Get ready, rugby league fans—the action is back! But here’s where it gets exciting: the 2026 NRL Pre-season Challenge is kicking off with a bang, as the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs face off in a thrilling trial match. And this is the part most people miss—both teams are fielding largely experimental lineups, but the Cowboys have a few aces up their sleeve, including young sensation Jaxon Purdue, who’s stepping into the halves alongside Jake Clifford. Could this be their audition for a spot next to Tom Dearden in Las Vegas? Controversial question: Are the Cowboys taking a bigger risk by playing key starters, or are they simply setting the stage for a stronger season?
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are resting nearly all of their top 17 players, opting for a youthful squad to test their depth. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are also welcoming back star back rower Heilum Luki, who’s returning from a serious knee injury—a comeback story that’s sure to inspire. But here’s the kicker: with so many fresh faces on both sides, this match could be a wildcard, full of surprises and potential breakout stars.
For fans eager to catch all the action, the 2026 NRL Pre-season series and All-Star matches will be broadcast LIVE and ad-break free on FOX LEAGUE, available via Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Join now and snag your first month for just $1. (http://www.kayosports.com.au/) Don’t miss out on the drama, the skill, and the sheer unpredictability of pre-season rugby league.
Round 1 Teams:
Cowboys: 1. Mason Barber, 2. Robert Derby, 3. Zac Laybutt, 4. Liam Sutton, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Jaxon Purdue, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Harrison Edwards, 9. Xavier Kerrisk, 10. Thomas Mikaele, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Kai O’Donnell, 13. Sam McIntyre, 14. Zac Herdegen, 15. Kaiden Lahrs, 16. Mason Kira, 17. Matthew Watts, 18. Creedence Toia, 19. Ronald Philitoga, 20. Maddox Goodwin, 21. Wiremu Greig, 22. Tyler Moriarty, 23. Joseph Doyle, 24. Isaiah Latu.
Bulldogs: 1. Taye Cochrane, 2. Cooper Toy, 3. Sosaia Alatini, 4. Jed Reardon, 5. Jonathan Sua, 6. Joseph Teaupa, 7. Alex Conti, 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Alekolasimi Jones, 12. Logan Spinks, 13. Lipoi Hopoi, 14. Fletcher Baker, 16. Zyon Maiu’u, 17. Aaymon Fitzgibbon, 19. Jack Underhill, 20. Raymond Puru, 21. Hamish Wilson, 22. Jope Rauqe, 23. Michael Nassar, 24. Justin Matamua, 25. Bud Smith, 26. Bailey Myers.
Follow every tackle, try, and twist in the LIVE blog below! Can’t see it? Click here to join the action: (https://go.arena.im/live/fox-sports-australia/Di8fQEa?v=2)
Final thought: With so much on the line and so many new faces, this pre-season clash is more than just a warm-up—it’s a glimpse into the future of rugby league. What do you think? Are the Cowboys making the right call by fielding key players, or should they have rested their stars like the Bulldogs? Let us know in the comments!
