Get ready for an intense showdown as the Dragons go all-out in their quest for victory! With the Knights' halves set for a thrilling shootout, this is one battle you won't want to miss.
Daniel Atkinson, a fresh face in the Red V, is about to make his debut as the Knights' Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith go head-to-head for a spot in the halves. It's a high-stakes affair, kicking off the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge at Jubilee Oval, where the coaches' strategies will be put to the test.
While some teams opt for a mixed approach, St. George Illawarra's mentor, Shane Flanagan, is taking a bold stand. He's not holding back, fielding a near full-strength side against the Knights, a move that's sure to turn heads. But here's where it gets controversial... Flanagan's decision to go all-in with his best team from the get-go is a bold strategy that could pay dividends or backfire spectacularly.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is taking a more cautious route. Coach Justin Holbrook plans to sit some of his experienced players out of this clash, saving them for the Bulldogs game a week later. New recruit Dylan Brown will also be held back for that match, leaving Sharpe and Smith to battle it out for the right to partner Brown in the halves.
The Cowboys and Bulldogs are also looking to give their younger players a run, with the senior squad returning the following week. It's an exciting opportunity for these up-and-coming stars to showcase their skills.
For Dragons fans, this moment has been a long time coming. They've been eagerly awaiting the debut of Atkinson in a St. George Illawarra jersey, a wait that's stretched over a year since he signed with the club in December 2024. Flanagan's move will finally give fans a glimpse of Atkinson's new halves partnership with Kyle Flanagan, as they gear up for their Las Vegas clash with the Bulldogs.
"I'm picking my team based on our strengths, not our opponents," Flanagan told NRL.com. "We're going to Vegas with a new combination in the halves and some fresh faces up front. We'll be playing our best team for the majority of the first trial and a good chunk of the second. We're aiming for around 70-80 minutes of game time with our strongest lineup."
The Dragons' players are fully on board with Flanagan's approach, especially Atkinson, who's eager to build a strong connection with his new halves partner, Kyle Flanagan. After spending the last few years behind the scenes at Cronulla with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, Atkinson is ready to step into the spotlight as the primary playmaker.
St. George Illawarra is hoping Atkinson can ignite their attack, which struggled at times last year. The key to their success will be the partnership between Atkinson and Flanagan, and Atkinson is excited to test their connection under the pressure of match conditions.
But here's the part most people miss... It's not just about the star players. It's about the entire team and how they gel together. Flanagan's strategy is a bold move, but it's one that could pay off if the team can come together and perform as a cohesive unit.
Newcastle, meanwhile, is taking a more cautious approach with their star fullback, Kalyn Ponga. The Dally M winner will sit out both trial matches as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury suffered last season. It's a calculated risk, designed to ensure Ponga is at his peak for the Knights' clash with North Queensland in Vegas.
The biggest question on everyone's lips this summer has been who will partner Dylan Brown in the halves. Sharpe, who impressed in 12 games at five-eighth before a serious injury cut his 2025 season short, offers an attacking threat. Smith, who joined Newcastle late last year after leaving the Roosters due to the recruitment of Daly Cherry-Evans, is more of a game manager.
Holbrook has been testing various combinations throughout the summer training block, and the Pre-Season Challenge will be the ultimate test to determine who partners Brown in the halves at Allegiant Stadium. "Dylan's spot is locked in," Holbrook said. "It's up to Sandon and Fletcher to fight for the other spot. Training has been a breeze because we've been able to move players around due to Kalyn's absence. We'll continue to experiment in the trials, and by the end, our best options will become clear."
Rugby league returns on February 7 with the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge (https://www.nrl.com/draw/?competition=119), and you can catch all the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of the halves? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: it's going to be an epic showdown!
