The NRL’s 2026 season is set to kick off in style, with the first matches taking place in Las Vegas on March 1. Teams are finalizing their lineups, and both injury updates and player selections are making headlines. Among the notable news is the return of St George Illawarra Dragons star Valentine Holmes, who has declared himself fit to play after recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights are preparing to unveil their squad against the North Queensland Cowboys, with intriguing selections and competition for spots.
As the anticipation builds for the opening matches, here’s what you require to know about the latest team updates, injuries, and player selections for the upcoming fixtures.
Upcoming Matches
The first weekend of the NRL season features two key matchups:
- Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys
Date: March 1, 2026
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1:15 PM AEST - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Date: March 1, 2026
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3:30 PM AEST
Knights vs Cowboys Preview
For the Knights, Kalyn Ponga is expected to take the field despite not participating in pre-season matches. The absence of Fletcher Sharpe due to hamstring tightness raises questions about the halves combination, with reports suggesting that marquee recruit Dylan Brown may shift to accommodate Sharpe’s potential return. The predicted lineup includes:
- 1. Kalyn Ponga
- 2. Greg Marzhew
- 3. Bradman Best
- 4. Dane Gagai
- 5. Dom Young
- 6. Dylan Brown
- 7. Sandon Smith
- 8. Jacob Saifiti
- 9. Phoenix Crossland
- 10. Trey Mooney
- 11. Thomas Cant
- 12. Dylan Lucas
- 13. Tyson Frizell
- 14. Fletcher Sharpe
- 15. Tyson Gamble
- 16. Jermaine McEwen
- 17. Matthew Croker
- 18. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
- 19. Pasami Saulo
Cowboys Forecast
The Cowboys face their own challenges, with Zac Laybutt suspended and expected to be replaced by Tom Chester. Jake Clifford has solidified his position in the halves, even as John Bateman is recovering from a wrist injury but is anticipated to be fit for the opener. The projected Cowboys lineup is as follows:
- 1. Scott Drinkwater
- 2. Murray Taulagi
- 3. Tom Chester
- 4. Jaxon Purdue
- 5. Braidon Burns
- 6. Jake Clifford
- 7. Tom Dearden
- 8. Jason Taumalolo
- 9. Reed Mahoney
- 10. Coen Hess
- 11. Heilum Luki
- 12. Sam McIntyre
- 13. Reuben Cotter
- 14. Soni Luke
- 15. Matt Lodge
- 16. John Bateman
- 17. Kai O’Donnell
- 18. Thomas Mikaele
- 19. Mason Barber
Bulldogs vs Dragons Overview
In the later match, the Bulldogs welcome back Matt Burton, who is fit to play after a hamstring scare. This addition is crucial as they gaze to maintain continuity from last season. The Bulldogs’ projected lineup includes:
- 1. Connor Tracey
- 2. Enari Tuala
- 3. Bronson Xerri
- 4. Stephen Crichton
- 5. Jacob Kiraz
- 6. Matt Burton
- 7. Lachlan Galvin
- 8. Max King
- 9. Bailey Hayward
- 10. Harry Hayes
- 11. Viliame Kikau
- 12. Jacob Preston
- 13. Jaeman Salmon
- 14. Kurt Mann
- 15. Josh Curran
- 16. Samuel Hughes
- 17. Sitili Tupouniua
- 18. Sean O’Sullivan
- 19. Sebastian Su’A
Dragons Lineup Insights
The Dragons have been boosted by the fitness of Valentine Holmes, who expressed optimism about his readiness, stating that both his shoulder and hamstring are in good shape. The Dragons’ expected lineup features:
- 1. Clint Gutherson
- 2. Setu Tu
- 3. Moses Suli
- 4. Valentine Holmes
- 5. Christian Tuipulotu
- 6. Kyle Flanagan
- 7. Dan Atkinson
- 8. Toby Couchman
- 9. Damien Cook
- 10. Emre Guler
- 11. Jaydn Su’A
- 12. Luciano Leilua
- 13. Hame Sele
- 14. Hamish Stewart
- 15. Ryan Couchman
- 16. Josh Kerr
- 17. Blake Lawrie
- 18. Tyrell Sloan
- 19. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Injury Reports and Impacts
Injuries continue to shape the teams ahead of kickoff. The Cowboys are monitoring John Bateman’s progress from a wrist injury, while the Bulldogs are dealing with minor concerns regarding Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya, both of whom have been battling soft tissue issues. The Dragons, meanwhile, are looking to solidify their bench depth with versatile options available.
Looking Ahead
With the season opener just days away, teams are finalizing their strategies and rosters. Fans can expect a thrilling start to the NRL season in Las Vegas, with each team eager to secure crucial early points. Retain an eye on how these selections play out in the opening matches.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 NRL season, fans are encouraged to follow their teams closely and share their thoughts on the upcoming matches. What lineup surprises do you expect? Share your comments below!
