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 have opted to rest most of their star players, but the Cowboys are taking a bold approach by fielding a few predicted Round 1 starters, including the highly touted young talent, Jaxon Purdue. And this is the part most people miss: Purdue’s move to the halves alongside Jake Clifford could be a strategic audition for a spot next to Tom Dearden in the Vegas-bound squad. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are giving their younger squad a chance to shine, setting the stage for an unpredictable showdown. Controversial question: Is resting key players in pre-season a smart strategy or a missed opportunity to build early momentum? Let’s dive in!
The Cowboys aren’t just experimenting with Purdue—they’re also welcoming back star back rower Heilum Luki, who’s returning from a serious knee injury. This game could be his first real test back on the field. On the other side, the Bulldogs are fielding a largely inexperienced squad, but that doesn’t mean they’re short on talent. Players like Taye Cochrane and Joseph Teaupa will be looking to make a statement in this trial match. But here’s the kicker: With so many fresh faces, this game could either be a chaotic scramble or a breakout moment for future stars. Which will it be?
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Teams:
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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Final thought: With so much on the line for these young players, who do you think will step up and make their mark? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your predictions and opinions!
