Get ready for an exhilarating Witzer Pre-Season Challenge extravaganza! We're talking about a thrilling Saturday packed with four intense matches spanning two countries and featuring eight teams, each eager to showcase their skills and claim a slice of the 100K prize pool.
The action kicks off with a bang as the Warriors face off against the Sea Eagles in Napier, followed by a double-header in Newcastle where the Wests Tigers and Roosters, and the Knights and Bulldogs, will battle it out.
But here's where it gets interesting: both the Knights and Bulldogs displayed promising performances last weekend, and they're determined to keep the momentum going as they gear up for the Las Vegas showdown.
And this is the part most people miss... the grand finale of this action-packed Saturday is the iconic Charity Shield clash between the Dragons and Rabbitohs in Wollongong. The Red V is aiming for back-to-back wins after their impressive 46-26 victory in Mudgee last year.
Stay tuned for all the excitement from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. You can follow the live blog on NRL.com to catch every thrilling moment.
Warriors vs. Sea Eagles at McLean Park, Napier
31st minute: The Sea Eagles have been on a roll, dominating possession in their attacking zone. Joey Walsh's pinpoint bomb created an opportunity, and winger Navren Willett's tap back allowed Hugo Hart to pounce on the loose ball, extending their lead. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 12.
27th minute: The wet conditions have made handling tricky, but the Sea Eagles are taking risks and moving the ball around. However, their eight errors have gifted the Warriors multiple attacking chances. Despite this, the visitors have held their ground defensively, successfully repelling another Warriors set of six to maintain a narrow two-point lead. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.
19th minute: The Warriors have utilized their Captain's Challenge after referee Ashley Klein called a knock-on by Tanah Boyd. Boyd argues that the ball didn't touch his finger as he attempted to secure Jackson Ford's offload amidst the Manly defenders. The Bunker's review upholds the on-field decision, and the Warriors retain their challenge. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.
Walsh's Magic Touch
18th minute: The Warriors' forward pack has been dominant, and Jackson Ford's powerful tackle forced an error, earning his side an attacking set of six. Unfortunately, prop Demitric Vaimauga had to leave the field for an HIA after taking a knock in a tackle. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.
Paul Bryan's Superb Try
12th minute: The Manly youngsters are finding their rhythm, with halves Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh skillfully moving the ball and taking on the defensive line. Walsh's well-placed bomb led to a repeat set, and dummy half Brandon Wakeham connected with a charging Paul Bryan, who ran an exceptional line to score the try. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.
Ali Leiataua's Early Strike
5th minute: It's been an exciting start to this contest, and the Warriors struck first. Tanah Boyd's cross-field bomb, challenging to handle in the wet conditions, was spilled by Manly winger Navren Willett. Ali Leiataua pounced on the loose ball and put his side ahead. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 0.
Kick-off
We're underway in Napier, and the Warriors have fielded a star-studded squad for their first Pre-Season clash of the year. Manly fans get a glimpse of the future with coach Anthony Seibold's youthful squad, led by emerging halves Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large. The hosts got off to a dream start, with Demitric Vaimauga charging off the back fence and earning a penalty in the opening tackle. Warriors 0 - Sea Eagles 0.
Late Mail and Team Changes
Both teams have had to make changes due to midweek injuries. The Warriors lost Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to a hamstring injury, with Motu Pasikala replacing him on the wing, and Jacob Auloa joining the squad. For the Sea Eagles, Caleb Navale has been ruled out after tearing his ACL, leading to a minor reshuffle. Corey Waddell moves to lock, with Hugo Hart starting in the second row, and Tom Summer joining the extended bench.
Other Matches
Wests Tigers vs. Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights vs. Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium
Dragons vs. Rabbitohs at WIN Stadium
