The NRL is bracing for a comeback season, with over $10 million worth of injured stars aiming to make a triumphant return. Last season, many of the league's biggest names were sidelined, leaving their teams to struggle without their key players. Now, as the 2026 season approaches, the focus is on these players' recovery and their potential impact on their respective teams. But here's where it gets controversial... Will they be able to deliver on their promise and justify their hefty price tags?
For coaches, the return of players like Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and Campbell Graham (South Sydney), Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle), Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra), Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Gilbert, and Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins), Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly), Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf (Warriors), and Cam McInnes (Cronulla) is as crucial as any new recruit. These stars, who collectively missed significant playing time last year, are now the subject of intense anticipation.
Three of these players – Ponga, Mitchell, and Murray – are reportedly earning at least $1 million each season. Their presence on the field could significantly alter the dynamics of their teams.
As NRL clubs gear up for pre-season training, the hope is that these returning players will be ready to go for round one.
South Sydney was hit the hardest by injuries in 2025, finishing 14th in the standings. Wayne Bennett, the master coach, described the casualty toll as the worst he's seen in his long career. With 13 first-graders out at one point, the Rabbitohs struggled, despite a strong start to the season.
Mitchell and Graham played 11 games each, while skipper Murray made only one appearance in the final round. If all three are fit for the season opener, Bennett might finally have something to smile about.
The Dolphins are also hoping for reinforcements, especially the return of Flegler, who has been out for 19 months due to a shoulder injury. Initially thought to be a routine injury, it turned out to be career-threatening nerve damage. The good news for Dolphins fans is that the 26-year-old has resumed contact training and is aiming to play against Souths on March 8.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf is also expecting Saifiti back from a shoulder injury. The former Knight played only five games in his first season at Redcliffe. Skipper Gilbert made 10 appearances before joining Flegler and Saifiti on the sidelines. With Farnworth and possibly Plath returning, the Dolphins are set to field a much stronger team in 2026.
In Auckland, Warriors co-captain Barnett and halfback Metcalf are recovering from knee reconstructions. Barnett hopes to be ready for round one. Having returned from spinal surgery twice before, he admits that the ACL injury has been the most mentally challenging.
At Manly, Paseka and Olakau’atu haven't played since rounds four and 21 last season, respectively. Newcastle will also benefit from the return of skipper Ponga, who was injured in round 17, leading to an eight-game losing streak. Ponga is aiming to be fit for the season opener against North Queensland in Las Vegas.
St George Illawarra is counting on Holmes to help them climb the ladder. He played 14 games last year before a shoulder injury sidelined him.
And this is the part most people miss... Cronulla's McInnes is working hard to return from a ruptured ACL, the second of his career. Injured in August, he has an outside chance for round-one selection.
What do you think? Will these returning stars live up to the hype and transform their teams' fortunes? Are there any players whose comeback you're particularly excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
