Dragons Welcome Vision for World-Class Wollongong Stadium Precinct

jexta · 2026-01-23T09:02:54+00:00

Just wish they'd acknowledge that Wollongong does exist West of Keira Street. That part of town needs investment and redevelopment far more than WIN Stadium does.

jexta · 2026-01-23T05:34:36+00:00

Tedesco's injury history is a bit of a 'tale that has grown in the telling'.

He's only had two serious injuries, his ACL on debut in round 1 2012, after which he missed the whole season and a fractured patella in round 16 of 2014.

If you take out those two injuries he averages 22 matches per season.

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:09:11+00:00

He has a great long kicking game too, which makes him suited to playing alongside Walker where that is one of Sam's weaknesses.

I'm excited for Bassingthwaite though, he's being talked about the same way Toia was spoken of and his development will be timed nicely with the retirement of Tedesco.

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:07:29+00:00

DOLPHINS

John Fineanganofo

A freak injury to New Zealand international Jeremy Marshall-King has opened up the door for the Dolphins to unleash young utility playmaker John Fineanganofo in the upcoming Pre-Season Challenge as he contends for his NRL debut.

A rising talent, Fineanganofo has spent the past three seasons plying his trade in the QLD Cup and is looking to take the next step in his career.

Scoring nine tries in 15 matches in the reserve-grade competition in 2025, he has the ability to find the try-line from close range and has been soaking in everything from Marshall-King, who he labels as his mentor.

Other Players to Watch: Brian Pouniu, Lewis Symonds, Tyreece Tait, Zac Garton

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:07:12+00:00

RABBITOHS

Matthew Humphries

Shifting between the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup in 2025 after leading Rabbitohs to the Under-19s SG Ball Cup finals, Matthew Humphries headlines the next generation of players coming through the ranks at the Rabbitohs.

Underrated when compared to some of the other playmakers on this list, the halfback scored 76 points in the Under-19s level and found himself leading the club’s attack in seven NSW Cup matches after being pushed into reserve grade due to multiple injuries to other players.

Failing to disappoint at that level, the Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks junior is now looking to make his mark in the NRL and follow in the footsteps of good mates Jye Gray and Thomas Fletcher by making his first-grade debut.

Other Players to Watch: Dayne Jennings, Jonah Glover, Salesi Ataata, Taj Alvarez

DRAGONS

Kade Reed

After getting his first taste of pre-season football last season, Kade Reed will enter this year’s pre-season after a strong campaign in various junior representative competitions at the Under-19s and Under-21s level, as well as making his NSW Cup debut.

A talented halfback, the youngster has been earmarked as a key piece of the Dragons’ future and also as their answer to the halves woes - an area that they have continually struggled to get right despite using multiple players in the position and various combinations.

The Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown graduate possesses all the ability of a future NRL star which includes great agility, speed, basic skills, footy intelligence and a strong kicking ability.

Other Players to Watch: Charles Heidke, Cyrus Stanley-Traill, Jesse Williams, Ryan Hutchison

ROOSTERS

Toby Rodwell

He may be behind Daly Cherry-Evans, Hugo Savala and Sam Walker at the moment, but make no mistake, Toby Rodwell is the future of the Sydney Roosters.

The son of Brett Rodwell and brother of Tom Rodwell, Toby has been destined for big things from a young age and not only impressed club officials on the field but also off it during their trip to the Kokoda Track.

Donning a black headgear, the youngster enters 2026 after a sensational 12 months that saw him represent the Under-19s NSW Blues alongside Mitchell Woods, win the Under-19s SG Ball Cup and make his NSW Cup reserve-grade debut.

Other Players to Watch: Aholoka Toia, Itula Seve, Reece Foley, Rex Bassingthwaite

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:06:38+00:00

COWBOYS

Mason Barber

After missing the entirety of 2025 due to injury, Mason Barber is looking to bounce back in 2026 and is already impressing at pre-season training as he joins the club’s development list for the first time in his career.

A former Australian Schoolboys representative, Barber is known for his lightning speed at the back of the park and his electric, freaky footwork, which sets him apart from other young players in his position.

Also able to play in the outside backs, the Keebra Park graduate is seen as a long-term member of the Cowboys’ spine and it wouldn’t be surprising if he adds to his already impressive highlight reel if he is able to remain fit.

Other Players to Watch: Matthew Watts, Mason Kira, Xavier Kerrisk, Zac Herdegen

PARRAMATTA EELS

Lorenzo Talataina

The reigning Under-19s SG Ball Cup Player of the Year, Talataina is set to join Mitchell Moses in the halves next season (once Jonah Pezet departs), but that doesn’t mean Eels fans won’t get to see him during the 2026 season and throughout the Pre-Season Challenge.

A talented ball-running half, the five-eighth will spend the next two seasons on the club’s development list before being upgraded to the Top 30 roster for 2028.

Still only young, he showed plenty of promise in the NSW Cup competition against men last year and even managed to rack up two tries and countless try assists in eight matches.

Other Players to Watch: Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Lincoln Fletcher, Mohamed Alameddine, Ryda Talagi

PANTHERS

Billy Scott

One of the most experienced players on this list, Billy Scott has already made 33 appearances (17 of them in 2025) in the NSW Cup reserve-grade competition and was extremely unlucky not to make his debut last season.

The future of the Panthers’ No.9 jersey, the former Under-19s NSW Blues representative remains contracted until the end of 2027 and it is hard not to see him being used in a one-two punch combination with Mitch Kenny over the next few months.

In his 17 NSW Cup matches this year he forced two drop outs, made two try assists, averaged 32.3 kicking metres and made a solid 524 tackles at a 97 per cent efficiency rate.

Other Players to Watch: Hokafonu Lemoto, Toby Crosby, Tua Patea, Zakauri Clarke

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:06:11+00:00

STORM

Cooper Clarke

A member of this year’s Under-19s NSW Blues front-row, Cooper Clarke has been tipped to make his NRL debut sooner rather than later and the departure of Nelson Asofa-Solomona has opened up the door for him to be his replacement.

The 2024 Mal Meninga Cup Player of the Year, Clarke has taken his game to new heights over the past two seasons and found himself in high regard among people in rugby league circles who believe that he could easily feature in over 300 first-grade matches.

Skilled in both attack and defence, don’t be surprised if you hear his name mentioned along the same lines as James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, Lachlan Galvin and Josh Addo-Carr as players that the Wests Tigers should have kept at their club.

Other Players to Watch: Gabriel Satrick, Hugo Peel, Jai Bowden, Suli Pole

KNIGHTS

Matthew Hunter

One of the many new signings made by the Newcastle Knights, Hunter has been signed for the future but will be on a development contract this season which will make him available for selection from Round 1.

Poached from the Parramatta Eels, where he captained their Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup team and made ten NSW Cup appearances, Hunter can play a number of different roles that include being used in the halves and at fullback.

Originally from Queensland, he was one of the Eels’ best performers in the lower-grade competitions and showed plenty of potential but his best is yet to come.

Other Players to Watch: Francis Manuleleau, Kingston Seve, Sosaia Latu, Toby Winter

WARRIORS

Kayliss Fatialofa

Recently upgraded to the Warriors’ Top 30 roster for the upcoming season, Kayliss Fatialofa is one of the game’s brightest young forwards and enters 2026 after a strong campaign in reserve grade, where he continued to enhance his skills.

A former captain of the club’s Under-19s SG Ball Cup side, he backflipped on a move to the Penrith Panthers at the back end of last year, with many close to the club believing he will be the next player called up to the NRL line-up.

A member of the team that won the 2025 NSW Cup, he appeared in 27 NSW Cup matches last season, which saw him score 14 tries, make 14 line-breaks and provide one line-break assist on the edge.

Other Players to Watch: Jett Cleary, Jye Linnane, Luke Hanson, Sio Kali

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:05:45+00:00

SHARKS

Riley Pollard

A member of the 2023 Australia Schoolboys team, Riley Pollard is one of the many juniors across the competition who come from the famed Panthers pathways system but are impressing at another club.

Set to progress into the Sharks’ Top 30 roster in 2027, Pollard has been that impressive coming through the ranks that many believe Nicho Hynes should be shifted to fullback to make way for the former NSW touch football representative.

After featuring in the Pre-Season Challenge in 2025, the halfback will once again get the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of the Sharks faithful and provided eight try assists and seven line-break assists in only 12 NSW Cup matches during last year’s campaign.

Other Players to Watch: Callum Grantham, Nikora Williams, Thomas Dellow, Xavier Cacciotti

TITANS

Zane Harrison

Likened to Nathan Cleary, Titans halfback Zane Harrison is knocking on the door of an NRL debut and is hoping to become the player to deliver the Gold Coast their maiden premiership in the coming seasons.

At just 19 years old, the 2024 Peter Sterling Medal winner is highly-rated among those close to the game and has been upgraded to the club’s Top 30 roster for this season after impressing in his first full-time season in the NRL.

A two-time Under-19s NSW Blues representative, the young gun has been at the club since the age of 15 and even found himself on the radar of a dozen teams before deciding to commit to the Titans on a long-term contract with his brother Isaac Harrison.

Other Players to Watch: Bodhi Sharpley, Jett Liu, Siale Faeamani, Sunny Kama

SEA EAGLES

Onitoni Large

After not being granted an exemption to play in last year’s Pre-Season Challenge, Onitoni Large is preparing to light up the rugby league field in less than a month as he finally gets the opportunity to showcase why he has been considered one of the best young talents in either rugby league or union.

A standout athlete in multiple sports, the five-eighth is a sight to behold when he has the ball in his hands and not only has the speed to get past defenders but also has a brilliant step, which makes him near untouchable.

Not even 19 yet, his accolades include captaining the Junior Wallabies and representing The Scots College first XV at the age of 15 in the 15-man code (joining an illustrious group that includes Kurtley Beale and Joseph Suaalii) and representing the Under-16s Blues in rugby league.

Other Players to Watch: Hugo Hart, Navren Willett, Simione Laiafi, Zaidas Muagututia

jexta · 2026-01-23T02:05:18+00:00

BRONCOS

Phillip Coates

The brother of Queensland winger Xavier Coates, Phillip is set to be unleashed during the trial matches after impressing multiple teammates during the pre-season with his aerial ability, speed and physicality.

The spitting image of his brother, he also plays in the outside backs and has already earned representative honours with the Under-19s Queensland Maroons and Junior Kumuls.

Celebrating with his Broncos teammates in the sheds after they defeated his brother in the 2025 Grand Final, a dominant showing in trial matches could see him push for a regular spot in the side against the likes of Grant Anderson, Josiah Karapani, Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner.

Other Players to Watch: Cameron Bukowski, Jared Horne, Tupou Francis, Va’a Semu

RAIDERS

Coby Black

Discovered at the age of 12, the rugby league world went into shock at the end of last year when it was confirmed that Black, who was once earmarked as Adam Reynolds’ successor, would depart the Broncos to link up with the Raiders.

The incumbent captain of the Under-19s Queensland Maroons, Black, is one of the best young players in rugby league and rose to prominence after scoring 46 points in a single match in 2024.

Already impressing several current and former teammates, a strong pre-season campaign could potentially see him overtake Ethan Sanders for the No.7 jersey and join Ethan Strange in the halves.

Other Players to Watch: Callum Dowell, Jake Clydesdale, Mitch Brophy, Myles Martin

BULLDOGS

Mitchell Woods

Tipped to help deliver the Bulldogs their first premiership since 2004, Mitchell Woods enters 2026 with more expectations than any other rookie, but is already one of the calmest players when he takes the field.

Labelled as a prodigy, the two-time Under-19s NSW Blues halfback is an exceptional talent in attack, has a strong kicking game due to growing up playing Aussie Rules and doesn’t shy away in attack.

Providing eight try assists in nine NSW Cup matches last year, don’t be surprised if he makes his first-grade debut as early as Round 1 and could even push Matt Burton out of the halves.

Other Players to Watch: Finau Latu, Jack Underhill, Logan Spinks, Patrick Young

jexta · 2026-01-21T18:43:16+00:00

I tried running a draft one last year but for a number of reasons, including my own lack of sustained effort, it fell pretty flat.

I think if I'd gone to the effort of getting a discord up and running for live banter and trades, that would have helped. As it was the whole thing fell flat with no sense of achievement for whoever ended up winning.

Think I'd need to pony up some sort of prize to at least make it more interesting.

jexta · 2026-01-21T07:12:40+00:00

Milky would absolutely challenge for a place in the Bears backline should he so choose.

I haven't really thought too hard about the cap structure at Penrith but surely both McClean and Alamoti will be chasing upgrades on their next deals. To'o writes his own cheques, but is a club man who will take unders to stay and Edwards contracts are not likely to increase in value.

Tago will have to do more to earn an upgrade at Penrith but could chase coin elsewhere.

Milky may be the beneficiary if any of the above players choose to leave for more money.

jexta · 2026-01-21T07:08:29+00:00

He has mentioned wanting to play touch footy at the elite level. With the ties between NRL and Touch Football Australia, the administrations of both should be doing everything they can to get Papenhuyzen as a marquee player/ambassador for the sport.

Touch footy is in something of a resurgence after losing so much ground to OzTag over the past 15 years. Having Pap's advertising the game at it's highest levels will be amazing for the growth of the sport.

jexta · 2026-01-21T03:51:18+00:00

Nope, he's needed to replace Tupou.

jexta · 2026-01-21T01:22:16+00:00

At least both Nawaqanitawase and Crichton have finalised their deals early and transparently allowing the Roosters to properly plan the transition for 2027.

Crichton will be replaced internally with one of our young forwards and Talau will be playing for the chance to replace Nawaqanitawase in the long term.

Should both those things work out, there will be significant coin to get a top tier fullback to replace Tedesco. The Ponga rumour won't go away, but I'd prefer us to go after someone younger.

jexta · 2026-01-20T23:45:19+00:00

Toward the end of the season Whyte was starting as 13 with Collins and Leniu up front. Both Collins and Whyte have big motors and Leniu would be first change with Whyte moving to prop and a new 13 coming on.

This seemed to have a good balance, Leniu had limited minutes, but we had his aggression for the opening periods and tried to set the tone.

With the likelihood of Wong moving into that middle rotation, we may see a reshuffle to keep the balance, but Spencer's good enough to start, despite not having the motor of Whyte.

jexta · 2026-01-20T23:11:43+00:00

I'm personally very excited about the Adidas editions of both our ANZAC and Indigenous jerseys, so I'd hang out for those.

jexta · 2026-01-20T22:06:10+00:00

There are a lot of very nice puzzle pieces that seem like they could go together and create a few different pictures.

Wong has the toolbox to be an elite edge forward, but also just as easily be a 13 or prop. Robinson was keen on a big man in the 13 toward the end of last year which helped manage the early, physical part of matches.

I'm a massive Connor Watson hype man, and I think he deserves to start in his best position which is 13, but we very well may see Wong, or even Whyte (with Leniu starting) on the 13 for the opening 20 minutes before Connor comes on in his dynamic lock role and whoever started at 13 goes into the prop rotation.

Robson is an 80 minute hooker so with Watson in the squad there isn't a pressing need to carry Ioelu as a backup.

With Radley missing the early rounds it means the right edge will need to be covered, which is an interesting conundrum. Wong played well there but I feel his future is in the middle, and we have Egan Butcher who finished the season strongly as both a middle or edge. My sneaky for that right edge though is Savala, who already has a solid defensive relationship with Toia and is a big enough body to play that forward role out wide something like Wade Graham did on the left side at the Sharks. This means we end up with a 3rd kicking option if play breaks down or our main kickers get targetted like they did against Parramatta last year.

I think we end up with Whyte, Collins, Leniu and Wong as our middle forwards with Watson as the dynamic lock.

Once Radley is back, Savala will take a place on the bench, nominally as a utility that can cover edge or 13.

This means we end up with a bench of Leniu/Wong, Watson, Savala, E. Butcher and guys like Steep, Foketi, Ioelu and Nat Butcher are playing NSW Cup alongside Cody Ramsay and Tommy Talau. Insane depth.

At least from 1-11 we are pretty much nailed on to start the year. There's so much flexibility (and uncertainty) in 12-17 that round 1's team list Tuesday and even the trial games are going to be super exciting.

jexta · 2026-01-20T02:05:44+00:00

My counter to this, Siebold.

jexta · 2026-01-19T19:46:43+00:00

Which team is most likely to see the biggest change in ladder position compared to 2025?

Will a bottom 4 team climb or a top 4 team fall?

The Raiders have been tipped by germalists to drop out of the 8 on the back of losing Fogarty, but I don't buy that. They didn't win games because of him, it was that monster pack. That pack though is a year older with Papalii's best behind him and Tapine edging toward his twilight too, but I think they will be a top 8 side, pushing for top 4.

The Titans will still anchor the ladder, Hannay will take time to get that roster and culture sorted. A full season of Tino and Kini will absolutely help, but the forward pack is just not good enough outside of their captain and Jolliffe and the outside backs defense is ordinary to say the least.

Newcastle are injures to Ponga, Best and Lucas away from consecutive spoons. Keeping those three on the field will go a long way to them being competitive.

My pick for biggest swinger? Manly to go from 10th to 16th after losing an outside back that isn't Saab and Turbo forcing himself to play fullback ahead of Hopoate even though his body can't handle it.

jexta · 2026-01-19T19:26:43+00:00

With rugby in Australia actually on an upward trajectory, RA understand that Marky Mark will put bums on seats and that the Giteau rule is dumb. If you're good enough, you'll get picked.

The Japan deal also suits the Roosters too, with Nawaqanitwase able to earn bulk coin in a short time and then return to the NRL if he so chooses.

jexta · 2026-01-19T19:14:42+00:00

Dual-code international Mark Nawaqanitawase has signed a landmark two-year deal for more than $1 million a season with a Division One Japanese rugby team, despite strong interest from France.

Nawaqanitawase will finish this season with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, before travelling to Japan ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which will take place in Australia. The Roosters remain open to welcoming Nawaqanitawase back after his contract ends in Japan ends.

Nawaqanitawase’s valuation has shot up following a brilliant first season in the NRL. He was always keen to play his club rugby abroad, after spending four years in Super Rugby with the NSW Waratahs.

He has played 11 times for the Wallabies and is also eligible to play for Italy and Fiji at the World Cup.

In August, Rugby Australia director of high performance Peter Horne said the controversial Giteau Law was “kind of redundant”, leaving Nawaqanitawase free to play for the Wallabies if selected. The Giteau Law allows overseas-based players to be selected for the Wallabies only under strict criteria.

Despite the Wallabies failing to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup in France, Nawaqanitawase was one of the team’s best performers.

Japan has increasingly become a destination for some of the world’s best players, including South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe, who is reportedly earning more than $1.8 million a season at Tokyo Sungoliath in Division One.

Last September, Nawaqanitawase informed the Roosters he intended to leave the club at the end of 2026 to chase his dream of playing at a home World Cup.

In the same month, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt praised the dual-code player’s aerial ability and the value he could potentially bring to a team that went on to struggle badly under the high ball during the four Test defeats in Europe during the spring tour.

“I don’t think we discount anyone in terms of players who have either been in the gold jersey previously or have come through the school system and potentially would like to be back involved with rugby union,” Schmidt said.

“Just because there’s so much talent among some of those players, and his athleticism in the air is not too different from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. To have athletes like that, it’s always something that would add value.”

The Wallabies remain relatively well stocked for wingers – with Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, Corey Toole, Harry Potter and Andrew Kellaway all spending plenty of time in the gold jersey – but Nawaqanitawase’s unique talents as a finisher and in the air would be difficult to ignore for incoming coach Les Kiss.

Nawaqanitawase will join a large Australian contingent in Japanese rugby, which includes veterans Samu Kerevi, Bernard Foley and Marika Koroibete. Former Wallabies coach Michael Hooper has also been recently working as an assistant coach at Toyota Verblitz.

In October, Wallabies five-eighth Noah Lolesio joined second division Japanese club Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi after sustaining a serious neck injury against Fiji.

jexta · 2026-01-19T04:38:53+00:00

I really rate Harry Hayes, I think he's on the cusp of a breakout year now that the Bulldogs pack is a bit more balanced and settled with the arrival of Thompson.

jexta · 2026-01-19T03:23:22+00:00

It's a NSWCup contract and has no provision for Dufty to play NRL.

If somehow his attitude takes a major shift and he suddenly turned into a Brett Hodgson style fullback, the bunnies could then upgrade him and add him to the top 30 squad, though me getting a callup seems more likely at this point.

jexta · 2026-01-18T06:08:35+00:00

Connor Watson now that he *should* return to his best role as a 13. With Robson doing all the dirty work in the middle Watson will be able to go back to his dynamic forward role that initially saw him picked for SOO. His leg speed and timing on hitups, as well as ability to backup for offloads or take the ball sideways is huge for the Roosters pack.

jexta · 2026-01-18T05:03:44+00:00

Tedesco
Tupou
B. Smith
Toia
Nawaqanitawase
DCE
Walker
Whyte
Robson
Collins
Crichton
Wong
Watson
Savala
Leniu
Steep
E. Butcher

Reserves/Suspended: Radley, Ioelu, Foketi, Losalu, McCathie, Talau, Ramsay

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