The 2026 NRL season is just a week away now, and every team is fine-tuning their lineups in order to mount a serious challenge to the reigning premier Broncos.
Return to this page for the latest scores, match reports and any injury news to come out of the Preseason Challenge.
WEEK 3
Friday, February 20
New Zealand Warriors 34 def. by Dolphins 38
The Warriors' hopes of having no-nonsense forward Jackson Ford on deck for their season opener are in the hands of the NRL's match review committee after he was sin-binned in a 38-34 trial loss to the Dolphins.
Referee Grant Atkins sent Ford to the bin and placed the prop on report midway through the first half of Friday's meeting at Leichhardt Oval for an ugly hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo.
New Dolphins recruit Cobbo was cleared of injury and played on but Ford's technique is expected to draw the attention of the review committee and could potentially lead to suspension.
The Warriors are already without co-captain Mitch Barnett, halfback Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin to start the season.
There are also injury clouds over Marata Niukore, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ahead of their Round 1 match against the Sydney Roosters.
Ford, who scored the game's first try, was also the victim of some foul play himself when he was hit with a Francis Molo shoulder charge.
The Dolphins prop was also sent to the sinbin in the 53rd minute and while his side were down to 12 men, the Warriors let rip by scoring three consecutive tries.
The Kiwi side were much improved from last weekend's loss to a young Manly outfit and got out to an 18-10 halftime lead courtesy of tries from Ford, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Wayde Egan.
Cobbo grabbed the Dolphins' first of the night and spent time on both the wing and at right centre.
Tries from Brad Schneider, Trai Fuller and Jamayne Isaako allowed the Dolphins to edge in front early into the second half before Molo's sinbinning opened the floodgates.
Ali Leiataua, Watene-Zelezniak and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava all crossed before Warriors coach Andrew Webster hauled his big guns off.
With the Warriors down on strikepower the Dolphins enjoyed a late resurgence with tries from Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo and Brian Pouniu securing a late Dolphins victory.
Wests Tigers 26 def. Penrith Panthers 12
Nathan Cleary's availability for Round 1 of the NRL season has been plunged into doubt after Penrith's superstar halfback was sin-binned in the Panthers' 26-12 trial loss to Wests Tigers.
Cleary was jeered from the field at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night after he was sent to the bin by referee Ashley Klein for a high shot on Tigers teen phenom Heamasi Makasini.
The Penrith No.7 collected Makasini flush across the jaw as the winger juggled a ball in the home side's half.
Cleary's hopes of facing Brisbane in the Panthers' season opener now rest in the hands of the NRL's match review committee, who will hand down charges on Saturday morning.
Adding to Cleary's concern will be that he was charged with a careless high tackle in last year's finals series.
It means that if he is handed a grade-two charge, he would face a two-game ban with an early guilty plea instead of the usual one.
Jack Cogger, Cleary's likeliest replacement, missed Friday's trial with a niggle, but the good news for the Penrith co-captain is that the 18-year-old Makasini emerged unscathed from the challenge.
Makasini was in the heart of the action for the Tigers and backed up his hat trick of tries in Newcastle last week with a breathtaking first-half score.
There were shades of Jonah Lomu about Makasini who ran 40m, bumped off two Panthers defenders and then bulldozed over the top of Dylan Edwards to send the Wayne Pearce Hill into a frenzy.
Makasini appears a lock to start the season on the wing for the Tigers despite his tender age.
The teenager enjoyed a good battle with Brian To'o, who grabbed the first try of the night when he rushed on to a Cleary cutout ball.
Tigers fullback Jahream Bula and Panthers winger Paul Alamoti traded tries before Makasini's thundering charge cut Penrith's halftime lead to 12-10.
Cleary was sin-binned just before the break and did not return when his 10-minute spell had elapsed.
Both Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and Tigers counterpart Benji Marshall brought their top-line talent off after halftime.
Tigers forward Lachlan Broederlow, winger Luke Laulili and Heath Mason all crossed in the final 20 minutes.
Saturday, February 21
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 48 def. Canberra Raiders 6
Cronulla are at risk of losing a second winger to start the NRL season after Tongan flyer Sione Katoa suffered a groin injury in the Sharks' 48-6 pre-season flogging of under-strength Canberra.
With Ronaldo Mulitalo already out for most the coming season with a ruptured ACL, Katoa left the field in clear discomfort on Saturday.
The Tongan flyer went up the tunnel and is expected to undergo scans, after seemingly hurting himself while trying to break a tackle in the second half.
Playing close to their full-strength team, Cronulla completely outgunned a largely reserve-grade Raiders outfit at Gosford's Polytec Stadium.
Nicho Hynes and Mulitalo combined well and had a hand in three of the Sharks' first four tries, before they were pulled from the field after 45 minutes with Cronulla 22-0 up.
The pair linked up in the lead up to one Sam Stonestreet try, while Braydon Trindall dummied and offered up a smart cut-out ball in the lead up to Cronulla's first through Katoa.
Hynes' best moment came early in the second half, when he stepped his way through Canberra's defence and helped Hohepa Puru go in under the posts.
Puru and Briton Nikora both had some great moments, with the latter providing a great low-and-late offload for Jesse Ramien to score in the first half.
But the concern for the Sharks will be Katoa, who was one of the last regular first-graders still on the field when he was hurt midway through the second half.
Stonestreet is already expected to spend most of the season starting on the left wing, after Mulitalo ruptured his ACL playing for New Zealand last October.
If Katoa does miss the Sharks' season opener against Gold Coast in a fortnight, Mawene Hiroti would likely be Cronulla's next in line on the right wing.
Canberra also had a injury concern, with Matt Nicholson going up the tunnel early feeling for his left shoulder and failing to return to the field.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has opted against playing the majority of his first-grade players in both of the club's trials, with new halves pairing Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders both kept on ice.
-- AAP
Sydney Roosters 22 def. by Parramatta Eels 28
Daly Cherry-Evans played his first game in Sydney Roosters colours, but it was Sam Walker who stole the show before Parramatta came back to win their pre-season clash 28-22.
With all eyes on Cherry-Evans after 15 years in Manly colours, halves partner Walker scored a try and set up two others in the Roosters' final pre-season hit out.
New Parramatta pairing Mitch Moses and Jonah Pezet also had glimpses of promise in their first outing together, playing through the opening 40 minutes together.
The Roosters led 22-12 when Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco left the field, before the Eels came back to win the game and go top of the pre-season ladder.
Cherry-Evans is set to be one of the most scrutinised men in the league this year with his arrival at the Roosters making them one of the early-season favourites.
Having played all of his 352 NRL games at halfback for Manly, much will also be made of how he and Walker gel together in the Roosters' attack this year.
The 37-year-old wore No.6 on Saturday night with Walker at No.7, but the veteran was still the most vocal man in the Roosters' attack and spent most of the night directing traffic.
Playing on his normal right side, Cherry-Evans was also the Roosters' primary in-play kicker while the halves split their touches.
Clearly though, Cherry-Evans' presence helped free up Walker.
The No.7 scored one try when he dummied to his senior halves partner and stepped through the Eels' defence to go over.
Walker then put Angus Crichton over for a try moments later with a perfect short ball on the left edge.
The halfback had also helped lay on the Roosters' first points when Isaiah Iongi spilled one of his bombs and Lindsay Collins dived on the loose ball.
And while a lightning storm after that try forced the game to be delayed for 45 minutes, it quickly became obvious Walker and Cherry-Evans have the potential to gel well.
"It was a little bit touch and go for the first 20," Walker said on Fox League at half-time.
"But I feel now we've got our flow going and are very comfortable with each other. He's been awesome."
Roosters coach Trent Robinson also confirmed Benaiah Ioelu would start the season at hooker, replacing injured recruit Reece Robson.
With Robson set to miss a month with a broken thumb, Ioelu had a role in one try on Saturday night when he ran out of dummy-half, kicked a bomb and Tommy Talau scored.
For Parramatta, Moses and Pezet linked up a few times, including in the lead up to a disallowed try for winger Bailey Simonsson.
The slickest piece of play came with a beautiful Dylan Walker short ball for Moses, who burst through a gap and sent Matt Doorey over.
Moses handed over goalkicking duties to Pezet after that try and ran laps of the field at half-time, before not returning after the break.
But Parramatta officials have insisted that was already part of a plan for the star halfback and there was no injury concern.
-- AAP
Melbourne Storm 12 def. by Gold Coast Titans 42
Gold Coast's new-look spine and steely defence have shone in a 42-12 pre-season whipping of Melbourne as coach Josh Hannay's impressive start continued.
The Storm also got a positive glimpse into life after Ryan Papenhuyzen with fullback Sua Faalogo shining before limping off early in the second half at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
AAP was told the injury to Faalogo was not serious and would not impact his round one availability.
Titans halves AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell controlled play superbly in the Pre-Season Challenge clash. Both threw slick passes for tries while fullback Keano Kini was a pocket rocket at the back.
Brimson's permanent move to No.6 got off to a slick start when his flat pass found storming second-rower Beau Fermor to score the opening try.
Campbell, who played the first half, delivered a carbon copy pass of perfect timing to send giant forward Arama Hau in just before the break.
Of note in the Titans opening two trial matches has been their steely defence and it was on show again.
It's a key area Hannay wanted to improve after the side finished 16th last year and his players have responded in wins over the Dolphins and last year's grand finalists.
It was strong defence by Titans forward Klese Haas that jolted the ball from Will Warbrick's grasp and led to a try to Titans winger Phil Sami.
The battle of the fullbacks showcased two of the most exciting young custodians in the NRL.
Kini, who was restricted to just six NRL games last year due to injury, and Melbourne's razzle dazzler Faalogo look set to light up the competition this year.
Kini made 118m from 14 busy runs before being replaced at halftime. His replacement Jaylan De Groot also fired and scored two second-half tries.
Faalogo will inherit the fullback mantle of 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner Papenhuyzen who is taking a break from the game.
Faalogo got the crowd out of their seats each time he touched the ball and chimed into the backline nicely for the Storm's opening try to winger Hugo Peel.
A masterful across-the-body kick by Cameron Munster was followed by Faalogo to score the second try.
The Titans have unearthed an exciting prospect in winger Sialetili Faemani who scored a try and made powerhouse incisions.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who almost joined the Titans in the pre-season before extending at the Storm, will have a few things to work on but knows only too well that trial losses in the past have had no bearing on how his team performs in the regular season.
-- AAP
Sunday, February 22
South Sydney Rabbitohs 30-6 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Cody Walker wound back the clock in a great sign for South Sydney's season hopes and second-rower David Fifita shone on club debut in a 30-6 win over Manly.
Rabbitohs veteran Walker made three line breaks in the first half and scored a try with the zip and acceleration that has been a calling card when at his best.
The 36-year-old five-eighth played just 11 games in 2025 due to soft tissue injuries but looked in great shape in the Pre-Season Challenge clash.
"I'm feeling really good," Walker told Fox League.
"It's the first time I've had a really good pre-season in about three years, so I am looking forward to the start of the season."
Inside three minutes Fifita, in his first game for the club, burst through with a barnstorming line break that was a sign of the 26-year-old at his best.
Fifita, signed from the Gold Coast, had 13 runs for 142m before getting a break early in the second half.
Walker's left edge attacking options with Fifita and strike centre Latrell Mitchell are mouth watering.
"That's going to continually grow," Walker said.
"We've got that many strike weapons over there so I'm going to have a ball this year."
The Rabbitohs have one of the most potent left-side attacks on paper but their right side isn't too shabby either and it was no surprise when centre Jack Wighton sent winger Campbell Graham over out wide.
There was a lot to like about the Rabbitohs.
Halfback Ashton Ward was outstanding and the 21-year-old looks like he will be a real threat in 2026 if given the No.7 jersey full-time.
His kicking game was on song and he combined nicely with Wighton.
The 22-year-old left the field midway through the second half after suffering cramp.
The Sea Eagles were off in attack with new halfback signing Jamal Fogarty struggling to make an impact. They also fell off tackles and lacked mongrel up front.
Manly also had forward Nathan Brown put on report for a high shot.
Their most promising displays came from young gun playmaker Joey Walsh when he came on and giant rookie prop Simione Laiafi
The Rabbitohs also received good service from the players that came on when the big guns went off.
Bronson Garlick scored after great lead-up from Jamie Humphries and Matt Dufty.
Mitchell was strong throughout and was enthusiastic when he chased through hooker Peter Mamouzelos' grubber to score.
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray was also strong at lock and a relieved man after getting through unscathed. He played just one match last year due to an Achilles tendon rupture.
"My lungs are hurting a little bit and I was probably a bit more nervous than normal," he said.
"I feel good. I've had a really good pre-season and I knew we had been training hard and had earned the right to play some good footy today.
"I was really happy to get the first game out of the way."
Murray said he was most pleased with his side's defence and was full of praise for Ward.
"I thought he was one of our best and had the ball on a string with his kicking game," Murray said.
"For a rookie half he controlled the game really well."
-- AAP
WEEK 2
Thursday, February 12
Dolphins 12 def. by Gold Coast Titans 24
Dolphins prop Thomas Flegler returned from a 677-day absence to score a try and turn in a barnstorming display in a 24-12 trial loss to Gold Coast.
In a 20-minute burst, the 26-year-old showcased the vim and vigour that led to him representing Queensland and Australia in a fire and brimstone display at Redcliffe's Kayo Stadium.
It was an early sign the former Brisbane weapon had made a stunning recovery from shoulder nerve damage that kept him out of the game for almost two years.
"It's good to finally get back. It has been a long time coming," Flegler said.
"I'm just happy to finish the game unscathed.
"We had a good preseason. All the hard work was done. It was just time to get out there, relax and have some fun. Hopefully I will punch out a few more minutes next week."
The Titans impressed under the stewardship of new coach Josh Hannay, who will be heartened by his side's grit in defence in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash.
Flegler kept the crowd in suspense for the first half as he stalked the sideline without getting on.
He was brought into the side at halftime with the Dolphins trailing 10-0, and made a big hit with his first defensive play.
Two vigorous runs followed and the big unit went within an inch of scoring with a bustle.
He was back in business.
Another powerhouse effort in defence forced the Titans into a line dropout.
Moments later a trademark hit and spin close to the line secured a try and a grin from ear to ear. More powerhouse surges followed and the Dolphins notably dropped in intensity when Flegler went off.
The Titans dominated the first half with boom 19-year-old lock Cooper Bai and props Moeaki Fotuaika and Klese Haas impressive.
New Titans signing Lachlan Ilias, aiming to reboot his career after two tough seasons, was a livewire at No.6. He was rewarded with an early try after chasing centre Max Feagai's slick grubber.
Fotuaika, captaining the side, stormed over from close range to make it 10-0.
Flegler got the Dolphins on the board after the break and giant prop Zac Garton gave the hosts the lead.
Gold Coast winger Dean Ieremia and impressive train-and-trial forward Phoenix Steinwede, stepson of Kieran Foran, both scored to give the Titans the lead. Former Canterbury forward Kurtis Morrin sealed the victory.
Centre Selwyn Cobbo, playing his first match for the Dolphins, looked dangerous with limited touches and a slick tip-on almost resulted in a try. One Cobbo run left four defenders on the ground.
Bai, who inked a contract extension last week, rampaged for the opening 25 minutes to reveal why he is so highly rated by the Titans.
The Dolphins also received a wonderful club debut from 18-year-old centre Brian Pouniu, who looked like a rare talent.
Friday, February 13
Canberra Raiders 32 def. Melbourne Storm 6
Daine Laurie has shown he can be a valuable signing for Canberra, leading them to a 32-6 preseason win over Melbourne in his first hit-out for the club.
Playing in the halves after moving down from the Panthers, Laurie had varying roles in the first four tries for the Raiders in Queanbeyan, before leaving the field in the second half.
Wests Tigers' player of the year in 2021, the 26-year-old struggled for game time when he returned to his former club Penrith in 2024.
But after going unsigned and ending up in Canberra on a three-year deal, Laurie was one of the best for last year's minor premiers on Friday night.
He grubber-kicked for Michael Asomua's opening try, before going across field and helping create the space for the winger to beat two defenders and score his second.
And after Melbourne bombed a chance to make it 8-6 after halftime, Laurie played the whistle and helped Canberra break down field to later make it 12-0.
The No.7 also put Sebastian Kris on the front foot in the lead up to the Raiders' fourth, before the centre sent Sione Finau over in the corner.
Laurie is unlikely to start the year in the halves for Canberra, with Ethan Sanders expected to partner Ethan Strange and Coby Black also lurking as an option.
But the NRL's new interchange rules will likely leave Laurie as a fixture on the Raiders' six-man bench, given he can cover several positions in the backline.
Owen Pattie was also influential out of dummy-half, as he looks to ensure he remains a bench hooker after Jayden Brailey's arrival.
In a game where both sides were light on NRL names, Hugo Peel showed some promise for Melbourne in the No.1 jersey.
Recruit Jack Hetherington also opened the game well as the Storm attempt to cover the loss of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Liam Williams scored their only try, running onto a ball from Jordan Hamlin with seven minutes to go.
North Queensland Cowboys 66 def. Penrith Panthers 24
Reed Mahoney has signalled his intent in his first game in North Queensland colours, starring in a 66-24 pre-season thrashing of a reserve-grade Penrith team.
In a glorified Cowboys training run against a Panthers side comprising just 11 games of NRL experience, Mahoney was at the centre of a 44-0 first half in Mackay.
Mismatch or not ahead of North Queensland's season opener against Newcastle in Las Vegas, what was clear is that Mahoney is clearly ready to make a statement.
Benched and released by the Bulldogs last year as part of the Lachlan Galvin reshuffle, Mahoney admitted recently he still didn't know what went wrong for him at Canterbury.
Now replacing Reece Robson at the Cowboys, the former Bulldogs captain got out of dummy-half well, produced a booming kick early and sent two men over for tries.
The hooker's first assist came when he went to the line and hit Drinkwater with a short ball to send the fullback over.
Another came when the No.9 packed at lock in a scrum and found Jake Clifford unmarked on the short side.
Beyond that, Cowboys coach Todd Payten will have liked Mahoney's willingness to engage the line and get on the front foot.
While Mahoney wears No.9, the big question for Payten will be who plays five-eighth at Allegiant Stadium.
Clifford scored a second try via a ricochet, and had first crack at five-eighth on Friday as the only man to partner Tom Dearden while the No.7 was on the field.
Purdue showed he remains a threat anywhere with a first-half try after pouncing on a loose ball, along with two assists.
Playing left centre in the first half, he broke free from the halfway line in the lead up to score.
And after moving to No.6 for the start of the second half, Purdue also sent Kai O'Donnell over for the first of three tries for the second-rower.
Scott Drinkwater also looked good at No.1, putting on a cut-out pass for Braidon Burns before a smart inside ball for Murray Taulagi to go over.
The other positive will have been Heilum Luki crashing over for a first-half try off Dearden, after an ACL rupture ruined his 2025 season.
North Queensland's only concern for the Cowboys was centre Zac Laybutt being sin-binned for a dangerous throw, leaving him facing a nervous wait ahead of Vegas.
Saturday, February 14
New Zealand Warriors 18 def. by Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 33
A young Manly side piloted by highly-touted teenage playmakers Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh have claimed an encouraging pre-season 33-18 win over the Warriors.
In an error-strewn trial played at rainsoaked McLean Park in Napier, Large, 18, and Walsh, 19, showed signs they will be knocking on the door for NRL action in the not too distant future.
The pair - both schoolboy rugby union converts - are viewed as Manly's long-term halves duo beyond Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks.
Large displayed a threatening running game on Saturday and was up for the physical battle, the five-eighth chopping down Queensland State of Origin star Kurt Capewell and jolting a ball loose from the grip of damaging Warriors ace Leka Halasima.
Halfback Walsh, meanwhile, brought a balanced kicking game which included a late field goal to rub salt into the wounds of a Warriors side boasting 10 NRL regulars.
The playmaker also had a hand in two of Manly's first-half tries as the Sea Eagles raced out to a 16-10 lead at halftime.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold would also be encouraged by how his young middle forwards stood up to a grizzled Warriors starting pack.
Manly have lost plenty of experience up front over the off-season but teenager Simione Laiafi and Paul Bryan held their own.
Laiafi clocked up 167m, while Bryan scored Manly's first try when he crashed in off a Brandon Wakeham short ball to cancel out Ali Leiataua's opener.
Walsh then came to the fore with a bomb that was batted back in field for Hugo Hart to go over before linking with Large down the right to set the wheels in motion for Clayton Faulalo's try.
Leiataua grabbed a second on the stroke of halftime before Walsh reasserted control with a grubberkick through for Hart, who touched down to record his double.
The game opened up in the final quarter of an hour with both coaches turning to their lesser-known names.
Warriors duo Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi and Makaia Tafua traded tries with Manly's Blake Wilson and Zaidas Muagututia before Walsh added the final touch with a late field goal.
Wests Tigers 42 def. Sydney Roosters 26
Gun teenager Heamasi Makasini looks ready to force his way into the NRL side at Wests Tigers, bagging a hat trick of tries in the 42-26 preseason win over the Sydney Roosters.
After playing one first-grade game last year while still in high school, Makasini triggered a comeback from 16-0 down that iced Saturday's trial match of mostly second-string players.
The sparkling display comes at the perfect time for the Tigers, who are preparing to shuffle their backline around as Adam Doueihi begins the season in the halves.
Makasini has mostly trained on the left wing this preseason so is competing with Jeral Skelton for chances, but could also fill in at centre should Starford To'a or Taylan May go down while Doueihi is in the halves.
"I can cover both spots. I like both positions," Makasini said.
"I've been on the left a bit, left wing. But there's a couple of good wingers in our team. We're all fighting for the spot."
Either way, Makasini did all he could to claim a starting spot, lighting up the left edge in Newcastle.
"I'm not quite sure yet if I'll be in that starting side. I'm still fighting for that spot," he said.
"I'll just keep my head down, train hard and hopefully I get that opportunity."
Makasini had the Tigers on the board by barging past experienced opposite man Tommy Talau, one of four defenders he beat en route to the line.
The Tigers had equalised when Makasini, moved out to the left wing, scored his second try untouched on a shift triggered by Jock Madden.
A cut-out pass from Javon Andrews helped Makasini complete his hat-trick, with opposite man Junior Tupou giving the powerful teen too much space to move.
Makasini was given an early mark but still finished with 108 run metres.
The man ousted from the starting halves by big-name Roosters recruit Daly Cherry-Evans, Hugo Savala, laid on the first try of the game with a beautiful short pass for Fetalaiga Pauga.
But he was rested for the second half as the Tigers ran away with the game, with winger Faaletino Tavana scoring a freakish late try in the left corner.
Tavana jumped out of the field to avoid defender Enzo Griffier, then contorted himself to place the ball on the line.
Rugby union product Rex Bassingthwaighte threw the last pass for Tom Rodwell to score the Roosters' second try down the right side in encouraging signs for a man tipped as a possible successor to James Tedesco.
Newcastle Knights 0 def. by Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 28
Matt Burton is backing himself to overcome a hamstring injury in time for Canterbury's Las Vegas season opener after limping off during their 28-0 preseason thrashing of Newcastle.
Dylan Brown had a quiet first hit-out in Knights colours but the multi-million-dollar recruit's underwhelming showing was overshadowed by the poorly-timed injury to his rival No.6.
Burton scored an early try but pulled up sore following a tackle from Phoenix Crossland and Brown midway through Saturday's first half.
He managed to complete a tackle on Knights winger Dom Young during the next set before leaving the field for medical assessment.
"We saw him grabbing at it, and we told the trainers to get him off," Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo told reporters at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"He had to make that tackle (on Young), so he couldn't have been too bad."
Burton was walking freely in the Bulldogs shed after full-time, albeit with a brace on his hamstring, and told club staff his injury felt minor.
"He said it's not too bad, it feels all right," Ciraldo said.
"He just felt a little something and just thought with it being a trial that he'd come get it checked."
Burton will nevertheless be racing the fitness clock to board Thursday's flight to the US, where the Bulldogs face St George Illawarra for their season opener at Allegiant Stadium.
Canterbury have the bye in round two but Ciraldo won't give any thought to resting Burton from the Vegas trip as a precaution.
"If he's right to play, he'll play in Vegas. If not, I think Sean O'Sullivan did a great job today. It's pretty black and white," Ciraldo said.
O'Sullivan showed his defensive muscle holding Jermaine McEwen up over the tryline in the final minutes to deny the Knights their best chance at points.
But if Burton is out, it's likely to be much-discussed 20-year-old Lachlan Galvin carrying the weight of expectation as the Bulldogs hope to maintain the rage following last year's top-four finish.
The Knights were the NRL's worst attacking side en route to the wooden spoon last year and execution problems continued on Saturday even with the injection of Brown.
"It's not what we wanted, that's for sure," new Knights coach Justin Holbrook said of the loss.
"Tough afternoon, a lot to learn, and we've got two weeks to get it right."
Strike weapons Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe were admittedly missing, the latter with a hamstring issue, though both are set to return in Vegas.
Brown could consider himself unlucky not to have orchestrated the game's first try.
He dug into the line to start a shift to the right but Young's would-be try was chalked off for an obstruction on an offside Stephen Crichton.
Attacking on the right, Brown took the bulk of kicking work from the more conventional playmaker Sandon Smith.
Holbrook is still unsure where Sharpe fits into his side for the Vegas season opener against North Queensland, with the livewire local junior a halves or backline option.
"Not sure yet, I'll decide over the next couple of days," he said.
Brown lofted a kick out on the full inside the red zone in the first half and rushed out of the line as the Bulldogs shifted left for their first try.
Canterbury flexed their attacking muscle with Crichton sending a no-look pass to Jonathan Sua, who kicked inside for Burton to ice their 55-metre try before his injury.
Sitili Tupouniua sent Jaeman Salmon over just before half-time before Viliame Kikau put the result beyond doubt in the second stanza.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24 def. by South Sydney Rabbitohs 28
Less than a fortnight out from their season opener in Las Vegas, a near full-strength St George Illawarra team have suffered a 28-24 Charity Shield defeat at the hands of a second-string South Sydney side.
The Red V face Canterbury in a fortnight's time and will have to up the ante if they are to prove a match for the Bulldogs.
Except for Valentine Holmes, who is expected to be fit for their round-one clash, and hooker Jacob Liddle, Shane Flanagan named his best side for Saturday night's meeting at WIN Stadium.
But, save for a few moments of magic from new halfback Daniel Atkinson, there was little to suggest the Dragons will trouble the Bulldogs on March 1.
Flanagan lost luckless lock Hame Sele to a concussion just 90 seconds into the game.
Sele was diagnosed as a category-one concussion and, providing he passes the NRL's return-to-play protocols, should be clear to line up in Las Vegas.
Sele has missed big chunks of the last two seasons with injury and a heart condition but the early signs were that the Dragons would be able to cover his absence.
Atkinson was lively and made a break down the right to set up Clint Gutherson for the first try of the night with just eight minutes gone.
But the young Rabbitohs side were unfazed and Talanoa Penitani burned Moses Suli to draw the Bunnies level.
Damien Cook responded to re-establish a six-point lead for the Dragons only to then butcher a golden chance for a second.
Cook dropped the ball with the line beckoning after Gutherson and Atkinson had combined for another upfield break.
Then former Dragons man Matt Dufty -- back in Australia on a NSW Cup contract with the Bunnies after being shown the door by Super League club Warrington -- darted over to make it 12-12 at the break.
But even accounting for the fact they lost halfback Jonah Glover to a broken jaw, the Rabbitohs kept coming at Saints.
Latrell Siegwalt cruised in before Bayleigh Bentley-Hape capitalised on a loose carry from Setu Tu to move Souths out of sight.
A try to Luciano Leilua briefly stemmed the flow before Rabbitohs winger Jordi Mazzone pounced on another Dragons error to wrap up victory for Souths.
Dragons centre Mathew Feagai crossed for a try with three minutes left but it was a case of too little too late.
Sunday, February 15
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 6 def by Parramatta Eels 40
5pm (AEDT) - Henson Park, Sydney
Parramatta may have found their replacement for prodigal son Zac Lomax after Sean Russell starred in their 40-6 pre-season defeat of understrength Cronulla at Henson Park.
As the Eels battle would-be Melbourne recruit Lomax in the NSW Supreme Court, Russell put up his own fight for Lomax's old wing spot with a try, an assist and 114 run metres.
Russell lined up in the centres on Sunday, but with Brian Kelly arriving at the club in the off-season and Will Penisini a lock for selection, wing appears the position where he can remain an NRL regular in 2026.
The 23-year-old combined with new playmaker Jonah Pezet - solid in his first Eels appearance - to put Parramatta in for their second try.
Russell reefed Pezet's high kick from Sharks winger Kristian Dixon and threw up a low offload for Ryley Smith to dive over.
He had his own try when a Sharks charge-down found its way into his grasp via teammate Kitione Kautoga.
Russell burst past Sharks mainstay Sifa Talakai and fullback Riley Jones on a 60-metre tear that ended with his most memorable four-pointer in Eels colours.
His main competition for the wing spot vacated by Lomax, Bailey Simonsson, crossed for his own try by pouncing on a grubber kick from fullback Isaiah Iongi.
Eels coach Jason Ryles is unsure about the make-up of his backline for the round one clash against the Storm.
"It's a good situation to be in. That's what we want, we want guys fighting for spots. It brings out the best in them," he said.
Gun Eels halfback Mitch Moses watched from the sidelines as his new halves partner Pezet contributed to the try that put the Eels up by four scores in the first half.
Pezet dug into the line and found lock Matt Doorey, who sent a flat ball for Teancum Brown to score at close range.
The Eels put their bigger names on ice after going into halftime up 22-6.
A small group of forwards - Talakai, Billy Burns, Toby Rudolf, Tom Hazelton and Braden Uele - were the only first-grade regulars in the Sharks side on Sunday.
But the convincing win against Cronulla will nevertheless give Parramatta confidence heading into the second season of Ryles's rebuild.
"It was just good to get the boys into an actual game of footy, which I feel like we've been ready for for a couple of weeks. It was a good performance," Ryles said.
Samuel McCulloch's try in the final seconds of the first half was the Sharks' only four-pointer despite 48 tackles in the red zone.
"I'm disappointed in the scoreboard, I thought the scoreboard didn't reflect our early exchanges," said their coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
"The most important thing is we gave a lot of players some opportunities today."
Parramatta's Jordan Samrani could attract scrutiny from the match review committee for a scuffle with Xavier Cacciotti after the Sharks hooker dumped him on the ground in a tackle.
Samrani was penalised while the Eels were in possession after running more than 10 metres to confront Cacciotti.
Sunday's match was the first NRL fixture played at iconic inner-west ground Henson Park since 1990, when the Sydney Roosters used it as a home venue.
WEEK 1
Saturday, February 7
North Queensland Cowboys 34 def. 30 Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Jake Clifford did all he could to punch his ticket to Las Vegas as North Queensland overcame Canterbury in the first match of the NRL's pre-season challenge.
Both Clifford and Jaxon Purdue had great moments as coach Todd Payten considers which man will partner Tom Dearden in the halves for the Sin City season opener against Newcastle.
But it was halfback Clifford who shone the brightest in Saturday's 34-30 defeat of a fast-finishing, unrecognisable Bulldogs outfit at Jubilee Oval.
Clifford had the first of his three try assists with a no-look ball for Heilum Luki, who made a positive return from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in December 2024.
A perfect cross-field kick from Clifford gave Robert Derby the first of his two tries down the right wing, before a short ball had Kai O'Donnell over.
Off-contract Purdue showed off his stylish kicking game, lofting up the bomb that put Zac Laybutt in for a three-score lead, but it was mostly Clifford calling the shots.
Clifford's four goals from five attempts also proved crucial when the Bulldogs staged an audacious second-half comeback.
Purdue is a half by trade despite starting most of his 32 NRL games at centre, where he would likely play in Vegas should Clifford win their selection battle.
Both were substituted out at half-time, having inspired the Cowboys to a game-defining 28-6 lead.
Ex-Parramatta forward Wiremu Greig had an eye-catching Cowboys debut with 102 metres and 24 tackles through the middle.
Sam Hughes, Fletcher Baker and Lipoi Hopoi were the most notable Bulldogs to feature on Saturday, and even then neither, none of that trio appears likely to start in Vegas.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo would still have been disappointed with some of the second-string side's defensive efforts in the first half; O'Donnell flopped past five defenders and onto the tryline in a particularly poor moment.
But the Bulldogs came to life after half-time, with five-eighth Joseph Teaupa starring.
Teaupa triggered the fightback, kicking through the line for a try to uncapped Aaymon Fitzgibbon, son of Cronulla coach Craig.
But after leaking four unanswered tries to begin the second half, the Cowboys limped home when fullback Mason Barber stepped through the line in the final minutes.
St George Illawarra Dragons 28-18 Newcastle Knights
Newcastle's duelling halves Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe have been outshone by uncapped former ballboy Kade Reed in St George Illawarra's NRL pre-season win.
The jury appears out on whether Smith or Sharpe is best suited to partner marquee recruit Dylan Brown in the halves when the reigning wooden spooners open their season in Las Vegas next month.
Each played extended time in the Knights' 28-18 loss on Saturday night, with new coach Justin Holbrook shifting Sharpe to fullback after halftime and giving Tyson Gamble his own chance in the halves.
Slick ball-runner Sharpe and ex-Sydney Roosters playmaker Smith both had their moments at Jubilee Oval.
Sharpe grabbed a Brodie Smith offload and found Kyle McCarthy on his outside for the Knights' first try, and Smith looped a long ball for James Schiller to finish brilliantly in the right corner.
In his first game back from a lacerated kidney and damaged spleen suffered last year, Sharpe also came up with a big tackle on Setu Tu as the winger raided the right edge late in the first half.
But with only one NSW Cup appearance to his name, 19-year-old Reed finished as pick of the playmakers.
Reed is young enough to have been a ballboy for the Illawarra Cutters when current Dragons hooker Damien Cook was playing NSW Cup there early in his career.
Cook would have been proud watching from the sidelines as the youngster put a grubber kick past Sharpe to score the Dragons' first try.
Reed also sent the Dragons over for their third try with a flat ball to a flying Josh Kerr, who returns from the Dolphins this season.
Perhaps Reed's best moment was his effort to chase down Smith on a 60-metre tear, dislodging the ball from the halfback's grasp.
Smith was clearly frustrated after Reed's try-saving tackle and bounced up to give his opposite man a piece of his mind.
The Dragons halfback put the result beyond doubt throwing the last pass to Tyrell Sloan for a try down the right side in the final three minutes.
Reed is behind Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Flanagan and Lyhkan King-Togia in the pecking order for opportunities in the halves this year.
But coach Shane Flanagan would no doubt have been buoyed by the youngster's efforts.
Uncapped winger Tu pushed his case for an NRL debut in Vegas with a 65-metre intercept try.
But he may have his work cut out holding Mathew Feagai out of the backline after he picked off a floating Gamble pass to score what proved the match-sealing try with 10 minutes to play.