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 bang, as the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs face off in a thrilling trial match. And this is the part most people miss—both teams are fielding largely experimental lineups, but the Cowboys have a few aces up their sleeve, including young star Jaxon Purdue, who’s been shifted to the halves. Could this be his audition to partner with Tom Dearden in Las Vegas? Controversial take alert: While the Bulldogs are resting nearly all their top players, the Cowboys are taking a bolder approach, potentially giving them an edge in this early showdown. But is this a smart strategy or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The 2026 NRL Pre-season series, including the All-Star matches, is streaming LIVE and ad-break free on FOX LEAGUE, available via Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Join now and grab your first month for just $1. (http://www.kayosports.com.au/) Don’t miss out on the action—it’s the perfect warm-up for the season ahead.
Round 1 Highlights:
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Match Preview: Cowboys vs. Bulldogs
In the first trial match, the Bulldogs and Cowboys are both fielding youthful squads, but there’s a twist. Unlike the Bulldogs, the Cowboys have retained a few predicted Round 1 starters, including Purdue and halfback Jake Clifford. This pairing could be a sneak peek at their Vegas lineup, but only if they impress. Another player to watch is Heilum Luki, the Cowboys’ star back rower making his return from a serious knee injury. Will he be match-fit and ready to reclaim his spot?
Teams Lineup:
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: With both teams fielding largely inexperienced lineups, which side do you think has the upper hand? Are the Cowboys’ strategic inclusions a masterstroke, or should they have rested their stars like the Bulldogs? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
