Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The latest NRL news sees the Newcastle Knights confirm the signing of New Zealand Warriors forward Marata Niukore on a three year deal, while Canterbury Bulldogs back rower Jacob Preston continues to build momentum for a potential New South Wales Blues debut ahead of the State of Origin series. The developments come as the 2026 NRL season gathers pace, with recruitment moves and representative form shaping the competition.
Newcastle’s announcement marks an important step in their long term planning under coach Justin Holbrook, with Niukore set to join the club from the 2027 season.
Knights secure key forward signing
The Newcastle Knights have targeted Marata Niukore as a major addition to their forward pack, recognising his versatility across both edge and middle roles. Niukore has been a consistent performer for the New Zealand Warriors, offering defensive strength and the ability to adapt across multiple positions.
From recent match performances, Niukore’s defensive work on the edge has stood out, particularly his ability to shut down attacking plays and maintain structure under pressure. His experience in the centres earlier in his career also adds a layer of skill not always seen in forwards.
Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said the club was confident in what Niukore would bring. According to the official club statement, Niukore is viewed as one of the top edge defenders in the NRL, with the physical attributes to impact games on both sides of the ball.
The signing reflects Newcastle’s steady improvement in 2026, with Holbrook’s system beginning to show results through better defensive organisation and forward rotation.
Warriors acknowledge Niukore contribution
The New Zealand Warriors confirmed Niukore will remain with the club through the 2026 NRL season before his move. Andrew McFadden, the club’s general manager of recruitment, pathways and development, credited the forward’s impact during his time at the Warriors.
Niukore’s role in the current campaign remains important, with the Warriors relying on his consistency in defence and work rate through the middle. His departure at the end of the season will leave a gap, particularly given his ability to handle high defensive workloads.
Jacob Preston emerging as Origin contender
At representative level, Jacob Preston has emerged as a strong contender for New South Wales selection ahead of the State of Origin opener on May 27. The Canterbury Bulldogs forward has been in impressive form, particularly in recent matches where his edge running and defensive effort have stood out.
Preston’s performance against the Penrith Panthers drew attention, where he scored a try and created another through well timed support play. Watching from the sideline, his ability to hit holes at speed and link with halves created repeated pressure on Penrith’s defensive line.
His combination with Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Galvin has developed throughout the season. The pair have shown growing understanding, particularly in attacking shapes on the right edge, where Preston’s timing has been difficult for defenders to read.
Selection pressure builds for Blues
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley faces a potential decision if Liam Martin is unavailable due to a knee injury. Martin’s experience, including multiple Origin appearances, makes him a key figure, but his fitness remains uncertain leading into the series.
This opens the door for players like Preston, alongside Hudson Young and Haumole Olakau’atu, who have all delivered strong performances in the early rounds of the NRL season.
Preston has previously been involved in representative setups, including the Australian squad for the Ashes tour, where he gained exposure to elite training standards and match preparation.
From a tactical perspective, Preston’s strengths lie in his line running, defensive positioning and ability to maintain intensity across long minutes. These attributes align with the demands of State of Origin football, where edge forwards are required to handle both attacking and defensive responsibilities at a high level.
Bulldogs form supporting Preston’s case
The Canterbury Bulldogs’ strong start to the season has helped elevate Preston’s profile. Their recent performances have been built on disciplined defence and improved attacking combinations, with forwards playing a central role.
Bulldogs legend Josh Jackson has also contributed to Preston’s development, offering guidance around preparation and consistency at the top level.
As the Origin window approaches, Preston’s focus remains on maintaining form with the Bulldogs. Consistent performances over the coming rounds will be crucial in determining whether he earns selection in the New South Wales squad.
What it means for the NRL season
The Knights’ signing of Marata Niukore highlights the importance of forward depth and versatility in building a competitive roster. At the same time, the rise of players like Jacob Preston reflects the ongoing competition for representative spots, particularly in the lead up to State of Origin.
Both storylines underline how club performances and recruitment decisions continue to shape the broader NRL landscape.
