The NRL SuperCoach grand final has been given a dramatic late twist, with Te Maire Martin named to return for the Warriors in Round 26 after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Martin’s inclusion is one of several major changes across the league as clubs juggle injuries, suspensions and finals ambitions with only two rounds of the regular season remaining.
The Warriors playmaker, who has been the highest-averaging five-eighth in SuperCoach this season, has been selected at halfback for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle at Go Media Stadium. His return pushes Chanel Harris-Tavita back to five-eighth, while Luke Hanson drops out of the starting side. The NRL confirmed Martin’s comeback from the hamstring problem in Tuesday’s official Round 26 team lists.
For SuperCoach players contesting their grand final this week, Martin’s selection could provide a huge late boost — although coaches will need to closely monitor final team updates given his recent injury.
Martin Return Arrives at Perfect Time
Martin has emerged as one of the standout fantasy performers of 2026, making his return particularly significant for SuperCoach owners.
His season has already involved a remarkable comeback after earlier injury problems, and the Warriors now hope he can provide another important contribution during their run toward the finals.
Official NRL statistics list Martin with six tries and nine try assists from 10 appearances this season, underlining the attacking influence he has been able to produce when available.
The Warriors also regain centre Ali Leiataua, while Luke Laulilii comes onto the wing following Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s collarbone injury.
Newcastle, meanwhile, regain experienced centre Dane Gagai, but the Knights will be without suspended pair Dominic Young and Tyson Frizell. Phoenix Crossland is also unavailable, leading to Harrison Graham starting at hooker, while Francis Manuleleua returns from concussion protocols.
For SuperCoach players, Manuleleua’s return may also prove valuable after his recent run of strong scores.
Tedesco Named Yet Again
Another crucial selection is James Tedesco, who has been named at fullback for the Sydney Roosters against the Dolphins.
Tedesco has missed three consecutive matches with an ankle injury despite being named on previous team sheets, making this week another nervous wait for SuperCoach owners.
The Roosters remain optimistic that their captain can finally return, with Cody Ramsey shifting to the interchange after filling the fullback role. The NRL casualty report lists Tedesco for a Round 26 comeback, although his recent history means coaches will be watching late mail closely.
His availability would be particularly valuable during SuperCoach grand final week, where every active premium player could prove decisive.
Latrell Returns — But SuperCoach Value Limited
South Sydney have also received a significant boost with Latrell Mitchell returning from the nerve-related back problem that has affected his leg and calf.
However, his comeback is unlikely to offer much assistance for SuperCoach grand finalists.
Mitchell has been listed among the Rabbitohs’ extended interchange options for Saturday’s match against the Gold Coast Titans rather than in the starting line-up.
South Sydney are expected to use him as an impact player as they carefully manage his first NRL appearance since Round 11.
For a player valued at more than $1 million in SuperCoach, an uncertain bench role makes him difficult to trust in the most important fantasy match of the season.
The Rabbitohs also regain Jamie Humphreys and Adam Elliott, giving the side additional reinforcements as it fights to secure a finals position.
Arrow Set for Emotional Rabbitohs Milestone
South Sydney’s team sheet also contains an unusual arrangement involving Jai Arrow.
Arrow has been named to start against his former club and is expected to take part in the opening moments of the match, allowing him to register his 100th appearance for the Rabbitohs.
Cameron Murray has been named on the interchange and is expected to enter the game shortly afterwards.
The NRL has backed the arrangement as South Sydney helps Arrow reach the milestone.
Mitchell could then become part of further positional changes as the match develops.
Cowboys Receive Huge Dearden and Nanai Boost
North Queensland’s finals campaign has received one of Round 26’s biggest boosts, with captain Tom Dearden and star back-rower Jeremiah Nanai both returning against the Wests Tigers.
Dearden has missed four matches with an ankle injury and returns at halfback as the Cowboys attempt to protect their place in the top eight.
Nanai has recovered from a hamstring injury and moves straight back into the starting second row.
Their returns give North Queensland two high-quality representative players at a critical stage of the year.
There is less positive news surrounding Murray Taulagi, who is sidelined after suffering another concussion.
The reshuffle sees Jaxon Purdue move into the centres and Zac Laybutt shift to the wing.
Samuela Fainu Avoids Major Injury
Wests Tigers have received relief over Samuela Fainu, who was seen struggling after his side’s dramatic 25-24 victory over the Roosters.
There had been concern surrounding the back-rower because of his previous foot problems, which already cost him more than 10 weeks earlier in the season.
However, Fainu has been named to start against North Queensland, indicating the latest issue is not expected to keep him out.
The Tigers will be without Alex Twal after he suffered a concussion, while Alex Seyfarth moves to lock. The official team list also has Sunia Turuva among the extended interchange after he missed the previous match.
Young half Javon Andrews is expected to miss the final two rounds with a calf problem sustained in NSW Cup.
Panthers Make Major Call at Five-Eighth
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has made one of the most significant selections of the round, handing Jack Cole the five-eighth jersey alongside Nathan Cleary.
Cole replaces the suspended Jack Cogger, who is serving a three-match ban for a careless high tackle.
Blaize Talagi has not been recalled to the starting side despite being an alternative option, instead being named on Penrith’s bench after spending the previous two weeks in NSW Cup.
The Panthers are chasing another top-two finish and face a crucial Friday night showdown against Canterbury at CommBank Stadium.
The choice gives Cole a major responsibility as he partners one of the game’s premier playmakers in Nathan Cleary.
Bulldogs Name Players Despite Disrupted Preparation
Canterbury’s preparation has also attracted attention after illness affected several members of the squad.
Despite that disruption, the Bulldogs have named their key players for the clash with Penrith.
Jacob Kiraz remains selected despite battling a calf issue, while Enari Tuala returns on the wing.
Kurt Mann is unavailable because of a groin injury, leading to changes among the interchange and reserves.
SuperCoach owners will still need to monitor Canterbury’s late mail before locking in their line-ups.
Hughes Back for Storm
Melbourne have received their own major boost with Jahrome Hughes returning at halfback for Thursday night’s meeting with Brisbane.
Hughes has missed three games because of a hamstring injury but has been cleared to resume.
His comeback gives the Storm their established halves combination alongside Cameron Munster at an important point of the season.
Brisbane, meanwhile, must finish the campaign without veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds after injury brought his season to an early end.
Ben Hunt has been selected at halfback, with Ezra Mam at five-eighth.
Manly Stars Shape as SuperCoach Differentials
Round 26 also presents several interesting options for SuperCoach coaches seeking a point of difference in their grand final.
Tom Trbojevic shapes as one of the standout alternatives as Manly host St George Illawarra at 4 Pines Park.
When healthy, Trbojevic remains capable of producing enormous fantasy totals through tries, assists, line breaks and running metres.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater is another potentially decisive selection.
North Queensland host the Tigers in Townsville, giving Drinkwater an appealing matchup for coaches willing to use a low-ownership player as captain.
Braidon Burns also enters the round with strong recent fantasy production while remaining relatively lightly owned.
Matt Dufty Offers Another Grand Final Gamble
South Sydney fullback Matthew Dufty could prove another intriguing option against the Titans.
Dufty has delivered strong numbers when playing full matches this season and faces a Gold Coast side that has struggled defensively.
His selection at fullback is also important because Mitchell’s return will not immediately force Dufty out of the No.1 jersey.
For SuperCoach coaches chasing an opponent rather than protecting a lead, players such as Dufty, Drinkwater or Trbojevic could provide the high-upside difference required to win a grand final.
Big Names Among Round 26 Losers
The team announcements have also created several headaches.
Alex Twal is unavailable after entering concussion protocols, while Dom Young misses Newcastle’s clash with the Warriors through suspension.
Manly speedster Tolutau Koula is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a syndesmosis injury.
Canberra’s bye also removes several popular fantasy players from consideration, including Joe Tapine and Simi Sasagi.
With SuperCoach grand finals being decided this week, unavailable players are particularly damaging because coaches have limited opportunities to recover from a zero score.
Round 26 Could Decide Both Fantasy and NRL Seasons
The importance of the team lists extends well beyond SuperCoach.
North Queensland are trying to remain in the finals race, Penrith are battling for a premium position near the top of the ladder and South Sydney are attempting to lock down their place in September.
The Roosters and Dolphins also meet in a high-quality Saturday clash, while the Warriors and Knights enter Sunday’s fixture with their own late-season objectives.
Canberra have the bye.
That combination of finals pressure, injuries and returning stars makes Round 26 one of the most consequential selection weeks of the season.
For fantasy coaches, however, the headline development is clear.
Te Maire Martin has returned at exactly the right moment.
His unexpected inclusion gives SuperCoach grand finalists another premium option at five-eighth and could alter captaincy, trade and reserve decisions across thousands of teams.
But with James Tedesco attempting another comeback, Latrell Mitchell returning from the bench and several stars carrying injury concerns, the smartest coaches will likely be checking late mail right up until kick-off.
