As the dust settles on the 2025 NRL season and clubs shift their focus firmly to the year ahead, the early signs suggest the 2026 season could usher in one of the most intriguing shake-ups in recent memory. From bold positional experiments and major recruitment wins to long-term injuries and emerging young stars, Round 1 team selections are shaping as a fascinating insight into how coaches see the future of their clubs.

Several coaches have already lifted the lid on their thinking during pre-season, with Dragons mentor Shane Flanagan, Cowboys coach Todd Payten and Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould among those making headlines with revealing comments. These developments, combined with roster changes across the competition, provide a clear snapshot of where each club stands heading into 2026.

Below is a team-by-team breakdown of Fox Sports’ predicted Round 1 line-ups, alongside in-depth analysis of the major talking points shaping the early narrative of the season.

BRONCOS: BALANCE, DEPTH AND THE PAYNE HAAS QUESTION

The Brisbane Broncos enter 2026 in a position of relative strength, but not without intrigue. After a successful 2025 campaign, coach Michael Maguire faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while managing key injuries and evolving roles.

Ezra Mam’s expected return to the starting side could trigger a tactical reshuffle, with Ben Hunt likely to move into the hooker role following Billy Walters’ ACL injury. Cory Paix is tipped to begin the season as the No.14 utility, although young rake Blake Mozer continues to loom as the long-term solution.

Up front, the departure of Kobe Hetherington and Fletcher Baker opens the door for towering prop Ben Te Kura to cement a bench role, while Ben Talty is expected to reclaim his spot after missing out on the grand final.

The biggest storyline, however, remains Payne Haas’ future. With rumours linking the star prop to a $3 million deal with the breakaway R360 competition, Brisbane are racing to lock in the most dominant forward in the game. If Haas were to sign, new NRL rules could see him banned for a decade — a scenario that would send shockwaves through the league.

BULLDOGS: GOULD SHUTS DOWN RUMOURS AND A HALVES DILEMMA EMERGES

Canterbury’s off-season has been defined by depth, speculation and Phil Gould’s trademark bluntness.

After online rumours suggested marquee signing Leo Thompson would miss a significant chunk of 2026, Gould responded swiftly, labelling the reports “horrible mail” and strongly denying any injury concerns.

The Bulldogs face a genuine selection puzzle in the halves. While Matt Burton has been linked to a move to fullback in recent seasons, Gould made the club’s stance clear.

Burton and rising star Lachlan Galvin are expected to start in the halves, with teenage playmaker Mitchell Woods likely eased into first grade via the bench. Connor Tracey and Marcelo Montoya headline a settled back five, while Thompson partners Max King in the front row.

With added forward depth arriving in the form of Fletcher Baker, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Sean O’Sullivan, the Bulldogs finally boast the depth that has eluded them in recent years.

COWBOYS: JAXON PURDUE SIGNALS A SPINE SHAKE-UP

North Queensland’s most compelling storyline centres on Jaxon Purdue’s pre-season positional shift.

“He is training at halfback at the moment, he is getting about 80 per cent of his reps at halfback and the other 20 per cent in the centres,” Todd Payten told Code Sports.
“Whether (he) is in the centres or in the halves, I can’t tell you right at the minute. Some of the stuff he has been able to do here at training is really exciting.”

If Purdue claims the No.7 jersey, he would form a dynamic halves pairing with Tom Dearden, reshaping the Cowboys’ attacking identity. Reed Mahoney steps into the hooker role following Reece Robson’s departure, while Jason Taumalolo’s fitness remains central to North Queensland’s forward ambitions.

DOLPHINS: STACKED LINE-UP AND A WAITING GAME FOR BOSTOCK

Kristian Woolf faces one of the toughest selection headaches in the competition.

With Selwyn Cobbo arriving and Jack Bostock sidelined until at least Rounds 8–10, the Dolphins boast an explosive backline. The return of Tom Flegler, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert and Max Plath adds enormous punch to the forward pack.

Flegler’s potential Round 1 return after a long nerve-related layoff could define the Dolphins’ early season fortunes, while English recruit Morgan Knowles remains an intriguing wildcard.

DRAGONS: FLANAGAN UNLEASHES A NEW WING PAIRING

Few clubs have generated more pre-season buzz than St George Illawarra.

Shane Flanagan confirmed new recruits Setu Tu and David Fale have surged ahead of incumbents Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu on the wing.

“At the moment David Fale is No.1 and No.2 is Setu Tu, they are training outstanding,” Flanagan said.
“We haven’t played a game yet, but those two boys that have come in have definitely got the jump on everyone else. Fit, healthy, training really well.”

Daniel Atkinson is set to get first crack at halfback, while Kyle Flanagan and Lykhan King-Togia battle for the No.6 jersey.

EELS: PEZET ARRIVES AND A NEW-LOOK SPINE TAKES SHAPE

Parramatta’s biggest gain is Jonah Pezet, who partners Mitchell Moses in the halves after signing a one-year deal.

Zac Lomax’s early release opens space in the backline, while Jack de Belin’s arrival strengthens the middle. Jason Ryles appears intent on building a faster, more creative Eels outfit after a strong finish to 2025.

KNIGHTS: DYLAN BROWN TAKES CONTROL

Justin Holbrook begins his tenure with Kalyn Ponga entrenched at fullback and Dylan Brown starting at halfback.

Sandon Smith’s arrival adds flexibility, while the loss of Leo Thompson leaves the Knights’ middle rotation thinner than desired. Still, the emergence of Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana and Trey Mooney offers long-term promise.

PANTHERS: STABILITY REMAINS THE STANDARD

Penrith remain the benchmark of consistency.

Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards headline an unchanged spine, while Jack Cogger returns as bench utility. Kalani Going’s NSW Cup form could earn him a Round 1 debut, adding much-needed power to the rotation.

RABBITOHS: FIFITA ARRIVES AND LATRELL SHIFTS

David Fifita’s long-awaited move to South Sydney adds star power to an already formidable pack.

Latrell Mitchell’s extended time training at left centre suggests a permanent positional shift, with Jye Gray likely to assume fullback duties. Wayne Bennett’s challenge will be keeping his stars healthy after an injury-ravaged 2025.

RAIDERS: LIFE AFTER FOGARTY

Canberra enter 2026 without Jamal Fogarty for the first time in years.

Ethan Sanders gets first crack at halfback alongside Ethan Strange, while the forward pack remains largely intact after a dominant 2025 regular season.

ROOSTERS: CHERRY-EVANS ERA BEGINS

Daly Cherry-Evans’ arrival at the Roosters is arguably the biggest signing of the off-season.

Paired with Sam Walker, the veteran halfback gives Trent Robinson a premiership-ready spine featuring James Tedesco and Reece Robson.

SEA EAGLES, SHARKS, STORM, TITANS, WARRIORS AND TIGERS

Each of the remaining clubs enter 2026 with unique storylines — from Manly adjusting to life after Cherry-Evans, to Melbourne reshaping after Ryan Papenhuyzen’s departure, and the Tigers ushering in a new era under Jarome Luai.