The second half of Round 1 in the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership is shaping up to be a compelling weekend of football, with several key players returning from injury and a number of debutants set to make their mark. From the Sharks’ confirmation of Sione Katoa’s availability to Jake Trbojevic’s first appearance of the year for Manly, teams are finalizing preparations for crucial early-season clashes. This NRL late mail provides the latest updates on team lists, injuries, and ins and outs as clubs gear up for Saturday and Sunday’s matches.
A significant boost for Cronulla-Sutherland is the confirmation that winger Sione Katoa will line up against the Gold Coast Titans. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles are set to welcome back experienced forward Jake Trbojevic for their encounter with the Canberra Raiders. These returns add considerable firepower to both sides as they look to secure vital points in the opening rounds of the competition. The weekend promises exciting matchups and potential upsets as teams navigate early-season challenges.
Sharks v Titans – Saturday 5.30pm (AEDT) at Ocean Protect Stadium
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has confirmed that Sione Katoa will take his place on the wing, overcoming a groin injury sustained during the Pre-Season Challenge. Katoa’s recovery is a major positive for the Sharks. However, edge forward Teig Wilton will miss the clash as he continues his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery. Sam Stonestreet will fill the other wing position, replacing Ronaldo Mulitalo who is sidelined with an ACL injury. Michael Gabrael and Niwhai Puru have been omitted from the reserves list.
For the Titans, Lachlan Ilias is poised to make his club debut after Jayden Campbell succumbed to a hamstring injury earlier in the week. Ilias will form a halves partnership with AJ Brimson, although Auckland-born rookie Siale Faeamani will make his NRL debut on the wing. Max Feagai is also set for a maiden Titans appearance, and Cooper Bai is listed on the six-man bench. Jensen Taumoepeau and Josh Patston have been cut from the extended squad and will feature in the Queensland Cup this weekend.
Sea Eagles v Raiders – Saturday 7.35pm (AEDT) at 4 Pines Park
Manly is set to benefit from the return of several key players, with Taniela Paseka (Achilles), Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder), and Jake Trbojevic (concussion) all returning from long-term injuries that ended their 2025 campaigns. Former Raider Jamal Fogarty will partner Luke Brooks in a new-look halves combination following the departure of Daly Cherry-Evans. Blake Wilson and Paul Bryan have been dropped from the 22-man squad in the 24-hour update.
For the Raiders, Ethan Sanders will start at halfback, stepping into the role previously held by Fogarty. He will link up with Ethan Strange in the halves. Matty Nicholson (shoulder), Matthew Timoko (foot), and Owen Pattie were initially listed in the extended squad, but coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed they will play in reserve grade this weekend, though Pattie remained in the squad when it was reduced to 20 on Friday night. Jayden Brailey is set to make his Raiders debut off the bench.
Dolphins v Rabbitohs – Sunday 3.05pm (AEDT) at Suncorp Stadium
The Dolphins are also set to welcome back some experienced players, with Tom Flegler on track for his first NRL game since Round 5, 2024, after recovering from a long-term shoulder injury. Tom Gilbert is also back on deck after rupturing his pectoral in Round 11 last year. However, prop Daniel Saifiti’s return from a shoulder injury has been delayed, potentially opening the door for Brent Woolf to make his NRL debut in jumper No.19.
For the Rabbitohs, Bronson Garlick is set to start at hooker after successfully completing the HIA protocols following a head knock in their final pre-season game. Garlick replaces Brandon Smith, who suffered a calf injury during training. Ashton Ward is set to start at halfback, but Jayden Sullivan remains in contention to play after battling a broken leg and infection in the off-season and is listed on the six-man bench.
As Round 1 continues, these team updates and injury reports provide crucial insights for fans and fantasy players alike. The return of experienced players and the emergence of new talent promise a thrilling weekend of NRL action.
What are your thoughts on these team selections? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!
