pressure to improve after a disappointing 2025 season. Only the Titans allowed more points, adding to the urgency for coach Todd Payten as he decides on his halves. The team includes:

Tom Dearden: Secured a starting spot.
Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford: Competing for the second halves position.

While Purdue excels in the left center position, Clifford has experience in the halves from last season. This selection puzzle could impact other positions, as competition heats up for right-center among players like Liam Sutton and Tom Chester.

Dragons: New Faces and Tactical Adjustments

For the Dragons, new recruit Daniel Atkinson adds an attacking dynamic as they prepare for the season. Emerging players Setu Tu and David Fale are also in contention for starting roles. Coach Shane Flanagan is focusing on their performance in trials against the Knights.

Flanagan emphasized the importance of training performance, stating, “There are 22 player seats on the plane, and everyone wants to be on that.” With few injuries currently affecting the squad, competition remains fierce.

Knights: Key Combinations to Determine Success

Under new coach Justin Holbrook, the Knights look to overcome last year’s challenges. The arrival of Dylan Brown, the highest-paid player in NRL history at $12 million, raises expectations. However, he will not participate in the first trial due to injury.

Possible Halves Pairing: Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe are vying for positions alongside Brown.
Kalyn Ponga: Expected to return as starting fullback when fit.

Holbrook plans to utilize these trial matches to establish effective combinations. He states the process is positive, knowing all players have capability and will contribute to the team’s success.

Conclusion: NRL Pre-Season Trials Set the Stage

As the pre-season trials approach, teams are eager to evaluate their young talents and refine their strategies. The performances in these matches will shape the line-ups heading into the NRL season’s kick-off in Las Vegas. With competitive spirit rippling through the teams, fans can expect an exhilarating start to the season.