Get ready, rugby league fans—the action is back! But here’s where it gets exciting: the 2026 NRL Pre-season Challenge is kicking off with a clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and it’s not your typical lineup. Both teams are resting most of their star players, but there’s a twist—the Cowboys are giving their young gun, Jaxon Purdue, a chance to shine in the halves alongside Jake Clifford. Could this be his audition to play next to Tom Dearden in Las Vegas? And this is the part most people miss: star back rower Heilum Luki is making his return from a serious knee injury, adding another layer of intrigue to this trial match.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are fielding a largely inexperienced squad, making this a true test of their depth. But here’s the controversial part: Is this a smart strategy to protect key players, or are they missing an opportunity to build early momentum? Let’s not forget, this is just the first of four teams headed to Las Vegas in 2026, and every game counts in the lead-up.
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Teams in Full:
Cowboys: 1. Mason Barber, 2. Robert Derby, 3. Zac Laybutt, 4. Liam Sutton, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Jaxon Purdue, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Harrison Edwards, 9. Xavier Kerrisk, 10. Thomas Mikaele, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Kai O’Donnell, 13. Sam McIntyre, 14. Zac Herdegen, 15. Kaiden Lahrs, 16. Mason Kira, 17. Matthew Watts, 18. Creedence Toia, 19. Ronald Philitoga, 20. Maddox Goodwin, 21. Wiremu Greig, 22. Tyler Moriarty, 23. Joseph Doyle, 24. Isaiah Latu.
Bulldogs: 1. Taye Cochrane, 2. Cooper Toy, 3. Sosaia Alatini, 4. Jed Reardon, 5. Jonathan Sua, 6. Joseph Teaupa, 7. Alex Conti, 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Alekolasimi Jones, 12. Logan Spinks, 13. Lipoi Hopoi, 14. Fletcher Baker, 16. Zyon Maiu’u, 17. Aaymon Fitzgibbon, 19. Jack Underhill, 20. Raymond Puru, 21. Hamish Wilson, 22. Jope Rauqe, 23. Michael Nassar, 24. Justin Matamua, 25. Bud Smith, 26. Bailey Myers.
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Thought-provoking question for you: With both teams resting their stars, is this a missed opportunity for competitive edge, or a smart move to avoid early-season injuries? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
