NRL fans are set to get their first taste of rugby league action this week as the $100,000 pre-season challenge kicks off.
A number of big-name recruits could be wheeled out for their first appearances for their new respective clubs, while several rising stars will get a chance to stamp their claim for a top 30 spot.
Tristan Sailor made a triumphant return to rugby league last week, recording three try assists from fullback during the baby Broncos 44-12 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
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Wallace’s new lease on life at Dolphins | 02:01
However, the Courier Mail is reporting Brisbane’s marquee recruit Reece Walsh will wear the No.1 jersey when Kevin Walters’ side take on the Titans on Sunday.
Knights recruit Lachie Miller is also set to wear the famous Newcastle jersey for the first time after signing with Adam O’Brien’s team last week.
Interestingly, his debut appearance will be against the team who gave him a chance in the NRL — the Cronulla Sharks.
“It’s funny how that happens,” Miller said to the SMH when asked about playing against his former club.
“It’s good, I may as well get it done with straight away. There will be mixed emotions.
“I have some really good friends out there; you go out to battle together, so they become your brothers.
“It will be weird; it will only be 10 days between leaving them and playing against them.”
Eels gun Dylan Brown is also set to sit out of his side’s grand final rematch with the Panthers after suffering a cut while on holiday in Bali which became infected.
Read below for every team as they are announced for the pre-season challenge!
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Latrell & Wighton release statement | 01:19
THURSDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland — 6:00pm AEDT
Warriors team: TBA
Tigers team: TBA
FRIDAY
Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford — 5:55pm AEDT
Knights team: TBA
Sharks team: TBA
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford — 8:00pm AEDT
Rabbitohs team: TBA
Sea Eagles team: TBA
SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith — 6:00pm AEDT
Panthers team: TBA
Eels team: TBA
St George Illawarra Dragons vs St Helens at WIN Stadium, Wollongong — 8:05pm AEDT
Dragons team: TBA
St Helens team: TBA
Latrell & Wighton release statement | 01:19
MORE NRL NEWS
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‘COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE’: Latrell’s post-arrest injury scare as stars open up
‘REMAIN GREAT FRIENDS’: Latrell & Wighton break silence after scuffle
WHISPERS: Two club race to recruit Dogs wantaway after Gould’s $500k recruit
SUNDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong — 1:50pm AEDT
Storm team: TBA
Roosters team: TBA
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya — 3:55pm AEDT
Raiders team: TBA
Bulldogs team: TBA
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins at Barlow Park, Cairns — 6:00pm AEDT
Cowboys team: TBA
Dolphins team: TBA
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium — 8:05pm AEDT
Broncos team: TBA
Titans team: TBA
