NRL Pre-Season Trials: Teams Confirmed for Week 2
The 2026 NRL pre-season challenge is underway, with Week 2 trials set to provide crucial insights into team preparations ahead of the season proper. Several teams have unveiled their lineups, offering glimpses of new signings and strategic approaches.
The Rabbitohs are experimenting with a new halves pairing for their Charity Shield clash against the Dragons, while the Eels have named a couple of new recruits in their first trial against the Sharks.
Thursday’s Fixture: Dolphins vs. Gold Coast Titans
Kayo Stadium will host the first match of the week on , as the Dolphins take on the Gold Coast Titans at 8:00 PM AEDT.
Dolphins Team: 1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Brian Pouniu, 5. Tevita Naufahu, 6. Brad Schneider, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Francis Molo, 9. John Fineanganofo, 10. Tom Gilbert, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Oryn Keeley, 13. Morgan Knowles. Interchange: 14. Felise Kaufusi, 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Matthew Milson, 17. Toby Batten, 18. Noah Fien, 19. Elijah Rasmussen, 20. Lauloto Salei, 21. Sebastian Su’a, 22. Lewis Symonds, 23. Callum Bowles, 24. Sangstar Figota.
The Dolphins will see Englishman Morgan Knowles make his club debut at lock, alongside former Bronco Selwyn Cobbo in the centres. Thomas Flegler is named on the bench for his long-awaited return from injury. Captain Tom Gilbert returns from a shoulder injury, and Isaiya Katoa will partner with new recruit Brad Schneider in the halves. Nathan Fien’s son, Noah, along with Elijah Rasmussen and Zac Garton, feature on the bench.
Titans Team: 1. Jaylan De Groot, 2. Sialetili Faeamani, 3. Sunny Kama, 4. Max Feagai, 5. Jensen Taumoepeau, 6. Lachlan Ilias, 7. Zane Harrison, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Luke Sommerton, 10. Klese Haas, 11. Arama Hau, 12. Adam Christensen, 13. Cooper Bai. Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills, 15. Kurtis Morrin, 16. Jett Liu, 17. Tukimihia Simpkins, 18. Kyle Pickering, 19. Max Bradbury, 20. Bodhi Sharpley, 21. Tony Francis, 22. Dean Ieremia, 23. Phoenix Steinwede, 24. Brenton Baira.
Moeaki Fotuaika will captain the Titans, with new recruits Luke Sommerton and Lachlan Ilias forming the spine alongside Zane Harrison. Centre Max Feagai and bench forward Kurt Morrin will make their club debuts, while Dean Ieremia gets an opportunity as a train-and-trial player. Young prop Jett Liu and Max Bradbury are also on the bench.
Friday’s Matchup: Canberra Raiders vs. Melbourne Storm
On , the Canberra Raiders will face the Melbourne Storm at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan, at 5:30 PM AEDT.
Raiders Team: 1. Chevy Stewart, 2. Michael Asomua, 3. Mark Tuialii, 4. Savelio Tamale, 5. Jed Stuart, 6. Jalen Afamasaga, 7. Daine Laurie, 8. Samuel Hyne, 9. Owen Pattie, 10. Vena Patuki-Case, 11. Matty Nicholson, 12. Jordan Uta, 13. Joseph Roddy. Interchange: 14. Malachi Smith, 15. Sebastian Kris, 16. Sione Finau, 17. Jayze Tuigamala, 18. Ethan Alaia, 19. Kain Anderson, 20. Shaun Packer, 21. Myles Martin, 22. Jake Clydsdale, 23. Roman Tuaimau, 24. Saxon Innes.
Recruit Daine Laurie will start at halfback for the Raiders, with Savelio Tamale in the centres, Jed Stuart on the wing, and Owen Pattie and Matty Nicholson starting in the pack. Seb Kris returns from a calf injury on the bench, alongside promising young centre Kain Anderson. Young gun Joe Roddy will start at lock.
Storm Team: 1. Hugo Peel, 2. Luke Cesari, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Moses Leo, 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, 6. Eli Morris, 7. Jordan Hamlin, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Gabriel Satrick, 10. Jack Hetherington, 11. Ativalu Lisati, 12. Cooper Clarke, 13. Trent Loiero. Interchange: 14. Amare Milford, 15. Zayvian Langkilde-Fale, 16. Lazarus Vaalepu, 17. Angus Hinchey, 18. Preston Conn, 19. Liam Williams, 20. Jesse Rafferty, 21. Mitchell Jennings, 22. Amaziah Murgha, 23. Waka Hammond, 24. Alan Holten.
Recruits Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington will make their first appearances for the Storm, while Trent Loiero, Lazarus Vaalepu, and Ativalu Lisati are in the pack. Marion Seve and Moses Leo feature in the backline, with Hugo Peel at fullback and Eli Morris in the halves. Peel and Morris were part of the Storm’s 2025 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning team, along with Preston Conn, Amaziah Murgah, Mitchell Jennings, Liam Williams, Gabriel Satrick, Angus Hinchey, Zayvian Langkidle-Fale, and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, all of whom feature against the Raiders.
Saturday and Sunday Fixtures
The weekend continues with the New Zealand Warriors facing the Manly Sea Eagles on , and the St George Illawarra Dragons taking on the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla Sharks battling the Parramatta Eels on . Full team lists for these matches are available in the source material.
These trials provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to assess player combinations and fine-tune strategies before the start of the 2026 NRL season.