Get ready for an action-packed Saturday as the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge heats up with four thrilling matches across two nations! Eight teams, brimming with excitement, are set to captivate fans and vie for the coveted 100K prizemoney. The stage is set for an unforgettable day of rugby league, with the Warriors and Sea Eagles kicking things off in Napier, followed by a double-header in Newcastle featuring the Wests Tigers and Roosters, as well as the Knights and Bulldogs. Both the Knights and Bulldogs showed promising signs last weekend, aiming to build momentum heading into the upcoming Las Vegas tournament. The day concludes with the time-honored Charity Shield clash between the Dragons and Rabbitohs in Wollongong, where the Red V seeks to defend their title after a 46-26 win in Mudgee last year. Follow all the action from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog. But here's where it gets controversial... The Warriors and Sea Eagles' match in Napier was a thrilling spectacle, with the Warriors striking first in the 5th minute through a brilliant cross-field bomb by Tanah Boyd. However, the Sea Eagles fought back, with Paul Bryan scoring a try in the 12th minute, and the match remained close throughout. And this is the part most people miss... The Knights and Bulldogs' game in Newcastle was a display of promising signs, with both teams showing potential for the upcoming season. The Knights, in particular, showcased their defensive prowess, repelling the Bulldogs' attacks and securing a hard-fought victory. Now, let's dive into the details of each match:
Warriors v Sea Eagles at McLean Park, Napier:
- The Warriors and Sea Eagles' encounter was a close battle, with the Warriors taking an early lead in the 5th minute. However, the Sea Eagles fought back, with Paul Bryan scoring a try in the 12th minute, and the match remained close throughout.
- The Warriors' forward pack aimed up in the past few minutes, with Jackson Ford forcing an error with a dominant tackle, earning his side an attacking set of six. However, the Sea Eagles' defense was up to the task, repelling the Warriors' attacks and maintaining a two-point lead.
- The hosts lodged the first Captain's Challenge of the day after referee Ashley Klein ruled a knock on by Tanah Boyd. The replays were unclear, and the Bunker ruled the on-field decision would stand, with the Warriors retaining their challenge.
Wests Tigers v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium:
- The Wests Tigers and Roosters' match was a display of skill and strategy, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.
- The Roosters, led by their star players, dominated the first half, with their halfbacks and forwards working seamlessly together to create scoring opportunities.
- The Wests Tigers, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their defense being breached repeatedly by the Roosters' attacking plays.
Knights v Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium:
- The Knights and Bulldogs' game was a display of promising signs, with both teams showing potential for the upcoming season.
- The Knights, in particular, showcased their defensive prowess, repelling the Bulldogs' attacks and securing a hard-fought victory.
- The Bulldogs, despite their loss, showed signs of improvement, with their forwards and halves working together to create scoring opportunities.
Dragons v Rabbitohs at WIN Stadium:
- The Dragons and Rabbitohs' match was a time-honored Charity Shield clash, with both teams aiming to defend their titles and showcase their skills.
- The Dragons, led by their star players, dominated the first half, with their forwards and halves working seamlessly together to create scoring opportunities.
- The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their defense being breached repeatedly by the Dragons' attacking plays.
So, there you have it! Four thrilling matches, each with its own story to tell. Which team do you think will come out on top? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's get the discussion going! Don't forget to follow all the action from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog.
