NRL Round 1 Late Mail: Team News, Injuries & Updates – 2026

Round 1 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership continues to deliver compelling storylines as teams navigate early-season injuries and welcome back key players. This weekend’s slate of games features several notable returns, including Sharks winger Sione Katoa and Manly stalwart Jake Trbojevic.

Sharks Welcome Back Katoa, Face Titans Test

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks will have a potent weapon back in their lineup on Saturday when Sione Katoa takes his place on the wing against the Gold Coast Titans. Katoa overcame a groin injury sustained during the pre-season challenge to be cleared to play, providing a significant boost to the Sharks’ attack. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon confirmed the news on Friday morning.

But, the Sharks won’t have the services of edge forward Teig Wilton, who is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. Sam Stonestreet will fill the other wing position, stepping in for Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is sidelined with an ACL injury. Michael Gabrael and Niwhai Puru have been omitted from the reserves list.

Katoa’s return is particularly significant given his consistent attempt-scoring record. According to his Sharks profile, the 28-year-old has amassed 83 tries in 128 career appearances for the club. He debuted for the Sharks in 2018 and has grow a mainstay in their backline, known for his acrobatic finishes and ability to discover the try line. His presence will be crucial as the Sharks look to establish a strong start to the season.

Titans Debutants and a Novel Halves Partnership

The Titans, meanwhile, will field a new-look side with several debutants and a reshuffled halves pairing. Lachlan Ilias is set to make his club debut at halfback after Jayden Campbell succumbed to a hamstring injury earlier in the week. Ilias will partner with AJ Brimson in the halves, forming a new combination that coach Justin Holbrook hopes will spark the Titans’ attack.

Adding to the excitement, Auckland-born rookie Siale Faeamani will make his NRL debut on the wing, while Max Feagai is also set for a maiden Titans appearance. Young gun Cooper Bai is listed on the six-man bench, providing further depth to the Titans’ squad. Jensen Taumoepeau and Josh Patston have been cut from the extended squad and will play in the Queensland Cup this weekend.

Trbojevic Returns for Manly in Clash with Raiders

Saturday evening will notice Jake Trbojevic make his long-awaited return to the field for the Manly Sea Eagles in their battle against the Canberra Raiders. Trbojevic, along with Taniela Paseka (Achilles) and Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder), are all set to feature after long-term injuries prematurely ended their 2025 campaigns.

The Sea Eagles will also boast a new halves combination, with former Raider Jamal Fogarty partnering Luke Brooks following the departure of Daly Cherry-Evans in the off-season. Blake Wilson and Paul Bryan have been dropped from the 22-man squad.

Raiders Hand Sanders No.7 Jersey, Debut for Brailey

For the Raiders, Ethan Sanders will secure the first opportunity to fill the No.7 jersey vacated by Fogarty, linking up with Ethan Strange in the halves. Coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed that Matty Nicholson (shoulder), Matthew Timoko (foot), and Owen Pattie will play in reserve grade this weekend, despite initially being listed in the extended squad. Jayden Brailey is set to make his Raiders debut off the bench.

Dolphins Bolstered by Returning Stars, Rabbitohs Navigate Injury Concerns

Sunday’s match between the Dolphins and the Rabbitohs will see Tom Flegler and Tom Gilbert return to the field after overcoming significant injuries. Flegler is back on deck after a long-term shoulder injury that threatened his career, while Gilbert has recovered from a pectoral rupture sustained in Round 11 of last year. However, prop Daniel Saifiti’s return from a shoulder injury has been delayed, potentially opening the door for Brent Woolf to make his NRL debut.

The Rabbitohs will have Bronson Garlick starting at hooker after he successfully navigated the HIA protocols following a head knock in pre-season. Garlick replaces Brandon Smith, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Ashton Ward is set to start at halfback, but Jayden Sullivan remains a possibility to feature after battling a broken leg and infection in the off-season. Sullivan is listed on the six-man bench.

As the NRL season unfolds, these early-round developments highlight the challenges and opportunities facing teams as they strive for consistency and success. The returns of key players like Katoa and Trbojevic will undoubtedly provide a boost to their respective sides, while the emergence of new talent like Faeamani and Sanders adds an element of unpredictability to the competition.