The NRL Preseason Just Got a Whole Lot More Interesting!
The 2026 NRL Preseason Challenge has kicked off with a bang, and it’s already clear that this season is going to be a rollercoaster. But here’s where it gets controversial: some of the most exciting performances have come from players you’ve probably never heard of, leaving coaches with some seriously tough decisions to make. And this is the part most people miss—these ‘unknowns’ are not just filling spots; they’re challenging the established stars for their jerseys.
Take Jake Clifford, for instance. His stellar performance for the Cowboys at halfback has thrown a wrench into Todd Payten’s plans. Clifford, alongside Jaxon Purdue, is vying to partner skipper Tom Dearden in Las Vegas. But Clifford’s three try assists and his ability to set up two more in the first half against the Bulldogs have made him a standout. Premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk even labeled him ‘the difference’ and ‘a class above.’ So, will it be Clifford or Purdue? That’s the million-dollar question Payten is grappling with.
But wait, there’s more drama brewing at the Dragons. Kade Reed, a 19-year-old halfback, has emerged as a future star after a superb display in the Dragons’ trial win over the Knights. With 30 run metres, an offload, two linebreak assists, two try assists, and a try, Reed has put Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson on notice. Braith Anasta couldn’t help but ask, ‘Does this put pressure on the Dragons halves?’ The answer? Absolutely. Reed’s intercept and length-of-the-field try-saving tackle on Sandon Smith prove he’s got the grit to be an NRL playmaker. Shane Flanagan has a welcome headache, but it’s one that could spark debate among fans: Is Reed ready for the big stage, or is it too soon?
And let’s not forget the Bulldogs. Despite losing to the Cowboys, they’ve shown they’ve got a bright future. Joseph Teaupa, a member of the 2024 premiership-winning Jersey Flegg Cup squad, led the charge with three try assists, putting Lachlan Galvin on notice. Meanwhile, Heilum Luki’s return after 18 months out with an ACL injury was nothing short of inspiring. His try and 68 running metres in limited minutes have Cowboys fans buzzing. But here’s the kicker: with so much young talent, who gets the nod for Round 1?
The Knights’ halves dilemma is equally intriguing. Sandon Smith seemed like the frontrunner to partner Dylan Brown, but Fletcher Sharpe’s return from a lacerated kidney and damaged spleen has thrown a spanner in the works. Sharpe’s line-break assist and try assist have left commentators like Kieran Foran scratching their heads. ‘You don’t need to invite Fletcher Sharpe into the game; he is as dangerous as anyone,’ Foran said. But where does he fit in? Centre? Fullback? Off the bench? Justin Holbrook has a puzzle to solve, and fans are divided on the best move.
So, what’s the biggest takeaway? This preseason isn’t just about tuning up for the regular season; it’s about young guns challenging the status quo. But here’s the controversial question: Are these rookies ready to take over, or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Let’s debate it in the comments. One thing’s for sure—the 2026 NRL season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
