Get ready for a thrilling start to the 2026 NRL season in Las Vegas! The first team announcements have dropped, and they're packed with surprises and intriguing storylines.
The Knights' Bold Move
Knights coach Justin Holbrook has pulled a selection shocker by opting for Fletcher Sharpe as the five-eighth to partner Dylan Brown in the halves. This decision has left many fans and experts scratching their heads. Holbrook had initially indicated that Sandon Smith would get the nod, but instead, he's gone with the dynamic Sharpe. This move places more responsibility on Brown as the game manager.
But here's where it gets controversial... Will Brown be able to handle the added pressure? And how will this impact the team's overall performance?
Dragons' Mystery Man
Meanwhile, the Dragons are keeping everyone guessing with their lineup. They're set to unleash a 26-year-old debutant, Daniel Atkinson, at halfback, alongside five-eighth Kyle Flanagan. But the real mystery surrounds Valentine Holmes.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Holmes has been training at right centre throughout the week in Vegas, indicating a potential shift to line up against Stephen Crichton. However, Holmes has been named in the No.4 jersey, just like last year. So, will he make the switch on game day? The Bulldogs will have to wait and see, adding an element of surprise to the Dragons' strategy.
And this is the part most people miss... The Dragons' lineup also includes the promising Toby Couchman, who returns from injury, and his brother Ryan, who is set to start on the bench.
Round 1 Lineups
Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys
Knights team:
- Kalyn Ponga
- Dominic Young
- Dane Gagai
- Bradman Best
- Greg Marzhew
- Fletcher Sharpe
- Dylan Brown
- Jacob Saifiti
- Phoenix Crossland
- Trey Mooney
- Dylan Lucas
- Jermaine McEwen
- Tyson Frizell
- Sandon Smith
- Mathew Croker
- Thomas Cant
- Pasami Saulo
- Fletcher Hunt
- Francis Manuleleua
- Tyson Gamble
- Cody Hopwood
- James Schiller
Cowboys team:
- Scott Drinkwater
- Braidon Burns
- Jaxon Purdue
- Tomas Chester
- Murray Taulagi
- Jake Clifford
- Tom Dearden
- Coen Hess
- Reed Mahoney
- Jason Taumalolo
- Heilum Luki
- Sam McIntyre
- Reuben Cotter
- Soni Luke
- Thomas Mikaele
- Harrison Edwards
- Kai O'Donnell
- Griffin Neame
- John Bateman
- Liam Sutton
- Matthew Lodge
- Robert Derby
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Bulldogs team:
- Connor Tracey
- Jacob Kiraz
- Bronson Xerri
- Stephen Crichton
- Marcelo Montoya
- Matt Burton
- Lachlan Galvin
- Max King
- Bailey Hayward
- Samuel Hughes
- Viliame Kikau
- Jacob Preston
- Jaeman Salmon
- Kurt Mann
- Sitili Tupouniua
- Harry Hayes
- Josh Curran
- Sean O'Sullivan
- Jake Turpin
- Enari Tuala
- Jonathan Sua
- Alekolasimi Jones
Dragons team:
- Clinton Gutherson
- Christian Tuipulotu
- Moses Suli
- Valentine Holmes
- Setu Tu
- Kyle Flanagan
- Daniel Atkinson
- Emre Guler
- Damien Cook
- Toby Couchman
- Luciano Leilua
- Jaydn Su'A
- Hamish Stewart
- Hame Sele
- Josh Kerr
- Blake Lawrie
- Ryan Couchman
- Lyhkan King-Togia
- David Fale
- Jacob Halangahu
- Mathew Feagai
- Tyrell Sloan
Get your popcorn ready, folks! These teams are set to deliver an action-packed Round 1 in Las Vegas. Who do you think will come out on top? And what impact will these selection decisions have on the outcome? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
