NRL Pre-Season Challenge Kicks Off: 16 Matches Across Three Weeks

NRL pre-season footy starts Friday. The 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge is here.

The Brisbane Broncos are in England for the World Club Challenge, so no domestic trial for them. The four teams heading to Las Vegas for round one get their trials underway a week earlier than the rest. The clock is ticking.

Coaches Split on Approach

Trial selection philosophy remains split across the coaching ranks. Some ease their best players in gradually. Others want combinations and cohesion from the first whistle.

St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is going all in. Sources confirm he will field a near full-strength team against the Newcastle Knights in the opening trial — maximum preparation time before the Vegas opener.

“We want to play our best team and build toward round one,” Flanagan said. “There are no soft games in this competition. You treat every match seriously.”

Ponga Rested for Trials

Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook is taking the opposite approach with his biggest star. Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga will sit out both trial matches as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury. Priority: round one availability for the Las Vegas opener against the Cowboys.

“Kalyn has been excellent in training, but we have a plan and we are sticking to it,” Holbrook said. “Getting him right for round one is the priority.”

Key Fixtures to Watch

Canberra Raiders versus Cronulla Sharks at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Manly Sea Eagles host Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park in the marquee opening-weekend trial. New Zealand Warriors take on Penrith Panthers in Auckland — first look at both squads for 2026. Wests Tigers round out the weekend against Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium.

New recruit combinations on display across the board. Fringe players pushing their case for round one selection. For those already eyeing Round 1 markets, now is a good time to check the NRL pre-season betting odds ahead of the season proper. This is where the season starts to take shape.

Full schedules, team lists, and results will be updated throughout the pre-season on the Australia Football NRL page.

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LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com