TEAM NEWS: NRL Witzer Pre-Season Challenge - 2026 Week 2

Check here for team news ahead of the second week of 2026 Pre-Season Challenge action.

Team announcements are expected at 4pm AEDT Tuesday. Teams can name up to 28 players (up to 15 interchanges). Clubs must then finalise their teamlist one hour before kickoff on Saturday.

All times are listed in AEDT (NSW/VIC/ACT) unless otherwise noted. Both matches will be broadcast on Fox League and Kayo Sports.

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Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans
Thu February 12 2026, 8:00pm at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe / Kabi Kabi

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 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  25. Elijah McKay 26. Tyreece Tait 27. Zac Garton 28. Jac Finigan

Late mail: As named.

1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Sunny Kama 4. Max Feagai 5. Jenson 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 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  25. Jhett Sydir, 26. Allan Fitzgibbon

Late mail: As named.

Match Officials
Referees: Wyatt Raymond;Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jordan Morel;Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 26 - Dolphins 36-30 at Suncorp

Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm
Fri February 13 2026, 5:30pm at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan / Ngunnawal

1. Chevy Stewart 2. Michael Asomua 3. Mark Tuialii 4. Savelio Tamale 5. Jed Stuart 18. Ethan Alaia 7. Daine Laurie 8. Samuel Hyne 9. Owen Pattie 10. Vena Patuki-Case 11. Matt Nicholson 12. Jordan Uta 13. Joseph Roddy 14. Malachi Smith 15. Sebastian Kris 16. Sione Finau 17. Jayze Tuigamala 19. Kain Anderson 20. Shaun Packer 21. Myles Martin 22. Jake Clydsdale 23. Roman Tuaimau 24. Saxon Innes  25. Braydan Darmody 26. Campbell Munn 27. Jalen Afamasaga

Late mail: Afamasaaga drops to the bench and will wear jumper 27, with Alaia to start in the halves with Laurie.

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 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 24. Alan Holten  25. Tala Abell 26. Joey Tramontana

Late mail: 23. Waka Hammond is out with no other changes.

Match Officials
Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski;Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Bradley Kiehne;Video Referees: Grant Atkins;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 9 (Magic) - Canberra 20-18 at Suncorp

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers
Fri February 13 2026, 8:00pm at BB Print Stadium, South Mackay / Yuwibara

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Matthew Lodge 17. John Bateman 18. Liam Sutton 19. Mason Barber 20. Kai O'Donnell 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Jaxson Paulo 23. Robert Derby 24. Ethan King  

Late mail: As named.

1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Jesse McLean 3. Patrick Moimoi 4. Sione Fonua 5. Nick Murphy 6. Keahn Skipps 7. Kurt Falls 8. Delahia Wigmore 9. Billy Scott 10. Tobias Crosby 11. Zakauri Clarke 12. Kalani Going 13. Billy Phillips 14. Jenson Tuaoi 15. Jakeb Vailalo 16. Vea Tapa'atoutai 17. Harry Armstrong 18. Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea 19. Isaiah Scanlan 20. Hokafonu Lemoto 21. Jirah Liddiard 22. Braye Porter 23. Haami Loza 24. Josh Ruxton  25. Cameron Kanaan 26. Samuel Curtain 27. Tyson Sangalang

Late mail: As named.

Match Officials
Referees: Jarrod Cole;Sideline Officials: Daniel Schwass, Tori Wilkie;Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 10 - Draw 30-30 at QLD Country Bank

Warriors v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Sat February 14 2026, 1:40pm at McLean Park, Napier / Aotearoa

1. Geronimo Doyle 2. Haizyn Mellars 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 20. Motu Pasikala 6. Luke Hanson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Demitric Vaimauga 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Morgan Gannon 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 17. Kayliss Fatialofa 18. Makaia Tafua 21. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea 22. Jack Thompson 23. Caelys-paul Putoko 24. Daeon Amituanai 25. Sio Kali 26. Paea Sikuvea 27. Brandon Norris 28. Harrison Inch 29. Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi 30. Jacob Auloa

Squad update: 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck drops out of the side with Pasikala coming in on the wing.

Late mail: Auloa added to the extended bench.

1. Blake Metcalfe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Clayton Faulalo 4. Josh Feledy 5. Navren Willett 6. Onitoni Large 7. Joey Walsh 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Paul Bryan 11. Jackson-levi Shereb-schmidt 15. Hugo Hart 12. Corey Waddell 14. Zaidas Muagututia 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Kylan Mafoa 18. Tyler Melrose 19. Andes Johansson 20. Benjamin Keene-o'keefe 21. Tom Summer

Update (Thursday): 13. Caleb Navale (ruptured ACL) has been ruled out with Hugo Hart moving to the edge backrow with Corey Waddell moving to lock. Tom Summer, a former Parramatta SG Ball player comes into the squad.

Late mail: No further changes.

Match Officials
Referees: Ashley Klein;Sideline Officials: Jack Feavers, Joseph Green;Video Referees: Adam Gee;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 27 - Manly 27-26 at 4 Pines

Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters
Sat February 14 2026, 3:50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

15. Jack Attard 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Heamasi Makasini 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Faaletino Tavana 6. Javon Andrews 7. Jock Madden 8. Kit Laulilii 9. Tristan Hope 10. Sione Fainu 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Pheonix Godinet 17. Christian Taupau-Moors 1. Heath Mason 13. Charlie Murray 14. Jared Haywood 16. Solomane Saukuru 18. Maxwell Taotua 19. Siotame Havea Jr 20. Lachlan Broederlow 21. Luke Jack 22. Iverson Matai 23. Logan Deininger 24. Mitchell Taotua 25 Josese Lanyon 26. William Craig

Late mail: Mason and Murray are benched, with Attard (fullback) and Taupau-Moors to start.

1. Rex Bassingthwaighte 2. Junior Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Tom Rodwell 6. Hugo Savala 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Egan Butcher 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Taylor Losalu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Nat Butcher 13. Siua Wong 14. Delasalle Vaa 15. Jackson Stewart 16. Jaxson Allen 17. Itula Seve 18. Jake Elliott 19. Lachlan Dooner 20. Zac Sarfati 21. Reece Foley 22. Lui Lee 23. Kanaan Magele 24. Enzo Griffier  25. Aston Warwick

Late mail: As named.

Match Officials
Referees: Kieren Irons;Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Dillian Wells;Video Referees: Kasey Badger;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 18 - Wests Tigers 30-28 at Allianz

Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sat February 14 2026, 6:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

3. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 20. Wilson De Courcey 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Thomas Cant 13. Mathew Croker 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jermaine McEwen 16. Elijah Leaumoana 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Brodie Jones 19. James Schiller 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Francis Manuleleua 23. Connor Votano 24. Lachlan Crouch

Late mail: 1. Fletcher Sharpe is out. Hunt shifts to fullback with De Courcey coming in at centre.

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 16. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 10. Harry Hayes 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O'Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin 21. Taye Cochrane 22. Cooper Toy 23. Raymond Puru 24. Jed Reardon 25. Alekolasimi Jones 26. Aaymon Fitzgibbon

Late mail: Hughes starts prop, Hayes drops to the bench.

Match Officials
Referees: Nick Pelgrave;Sideline Officials: Tom Cambourn, Damian Brady;Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 5 - Canterbury 20-0 at Accor

St George Illawarra Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sat February 14 2026, 8:10pm at WIN Stadium, Wollongong / Dharawal

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 20. David Fale 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Hame Sele 14. Hamish Stewart 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Mathew Feagai 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Kade Reed 23. Jacob Halangahu 24. Hayden Buchanan  25. Nick Tsougranis 27. Joseph O'Neill 28. Ryan Hutchinson

Late mail: 4. Valentine Holmes is out with Fale coming into the backline, 26. Haele Finau drops off the bench.

1. Matthew Dufty 2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 3. Talanoa Penitani 4. Latrell Siegwalt 5. Jordi Mazzone 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jonah Glover 8. Salesi Ataata 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Lachlan Hubner 11. Thomas Fletcher 12. Max Mccarthy 13. Bronson Garlick 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Tevita Tatola 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Matthew Humphries 19. John Radel 20. Tim Johannssen 21. Elijah Keung 22. Jay Kirk 23. Nazareth Taua 24. William Afualo  25. Oliver Lawry 26. Tayson Fakaosi

Late mail: As named.

Match Officials
Referees: Gerard Sutton;Sideline Officials: Jon Stone, Daniel Luttringer;Video Referees: Chris Butler;

Last met: NRL 2025, Round 25 - Souhs 40-0 at Accor

Charity Shield since 1982
Overall: Played 42, Souths 19, STG/SGI 18, five draws
At WIN: Played 1, Souths 1, St Geo Illa 0

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Parramatta Eels
Sun February 15 2026, 6:00pm at Henson Park, Marrickville / Gadigal-Wanngal

14. Riley Jones 2. Kristian Dixon 3. Chris Veaila 4. Michael Gabrael 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Riley Pollard 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Braeden Uele 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Billy Burns 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf 15. Bradley Fearnley 16. Felix Faatili 17. Harrison Hassett 18. Samuel McCulloch 19. Jaxon Lavender 20. Taj Ford 21. Xavier Cacciotti 22. Alex Challenor 23. Nikora Williams 24. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa  28. Pharrell Gray 29. Thomas Dellow 30. Oliver Lester 31. Callum Grantham

Late mail: 1. Liam Ison drops out, Jones starts fullback. Gray, Dellow, Lester and Grantham added to the bench.

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Joash Papali'i 7. Jonah Pezet 15. Charlie Guymer 9. Ryley Smith 10. Sam Tuivaiti 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Matt Doorey 8. Saxon Pryke 14. Tallyn Da Silva 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Teancum Brown 18. Apa Twidle 19. Mohamed Alameddine 20. Richard Penisini 21. Araz Nanva 22. Lorenzo Talataina 23. Ronald Volkman 24. Ryda Talagi  25. Jezaiah Funa-Iuta 26. Will Latu 27. Meni Luke 28. Lincoln Fletcher

Late mail: J'maine Hopgood replaced by Saxon Pryke in the squad, with Pryke benched and Guymer to start prop.

Match Officials
Referees: Tyson Brough;Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Mitchell Currie;Video Referees: Chris Butler;

Last met: NRl 2025, Round 9 (Magic) - Cronulla 28-18 at Suncorp