TEAM NEWS: NRL Witzer Pre-Season Challenge - 2026 Week 2
105 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
The off-season report: latest news
Keep across the news as it happens across the 2025/26 off-season.
Looking for 2026 NRL Player Movement, ins & outs? Click here.
2026 Draws & Fixtures for NRL, NRLW, state comps and UK leagues are here.
Recaps of how all 17 NRL clubs fared in 2025 can be read here.
2026 NRL Jerseys have been unveiled - check them out here.
This article updates.
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Lomax case update
The NSW Supreme Court will hear the Eels v Lomax matter on February 12 and 13. The Eels have issued subpoenas to the Storm, Clinton Schifcofske (Lomax's manager) and solicitor Ramy Qutami.
WIN Stadium & Entertainment Centre upgrades revealed
The NSW Government has unveiled their plans for a major upgrade to both WIN Stadium and the neighbouring indoor arena in Wollongong. The upgrades would create a new northern grandstand as well as an extended and reconfigured southern grandstand. The designs also show a new outdoor leisure precinct behind the eastern hill of the ground.
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Parramatta launching legal action on Zac Lomax
News Corp's Michael Carayannis reports the Eels are set to take Lomax down the legal path after talks between the player and club broke down today, with the former Parramatta and Dragons centre keen to make a move to Melbourne for the 2026 season after having walked out on Parramatta last year. The matter will be heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday in order for all parties to resolve the matter quickly.
Parramatta then released a statement, confirming the information in the Telegraph report and providing more detail around the negotiations.
Chevy faces court, but avoids conviction
Canberra rookie Chevy Stewart has faced court following an incident at Northies in Cronulla last September, pleading guilty to one count of 'destroy of damage property'.
The 20-year-old allegedly short-circuited the venue's gaming room on 26 September 2025 when he lost on a gaming machine, and splashed the "very small" amount of drink he had left onto the screen of the machine, before walking off unaware he had caused damage to the machine until moments later when the room went dark.
Magistrate Jillian Kiely (Sutherland Local Court) described his reaction as a "very immature reaction to losing". Stewart had immediately offered to pay for the damage on the day and has done so prior to the court sentencing.
He has been sentenced to a conditional release order for 12 months, with no conviction recorded.
RLPA release players' polling report
The Rugby League Players' Assocation Players' Pulse 2025 report has been released, with the organisation unveiling their findings based on data from player surveys.
More concerning findings reported an increase in players continuing to train after an expected concussion, or returning to training before receiving formal medical clearance.
Unsurprisingly, players reported racism and abuse continued to rise, with social media in particular the primary channel where such abuse occurs.
Players were then asked to grade their clubs in a series of areas, with the best four clubs - Penrith, Parramatta, Melbourne and Canterbury - named for the men's NRL competition, the women's top four being Sydney, Parramatta, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Remaining clubs were not named, with some clubs receiving F grades in some areas like Club Facilities and Wellbeing and Education.
Other areas surveyed include player movement and subsequent motivations, feedback on player agents, NRLW work-life balance, and perceptions and confidence in the men's NRL competition.
Wed 21 Jan 2026
Fresh Angus for Wallabies
Angus Crichton is reported to be leaving the Roosters and NRL at the end of the 2026 season, when he'll link up with rugby union in an effort to take part in the 2027 Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies and next year's NSW Waratahs Super Rugby campaign. His teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase will head to Japanese for domestic action in 2027 before returning here later in the year to team up with Crichton for the Wallabies.
Paps' reason for leaving
Talking on his podcast (One Six Seven) with ex-teammates Cam Munster and Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen shared a bit behind the scenes on his reason for walking away from rugby league, with a suggestion he's retired from the game.
"I had that head knock [the Brisbane game, last round of the year] ... pretty emotional, pretty upset ... I was rattled."
"I've never really cried in front of you boys, but I was in the sheds, trying to hide it a little bit. In that moment, I was a bit like 'what are you doin, at what cost do you play footy for?'"
After he said he let that moment process, he got back to the task and helped the Storm finish the year, where they fell short of the Grand Final win.
He suggested he knew within himself he was having a year off in 2026 at this point. He pointed out he decided to prioritise his health.
"I know I said I'd take a year off, but at this stage I don't think I'd play [again] at all... R360 was definitely in the talks and something I was keen on, but nup... so now, I think I'm retired."
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Soni Luke finds a new home in Townsville
The former Penrith rake has signed a one-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys after being released by Penrith at the end of last season.
Mon 19 Jan 2026
Colquhoun extends at Cronulla
Sharks forward Jesse Colquhoun will remain in the Shire until at least 2030 after penning a contract extension today.
Weekend results
The opening round of the Championship is complete with Oldham and London the biggest winners across the opening weekend. All First Round Challenge Cup ties are now complete with Second Round fixturing nearly complete. Castleford and Huddersfield won testimonial fixtures over the weekend as Super League friendlies continued.
Championship R1 wrap | Challenge Cup | Friendlies
Sat 17 Jan 2026
Championship opener halted due to crowd emergency
A medical emergency in the crowd at CorpAcq Stadium paused Friday night's season opening Championship game between Salford and Oldham just after the half-hour mark. The game resumed around 30 minutes after play was halted with the supporter taken away from the ground. Oldham won the match 44-0.
Air Force withdraw from Cup
Royal Air Force have regretfully forfeited Saturday's Challenge Cup tie trip to Heworth ARLFC, with the Forces side unable to spare members due to last week's postponements and operational requirements. Heworth get a free ride to next week's second round where they'll host Championship outfit Keighley.
Fri 16 Jan 2026
Brigginshaw to retire later this year, focusing on Broncos
Jillaroos and Maroons legend Ali Brigginshaw will step aside from representative commitments in 2026, choosing to focus solely on the Brisbane Broncos' title defence in what will be her last year of professional rugby league.
Thu 15 Jan 2026
England coach steps down
Shaun Wane has stepped down from his role as head coach of the England international side after six years at the helm.
Championship structure up in the air
Latest reporting from Love Rugby League as well as a social media post from the Oldham club indicates the previously mooted "decided by win percentage" structure announced by the RFL following Featherstone's withdrawal is likely to change.
The reports indicate the RFL is swiftly moving to provide make-up fixtures to each of the 12 clubs who stood to lose a home game after the Rovers' exit, restoring the competition to a full 24-game home and away season for the 20 clubs remaining in the competition. These will all be new fixtures, and will not result in any triple-ups. The RFL plans to make use of Challenge Cup vacant weekends and other open slots later in the year.
Meanwhile, information was also revealed for the 1895 Cup, with that tournament to begin in March and conclude with an August 31 Final, coinciding with the Bank Holiday Monday.
The Championship Grand Final will be played on the weekend on 10-11 October, a week later than the Super League decider.
Championship team news
Round 1 is looming. All the referee appointments are in, while Salford and Oldham have named their squads for the season opener on Friday night UK time. Keep an eye on the link below for all squad news.
Wed 14 Jan 2026
Maddie Studdon charged with stalking offences
The NRLW star spent Tuesday night in police custody after being charged with domestic-violence related stalking. Police allege she used bank transfers to send abusive messages to an ex-partner from 11 January.
Studdon most recently appeared for the St George Illawarra Dragons in one NRLW game in 2025, having previously spent two seasons at Cronulla.
PNG Chiefs CEO confirmed
Big day for the two expansion teams. Lorna McPherson will helm the 2028 entrants PNG Chiefs. More from the ARLC's statement below.
Perth Bears logo revealed
The league's newest club entering next year has unveiled their identity.
Click here to see their new logo.
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Challenge Cup Third Round locked in, Women's Group Stage drawn
The 13 Super League clubs entering the Cup in the Third Round (early February, Toulouse not entered) will play away ties after the draw was made on Monday UK time. Groups were also confirmed for the Women's tournament which begins in April.
Mon 12 Jan 2026
Two more Bears sign on
Leeds second-rower James McDonnell will head from the north of England to Western Australia in 2027, with the departing Rhino signing a deal with Perth Bears for two seasons. The new club brought its roster up to 12 players by also announcing the signing of Chris Vea'ila, who is currently in the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks lower grades, where he's been since moving from Newcastle earlier this decade.
Perth Bears media | NRL Player Movement Tracker
Cup & Friendlies wrapped
The first competitive weekend of rugby league for the year is complete. On Sunday, one more Cup match was postponed with Siddal-Waterhead pushed back to next week. Aberavon Fighting Irish and Bedford Tigers progressed to the second round with victories, while in friendlies, Bradford, Rochdale and Workington all came up winners. Full results at the links below.
Cup fixtures, results | Friendlies
Sun 11 Jan 2026
Six Cup ties go ahead, two friendlies
Hunslet ARLFC, Orrell St James, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, Wests Warriors, Blackbrook ARLFC and Thatto Heath Crusaders were the six clubs to progress to the Second Round of the Challenge Cup on Saturday. Eight of the 14 ties scheduled for Saturday were ultimately postponed to next weekend, with three others set for action tomorrow.
Meanwhile, North Wales downed a young Wigan side at Colwyn Bay, while Barrow thrashed Scotland in Shane Toal's testimonial at Craven Park. Three other friendlies were cancelled due to frozen pitches with Cas-Oldham, Dewsbury-Bradford and Swinton-St Helens not proceeding. Three games remain on the list to play on Sunday while two others won't go ahead, Batley-Sheffield and Keighley-London's warm-up fixtures also falling victim to the cold northern weather.
Cup fixtures, results | Friendlies
Midlands on the move
Championship outfit Midlands Hurricanes are shifting stadiums with immediate effect just one week from the kickoff of the new season. After spending a few seasons this decade at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium, the 'Canes will call Avery Fields home starting from next week's home opener against Newcastle. The West Birmingham location will be their home for 20 years after a lease agreement was signed.
Elliott a Rabbitoh
Off-contract former Newcastle forward Adam Elliott has inked a one-year deal with South Sydney for 2026. After stints at Canterbury, Canberra and then Newcastle, the 31-year old 173-gamer has also made two appearances for the Indigenous All Stars. His wife Millie Elliott missed the 2025 season for the Sydney Roosters NRLW side as the couple welcomed their first child.
Sat 10 Jan 2026
More Cup ties pushed back
Three further Challenge Cup matches have been postponed after Saturday morning pitch inspections, with the Stanningley-Dewsbury Moor, Brighouse-Lock Lane and Woodhouse-Mirfield clashes to be played on January 17 instead.
Challenge Cup fixtures, results
Three friendlies are also off over the coming weekend, with Dewsbury-Bradford, Cas-Oldham and Batley-Sheffield all succumbing. On Friday night, Warrington thumped Widnes 50-12 at Halliwell Jones Stadium.
NRL clubs set to reject some rule changes
The proposed rule changes floated in late December have been met with a mixed reaction, according to a leaked email published by News Corp's Travis Meyn. The 'scoring team can opt to kick off or receive' was the most disputed of the four proposed changes, while the extension of the set restart zone to own 20m rather than own 40m has also been resisted by the clubs.
The clubs' overarching concerns are an increased risk of injury and concussion, and a lack of lead time for these changes.
The extended bench proposal, and knock-on over the line being a 6-tackle 20m restart rather than 7-tackle seemingly have the support of clubs.
Featherstone refused admission for Championship season
The RFL released a statement on Friday night confirming that Featherstone Rovers would not be granted RFL membership for 2026, nor be able to participate in the Championship season which commences next weekend. Their fixtures will be decided by win percentage as occured in the COVID-19 affected seasons, while their Challenge Cup fixture is forfeited meaning the winner of today's Brighouse v Lock Lane tie gets a Second Round bye.
The RFL indicates it "remains committed to supporting a sustainable return of professional rugby league in the town of Featherstone moving forward", and will ensure any clubs who lose the opportunity for a home fixture against Featherstone in the 2026 Championship season have "some level of compensation made available" to them.
Several Challenge Cup ties postponed
As is common at this time of year, so far three of the 17 Challenge Cup matches scheduled for Saturday across the UK have been postponed by a week due to frozen pitches. The King Cross Park-West Hull, Telford Raiders-London Chargers, and Rochdale Mayfield-Ince Rose Bridge clashes will all be played now on Saturday 17 January.
More Salford signings, York pick up ex-Rooster
Oscar Hansen, Owen Haldenby, Joe Hartley, Finley Yates, Jack Gatcliffe, Josh Wagstaffe and Lewis Pilling bring the total Salford roster to 15 for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, former Rooster Xavier Va'a will link up with newly promoted Super League outfit York Knights for the 2026 season. The Roosters released the prop in December with his likely destination somewhere in the UK, but it has now been confirmed he will land at York.
Fri 9 Jan 2026
International laws amended
The International Rugby League confirmed changes to the laws of the game on Friday.
Paul Kent cancer diagnosis
Former rugby league analyst and journalist Paul Kent, who was stood down by Fox Sports after an alteraction at a Sydney hotel in 2024, has been diagnosed with throat cancer.
News Corp's Phil Rothfield reported the news in the Daily Telegraph this afternoon, outlining Kent, who hosts in own podcast, was diagnosed in December after returning home from the Ashes Tour in England.
He will begin treatment next week.
Dolphins rake to miss early season matches
Jeremy Marshall-King will miss the 'Phins first few games of 2026 after suffering a meniscus injury. The number nine reportedly slipped over at home accidentally. He has had successfully surgery and is looking at 3-4 months recovery.
Wishart, Meaney to depart Storm end of 2026
Neither player will be re-signed by the club according to a statement issued this morning, with News Corp reports yesterday suggesting they will be the ninth and tenth players to join Perth ahead of the 2027 season.
Salford signings stacking up
The Phoenix club replacing the Red Devils have named their first eight signings in back-to-back announcements, just over a week out from their Round 1 Championship clash against Oldham. The bulk of the players named were part of the previous iteration of the club which folded at the end of 2025.
Oldham, meanwhile, will miss out on one last run this weekend, with their pre-season Friendly cancelled against Castleford due to the Wheldon Road pitch being frozen over.
Salford signings via LRL | Castleford-Oldham off via LRL
Wed 7 Jan 2026
Vale Joyce Churchill
The wife of legendary South Sydney fullback Clive has passed away this week, age 99. Born in 1926, she married Clive in 1959, and the pair had one child. Following her husband's passing in 1985 and the inauguration of the Clive Churchill Medal, Joyce often presented the award for the Grand Final player of the match - most notably in 2014 when Sam Burgess helped the Bunnies to their 21st title. Joyce has been a life member of the Rabbitohs' club since 2006.
Rugby League 2025 Annual published
A partnership between LU and Rugby League Project, a FREE and fully online publication - Rugby League 2025 Annual - is now available to read or download.
It contains most comprehensive summary of the 2025 rugby league year by far, with detailed results, match-by-match reports with scorers and teams, team summaries and breakdowns for the NRL and Super League, as well as a look back at the first 30 years of Super League, a glorious tribute to Sir Billy Boston and so much more across Australia, UK and International competitions.
Curran heads west
Josh Curran has become the eighth player to sign on for the Perth Bears' inaugural 2027 season. The Bulldogs forward will head west at the end of 2026 to join current squad mate Luke Smith who previously signed with the NRL's newest outfit for next year.
Tue 6 Jan 2026
Koloamatangi headlines signing surge
The much-reported signing of Keaon Koloamatangi has finally been confirmed by the Dragons, with the club confirming he will head down Mt Ousley Road in time for the 2027 NRL season. The confirmation of his switch next season comes among a small surge of signings for 2026 made by various clubs - Brian Kelly has left the Titans and is now an Eel, while Tommy Talau, released by Manly at the end of 2025, has joined the Roosters. Late last week, the Titans confirmed Sharks outside back Mawene Hiroti would trade shades of blue after seeing out his time at Cronulla, joining the Gold Coast in 2027.
Storm in a teacup?
Elsewhere, Zac Lomax has made headlines again. News Corp reports the former Eels centre - who left the club earlier in the off-season - attracted interest from the Storm (who themselves lost Ryan Papenhuyzen to the supposed R360 exodus). The conditional release granted to the representative outside back by Parramatta means they need to grant permission for Lomax and any club to negotiate a new contract... something they 'instantly rejected' according to reports, although those same reports suggest 'discussions are set to continue'. Watch this space.
Championship updates
Keighley coach quits: Head coach Alan Kilshaw has 'been released from his role as head coach' of Championship club Keighley Cougars, requesting to be let go in order to pursue a significant opportunity elsewhere. Assistant coach Dan Burton will look after the club in the interim, with the side's first match of the new season just over ten days away.
Salford announce coaching make-up: Mike Grady, who previously had the reins at North Wales Crusaders, will take the helm of the re-born Salford RLFC club. He'll be supported by Dave Hewitt.
Sun 4 Jan 2026
Friendlies flicked
As is the norm at this time of year, some of the friendlies scheduled won't proceed in the north of England.
Both this weekend's planned matches - Barrow hosting Whitehaven (Saturday) and James Saltonstall's testimonial with Halifax hosting Rochdale - have been scrapped due to icy conditions creating unplayable pitches. At the time of writing it seems both contests won't be rescheduled. Barrow, Rochdale and Whitehaven are all set for friendly action next weekend, while Halifax won't take the field until their Championship away season opener in a fortnight against Doncaster.
Full UK pre-season results and fixtures
Fri 2 Jan 2026
Anti-tampering rules changed
The NRL issued a media statement on Friday morning detailing a range of changes to the NRL Anti-Tampering Rules which begin from 1 February. The changes related to public comments made by interested parties which may interfere with contract discussions. The NRL outlined that the changes were made in conjunction with the RLPA.
Thu 1 Jan 2026
Corey Allan retires
Following a 75-appearance career spanning four NRL clubs and a single Origin appearance for Queensland in 2020, outside back Corey Allan confirmed his retirement from rugby league on New Years Eve in an Instagram post. Thanking the Broncos, Dragons, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Roosters, he confirmed he has opted against taking up an opportunity overseas and will move on to his next chapter.
Featherstone update, Salford rebuild continues
Currently in administration, Featherstone Rovers are in a race against time to be ready to take the field for the 2026 Championship season. A consortium of men who previously held various administrative roles with the club are working on a new entity which reportedly has a new coach and players lined up, as well as confidence in the use of their Post Office Road home venue Millennium Stadium. The main hurdle the RFL will need them to clear? All debts related to rugby league being met in full. They may also be able to start the season later if the club isn't ready for Round 1 in just over a fortnight. Watch this space.
Meanwhile, Salford will avoid any points deduction on the 2026 table despite the club becoming insolvent. The logic the RFL has used to reach this decision is that the new entity should not be punished for the previous one entering liquidation. Whether Featherstone can clear a similar hurdle to ensure the integrity of the upcoming second division season remains to be seen.
December 2025
Wed 31 Dec 2025
Blue-shirt trainers in the cross-hairs
A big gripe among NRL fans is often how long the 'blue-shirt' trainer stays on the field delivering messages and tactical advice - this is set to change in 2026. A proposal from CEO Andrew Abdo sent to clubs this week indicates the relevant trainer will only be able to access the field after a try or for a line drop-out.
The new rule is in response to repeated issues with trainers throughout 2024, including trainers deliberately tampering with the ball by soaking it in water, and obstructing goal kicking attempts.
Tue 30 Dec 2025
The rules, they are a-changin'
News Corp reporting on proposed NRL rule changes covers four key items:
- Swapping kickoffs: we could be headed back to 1997 with the scoring team set to kick off as an option to them;
- 19 player match squads: game-day benches set to be extended to six players, but only four will be able to be used;
- 20m restart change: players who drop the ball over the line attempting score won't be penalised with a 7-tackle set, instead that instance of in-goal attacking error will result in a 6-tackle set off the 20m restart; AND
- Own 20m penalty zone: previously revised to your own 40m, penalties will now only be given instead of set restarts inside your own 20m.
These changes are not confirmed and are set to be discussed by the NRL with the clubs and RLPA prior to the 2026 season getting underway.
Mon 29 Dec 2025
Salford identity confirmed, stadium locked in
Things are happening fast for the club formerly known as the Red Devils. Salford RLFC's website and social media accounts are now live and season tickets are available. Over the past week the club has also secured an initial two-year agreement with local authorities to call Compacq Stadium (Salford Community Stadium) their home.
Sun 28 Dec 2025
Souths to stick to cooling-off period
The 10-day cooling off period now standard with NRL contracts won't be waived by Keaon Koloamatangi's current club South Sydney, according to a News Corp report. The Dragons will have to wait until the early days of January to officially announce their newest recruit. Current reporting suggests the bustling second rower will see out his final year at the Bunnies before heading to his new club at the end of 2026.
UK pre-season weekend results
The annual Boxing Day clashes have been run and won, with Leeds downing Wakefield at Headingley in a close contest, while Batley kept Dewsbury to nil away from home in the Heavy Woollen derby. On Sunday, Barrow racked up a half-century to down North Wales at home.
UK pre-season fixtures & results
Fri 26 Dec 2025
Koloamatangi reportedly a Dragon in 2027
Multiple outlets on Boxing Day reported the Rabbitohs representative forward is destined to join St George Illawarra at the end of his contract, with the Dragons beating both the Eels and his current club to secure the star for the 2027 season and beyond. The new deal is said to be five years in length meaning he will don the 'Red V' until at least the end of 2031, after seeing out the final season of his South Sydney contract in 2026.
NRL grants exemption to Knights' teen prodigy
Newcastle have successfully lobbied the NRL for permission to allow rookie youngster Kingston Seve to train with the main NRL squad, despite only being at age 17 and ineligible to do so under existing rules. The only player granted such an exemption under the current rules previously was Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, he's likely to play the season out for the Knights' SG Ball team (Under 19s) and possibly Jersey Flegg or NSW Cup games later in the year, then be eligible to play some time in 2027. The big centre was part of Burleigh's winning Cyril Connell Cup team in 2025.
Sun 21 Dec 2025
The pre-season is underway!
Two pre-season friendlies have kicked things off for 2026 in the UK, with Sheffield winning away at Keighley on Saturday followed by a comfortable win for North Wales Crusaders over Swinton on Sunday.
UK pre-season fixtures & results
Thu 18 Dec 2025
Day of the statements
The NRL HQ has been busy in the lead-up to Christmas, releasing FOUR statements on the same day covering a range of issues.
Three of the statements were in relation to breach notices and sanctions, with the Roosters (salary cap calculations) and Storm (team selection protocol) fined by the league, Melbourne forward Shawn Blore issued a breach notice in relation to court proceedings he faced from a July 2024 incident, and player agent sanctions for Mario Tartak, Matthew Desira, Nash Dawson and Chris Orr.
The fourth statement was a note of condolence and support from the ARLC in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.