New year, new colours: The high-profile recruits set for club debuts

The big names will come out to play in the final week of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge as clubs put the finishing touches on their preparations for the NRL season.

The star power will be on display from Friday’s double-header at Leichhardt Oval through to Sunday’s trip to Mudgee for the Rabbitohs clash with Manly at Glen Willow Oval.

The third week of the Pre-Season Challenge will also mark the first time a host of off-season recruits turn out for their new clubs, with Daly Cherry-Evans headlining a high-calibre list.

Daly Cherry-Evans

It’s a new team and a new role for Daly Cherry-Evans, who will start at five-eighth in his first game for the Roosters after an off-season switch. Sam Walker will instead wear the No.7 jumper, freeing Cherry-Evans to pick his spots in a high-powered Roosters backline. With James Tedesco, Billy Smith and Mark Nawaqanitawase also returning to the field, Saturday’s clash with the Eels will provide fans with their first glimpse at what could be the most lethal backline in the competition. Cherry-Evans’ move has slightly overshadowed the off-season arrival of Reece Robson, who will also make his first appearance for the Roosters this weekend. The NSW hooker will wear the No.9 jumper, while utility Connor Watson will come off the bench in jumper No.14.

Jamal Fogarty

A new era will dawn on Sunday afternoon when Jamal Fogarty slips on the Manly No.7 jumper for the first time. In doing so, he will officially take ownership of a jersey Cherry-Evans wore for 15 years. Fogarty has made no secrets of the responsibility he is taking on but is eager to bring his own playing style to the Sea Eagles attack. Sunday’s match will also mark the first time Fogarty and Luke Brooks link up in the halves, with Manly fans hoping the duo can lead the team back to the finals.

David Fifita

Long viewed as one of the most damaging ball carriers in the NRL, David Fifita is looking to return to his rampaging best after joining the Rabbitohs this summer. While Fifita struggled at the Titans throughout the past couple of seasons, the punishing forward has been tipped to flourish under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett. Fans will get their first glimpse of a new-look Fifita on Sunday afternoon when the 25-year-old starts in the second row.

Davvy Moale

It’s been a summer of change down south, with Melbourne undergoing an unexpected roster overhaul following a grand final defeat to the Broncos. Davvy Moale has joined the Storm from the Rabbitohs and will immediately be tasked with providing a physical presence up front. The prop will spend just one year in Melbourne, but that should be long enough for coach Craig Bellamy to weave his magic and get the best out of Moale.

Jack de Belin

Another experienced forward to change clubs this season, Jack de Belin is determined to make an immediate impact in a young Parramatta pack. The former Dragon is regarded as one of the hardest trainers in the NRL and was signed to provide a leadership role for a talented crop of kids coming through. De Belin will make his first appearance for the Eels against the Roosters on Saturday night as Parramatta look to build on a promising finish to 2025.

The stars will come out to play for Week 3 of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. Catch all the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo.