Andrew Pelechaty analyses the 2025 Pre-Season Challenge, with Brisbane winning the $100,000.
The Brisbane Broncos won their second straight Pre-Season Challenge, winning both games and finishing on 29 points.
Embed from Getty ImagesA full-strength Broncos beat Canterbury-Bankstown to seal the Pre-Season Challenge, overtaking St George Illawarra (two wins and 29 points) on points differential (Brisbane +54, St George Illawarra +38). The Broncos led Canterbury 18-0 after 46 minutes (tries to Adam Reynolds, Jesse Arthars, Selwyn Cobbo, and Delouise Hoeter). The Bulldogs got within four with 11 minutes left (tries to Jacob Preston, Ratu Rinakama, and Blake Wilson) before Deine Mariner and Benjamin Te Kura sealed the Broncos’ win.
While the Dragons missed the Pre-Season Challenge title, they did win the Charity Shield after beating South Sydney at Mudgee. It’s only the second time the Dragons have won the traditional clash since 2013, with Souths winning 11 of the past 12 games. The Dragons led 34-0 after 30 minutes (with four tries to Sione Finau), then Souths scored 26 points straight (a double to Keaon Koloamatangi) to only trail by eight with 30 minutes left. Moses Suli and Ryan Couchman sealed the win with two tries in seven minutes.
The four Las Vegas teams got a head start, playing in the first two weekends: Cronulla and the NZ Warriors drew the opening game and both won their second games, while Canberra and Penrith both one won and lost one. Though Penrith delayed their second game until Round 3, playing a reserve grade side that comfortably beat Manly.
Eight other teams (the Wests Tigers, the Dolphins, Manly Warringah, the Gold Coast, Parramatta, Newcastle, North Queensland, Canterbury) all finished with one win and one loss.
Souths, Melbourne, and the Sydney Roosters were the only sides to lose both their games, with the Roosters finishing last.
Embed from Getty ImagesResults
Week 1
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors (Sharks Stadium, 7/2/2025, 19:30)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 12 (Thomas Hazelton, Hohepa Puru tries; Daniel Atkinson, Mawene Hiroti goals) drew with New Zealand Warriors 12 (Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Taine Tuaupiki tries; Luke Metcalf 2 goals)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Mawene Hiroti, 4. Kayal Iro, 5. Samuel Stonestreet, 6. Daniel Atkinson, 7. Niwhai Puru, 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 9. Jayden Berrell, 10. Thomas Hazelton, 11. Siosifa Talakai, 12. Billy Burns, 13. Oregon Kaufusi. Interchange: 14. Hohepa Puru, 15. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 16. Lachlan Crouch, 17. Blake Hosking, 18. Chris Vea’ila, 19. Kyle Pickering, 20. Michael Gabirel, 21. Brad Fearnley, 22. Taj Ford, 23. Riley Pollard, 24. Eli Clark, 25. Kristian Dixon, 26. Felix Faatili, 27. Samuel McCullough.
Players cut from final squad: nil.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey,18. Edward Kosi, 6. Te Maire Martin, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 12. Kurt Capewell, 15. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark. Interchange: 11. Jacob Laban, 14. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Moala Graham-Taufa, 17. Sio Kali, 20. Luke Hanson, 21. Jett Cleary, 22. Taine Tuaupiki, 23. Daeon Amituanai, 24. Bunty Afoa, 25. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 26. Samuel Healey, 27. Dylan Walker, 28. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 29. Freddy Lussick, 30. Motu Pasikala.
Players cut from final squad: 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (injured)
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Kasey Badger
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders (Sharks Stadium, 8/2/2025, 19:30)
Penrith Panthers 16 (David Fale, Samuel Lane, Zack Lamont tries; Trent Toelau 2 goals) lost to Canberra Raiders 22 (Own Pattie 2, Simi Sasagi, Noah Martin tries; Ethan Sanders, Adam Cook, Keahn Skipps goals)
Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Jesse McLean, 3. Sione Fonua, 4. Asu Kepaoa, 5. Casey McLean, 6. Jack Cole, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Luron Patea, 9. Luke Sommerton, 10. Preston Riki, 11. Mavrik Geyer, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 14. Trent Toelau. Interchange: 15. Harrison Hassett, 16. John Sagaga, 17. Riley Wake, 18. Zack Lamont, 19. Niko Apelu, 20. David Fale, 21. Falefa Letoi, 22. Billy Scott, 23. Jaxen Edgar, 24. Zac Lipowicz, 25. Samuel Lane, 26. Billy Phillips, 27. Nick Murphy.
Players cut from final squad: 13. Matthew Eisenhuth
Raiders: 1. Chevy Stewart, 2. Michael Asomua, 3. Albert Hopoate, 4. Manaia Waitere, 5. Jed Stuart, 6. Adam Cook, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Jordan Martin, 22. Shaun Packer, 10. Pasami Saulo, 11. Simi Sisagi, 12. Matty Nicholson, 13. Myles Martin. Interchange: 14. Ethan Alaia, 15. Izaac Tu’itupou, 16. Regan Carr, 17. Mark Tuialii, 9. Owen Pattie, 18. Keahn Skipps, 19. Jensen Taumoepeau, 20. Jalen Afamasaga, 21. Peter Taateo, 23. Jake Clysdale, 24. Joe Roddy, 25. Noah Martin, 26. Ata Mariota, 27. Mitchell Prest, 28. Jaxon Lavender.
Players cut from final squad: nil.
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Bunker: Kasey Badger
Week 2
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (GIO Stadium, 13/2/2025, 19:50)
Canberra Raiders 10 (Ethan Strange, Sebastian Kris tries; Jamal Fogarty goal) lost to Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 40 (Nicho Hynes, Samuel Stonestreet, Addin Fonua-Blake, Braydon Trindall, Jesse Ramien, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Chris Vea’ila tries; Braydon Trindall 4, Nicho Hynes, Daniel Atkinson goals)
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Savelio Tamale 6. Ethan Sanders 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Trey Mooney 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Albert Hopoate 16. Adam Cook 17. Jed Stuart 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Jenson Taumoepeau 20. Manaia Waitere 21. Myles Martin 22. Simi Sasagi 23. Ethan Sanders 24. Jordan Martin 25. Noah Martin 26. Ata Mariota 27. Pasami Saulo 28. Michael Asomua
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Billy Burns 19. Jayden Berrell 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Chris Veaila 22. Riley Pollard 23. Taj Ford 24. Michael Gabrael 25. Kristian Dixon 26. Eli Clark
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Gerard Sutton
Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels (McDonald Jones Stadium, 14/2/2025, 18:00)
Newcastle Knights 18 (Greg Marzhew, Logan Aoake, Kyle McCarthy, Jermaine McEwan tries; Connor Votano goal) lost to Parramatta Eels 44 (Arthur Miller-Stephen 2, Dylan Brown, Jake Tago, Kelma Tuilagi, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Samuel Loizou tries; Ronald Volkman 3, Joshua Lynn 3 goals)
Knights: 1. Will Pryce 2. James Schiller 3. Kyle McCarthy 4. Riley Jones 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Brodie Jones 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jackson Hastings 17. Sebastian Su’a 18. Matthew Arthur 19. Connor Votano 20. Jermaine McEwen 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Siteni Taukamo 23. Logan Aoake 24. Wilson De Courcey 25. Cody Hopwood 26. Tyrone Thompson 27. Fletcher Hunt 28. Malachi Smith
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jake Tago 3. Richard Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Arthur Miller-Stephen 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Charlie Guymer 14. Joash Papali’i 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Toni Mataele 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Joey Lussick 19. Ryley Smith 20. Saxon Pryke 21. Te Hurinui Twidle 22. Brock Parker 23. William Latu 24. Joshua Lynn 25. Araz Nanva 26. Samuel Loizou 27. Max Tupou 28. Teancum Brown
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Bunker:
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins (Barlow Park, Cairns, 14/2/2025, 19:00 local)
North Queensland Cowboys 8 (Jarrett Subloo, Robert Derby tries) lost to Dolphins 50 (LJ Nonu 3, Tevita Naufahu, Aublix Tawha, Michael Waqa, Jake Averillo, Mason Teague, James Walsh tries; Sean O’Sullivan 5, Ben Stevanovic 2 goals)
Cowboys: 1. Mutua Brown 2. Robert Derby 3. Assariah Lenoy Sam 4. Esom Ioka 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Jarrett Subloo 7. Zac Herdegen 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Karl Lawton 10. Coen Hess 11. Mason Kira 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Marly Bitungane 14. Xavier Kerrisk 15. Nicholas Lenaz 16. Jeremiah Matautia 17. John Radel 18. Adrian Trevilyan 19. Rayden Burns 20. Brenton Baira 21. Campbell Duffy 22. Ryan Rivett 23. Matthew Watts 24. Dane Aukafolau
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Dolphins: 1. Kurt Donoghoe 2. LJ Nonu 3. Tevita Naufahu 4. Max Feagai 19. Ethan Quai-Ward 6. Jake Averillo 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Joshua Allen 9. Harrison Graham 10. Ryan Jackson 11. Aublix Tawha 12. James Walsh 13. Mason Teague 14. Elijah Rasmussen 15. Lewis Symonds 16. John Fineanganofo 17. Zac Garton 18. Michael Waqa 19. Ethan Quai-Ward 20. Cooper Marshall 21. Jordan Lipp 22. Larson Dale-Doyle 23. Ben Stevanovic 24. Joshua James 25. Will Partridge
Players cut from final squad: 5. Junior Tupou
Referee:
Bunker: Chris Butler
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm (Go Media Stadium, 15/2/2025, 13:30)
New Zealand Warriors 36 (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2, Taine Tuaupiki 2, Ali Leiataua 2, Chanel Harris-Tavita tries; Luke Metcalf 4 goals) defeated Melbourne Storm 10 (Kane Bradley, Ben Talty tries; Eli Morris goal)
Warriors: 6. Te Maire Martin 1. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Eddie Ieremia 2. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 22. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 15. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 11. Demitric Vaimauga 14. Dylan Walker 16. Leka Halasima 17. Tom Ale 5. Edward Kosi 18. Samuel Healey 21. Freddy Lussick 23. Geronimo Doyle 24. Luke Hanson 25. Kalani Going 26. Moala Graham-Taufa 27. Sio Kali 28. Motu Pasikala 29. Jett Cleary
Players cut from final squad: 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Kane Bradley 3. Mitchell Jennings 4. Coby Williamson 5. Setu Tu 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Keagan Russell-Smith 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Lazarus Vaalepu 12. Joe Chan 21. Josh Billing 13. Angus Hinchey 14. Stanley Huen 15. Cooper Page-Wilson 16. Nathaniel Roache 17. Ben Talty 18. Morgan Harper 19. Jak Goulding 20. Hugo Peel 22. Suli Pole 23. Vaka Sikahele 24. Preston Conn 25. Liam Williams 26. Eli Morris 27. Ioane Lui 28. Tuipulotu Katoa
Players cut from final squad: 11. Ativalu Lisati 21. Joshua Billing
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker: Grant Atkins
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, 15/2/2025, 15:30)
South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 (Jye Gray, Salesi Ataata, Sean Keppie, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape tries; Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 3, Isaiah Tass goals) lost to Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 34 (Navren Willett 2, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega 2, Aaron Schoupp, Jake Simpkin, Clayton Faulalo tries; Clayton Faulalo 3 goals)
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Declan Casey 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Talanoa Penitani 14. Ashton Ward 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Max Mccarthy 12. Thomas Fletcher 13. Lachlan Hubner 15. Salesi Ataata 16. Nazareth Taua 17. Ryan Gray 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Matthew Humphries 20. Siliva Havili 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 22. Luke Webley 23. Joshua Stuckey 25. Carson Kaho 26. Max Lehmann
Players cut from final squad: 6. Jamie Humphreys 24. Bailey Biondi-Odo
Sea Eagles: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Clayton Faulalo 5. Navren Willett 6. Dean Matterson 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Corey Waddell 13. Caleb Navale 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Chris Patolo 16. Aitasi James 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Zane Dunford 19. James Uesele 20. Charlie Thompson 21. Jordan Swann 22. D’Jazirhae Pua’avase 23. Max Haley 24. Hugo Hart
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee: Peter Gough
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans (Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba, 16/2/2025, 14:30 local)
Brisbane Broncos 50 (Cory Paix 2, Deine Mariner 2, Gehamat Shibasaki, Brendan Piakura, Latrell Siegwalt, Delouise Hoeter, Benjamin Te Kura tries; Jock Madden 7 goals) defeated Gold Coast Titans 12 (David Fifita, Jaylan De Groot tries; Tom Weaver 2 goals)
Broncos: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 22. Cory Paix 10. Benjamin Te Kura 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Latrell Siegwalt 15. Ronald Philitoga 16. Israel Leota 17. Coby Black 9. Tyson Smoothy 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Saxon Innes 20. Martin Taupau 21. Vaa Semu 22. Cameron Bukowski 23. Jett Bryce 24. Matthew Koellner 25. Tristan Powell 26. Jaiyden Hunt 27. Luke Gale 28. Joshua Coric
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Allan Fitzgibbon 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Tony Francis 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Thomas Weaver 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Zane Harrison 19. Arama Hau 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Ryder Williams 23. Brock Gray 24. Sam Stephenson 25. Josh Patston 26. Sunny Kama 27. Cooper Bai 28. Kieran Hayman
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee:
Bunker: Kasey Badger
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers (Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 16/2/2025, 17:30)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20 (Ratu Rinakama 2, Jack Todd, Jonathan Sua tries; Blake Taaffe, Cassius Tia goals) defeated Wests Tigers 14 (Solomona Faataape 2, Heath Mason tries; Alex Lobb goal)
Bulldogs: 1. Blake Taaffe 5. Jonathan Sua 3. Luke Smith 4. Danny Gabrael 22, Ratu Rinakama 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Joseph O’Neill 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Sam Hughes 11. Harry Hayes 12. Lipoi Hopoi 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Reuben Moyle 15. Tom Amone 16. Alekolasimi Jones 17. Jack Todd 19. Cassius Tia 20. Taye Cochrane 21. Logan Spinks 23. Zyon Maiu’u 24. Ragarive Wavik 25. Cooper Toy 26. Taniela Otukolo 27. Jed Reardon 28. William Afualo 29. Jack Underhill
Players cut from final squad: 2. Blake Wilson
Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Josh Feledy 5. Alexander Lobb 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Tim Johannssen 9. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Kit Laulilii 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Sione Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 14. Tristan Hope 16. Jaxson Rahme 17. Solomane Saukuru 18. William Craig 19. Lachlan Broederlow 20. Marc Tannous 21. Faaletino Tavana 22. Max Liles 23. Jared Haywood 24. Noah Johannssen
Players cut from final squad: 10. David Klemmer
Referee: Chris Butler
Bunker: Adam Gee
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters (Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 16/2/2025, 19:30)
St George-Illawarra Dragons 26 (Kyle Flanagan, Damien Cook, Sione Finau, Kade Reed, Mikaele Ravalawa tries; Valentine Holmes 3 goals) defeated Sydney Roosters 8 (Dominic Young, Tyreece Tait tries)
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Hame Sele 18. Ryan Couchman 19. Dylan Egan 20. Jonah Glover 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 23. Mikaele Ravalawa 24. Nathan Lawson 25. Benjamin Rumble 26. Hayden Buchanan 27. Finau Latu 28. Michael Molo
Players cut from final squad:
Roosters: 1. Ethan King 2. Dominic Young 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Fetalaiga Pauga 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Spencer Leniu 14. Salesi Foketi 17. De La Salle Va’a 13. Siua Wong 11. Nat Butcher 12. Hayden Barton 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Xavier Va’a 18. Max McCathie 19. Tyler Moriarty 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Jake Elliott 22. Benjamin Johnson 23. Hugo Savala 24. Reece Foley 25. Tyreece Tait 26. Tom Rodwell 27. Kyron Fekitoa 28. Aholoka Toia
Players cut from final squad:
Referee:
Bunker:
Week 3
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers (Leichhardt Oval, 21/2/2025, 18:00)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 22 (Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega 2, Navren Willett, Ethan Bullemor tries; Aaron Schoupp 3 goals) lost to Penrith Panthers 38 (David Fale 2, Trent Toelau, Thomas Jenkins, Harrison Hassett, Preston Riki, Poutoa Hotere-Papalii tries; Trent Toelau 3, Zakauri Clarke 2 goals)
Sea Eagles: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Lehi Hopoate 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Navren Willett 6. Dean Matterson 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 14. Jake Simpkin 10. Ethan Bullemor 12. Corey Waddell 15. Michael Chee Kam 13. Nathan Brown 16. Chris Patolo 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 19. Caleb Navale 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega
Players cut from final squad: 9. Jazz Tevaga 11. Ben Trbojevic 22. Brandon Wakeham 23. Jordan Swann 24. Aitasi James
Panthers: 1. John Fonua 2. David Fale 3. Tom Jenkins 4. Sam Lane 5. Asu Kepaoa 6. Soni Luke 7. Trent Toelau 8. Preston Riki 9. Billy Scott,
10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Harry Hassett 13. Niko Apelu 14. Zack Lamont 15. John Sagaga 16. Billy Phillips 17. Riley Wake 18. Falefa Letoi 20. Jaxen Edgar
Players cut from final squad: 19. Tangata Utoikamanu 21. Nick Murphy 22. Poutoa Hotele-Papalii 23. Tylor Bunting 24. Jakeb Vailalo 25. Zakauri Clarke 26. Harry Armstrong
Referee: Grant Atkins
Bunker: Chris Butler
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels (Leichhardt Oval, 21/2/2025, 20:00)
Wests Tigers 30 (Brent Naden, Jack Bird, Jeral Skelton, Tristan Hope, Solomona Faataape tries; Adam Doueihi 5 goals) defeated Parramatta Eels 18 (Isaiah Iongi, Sean Russell, Jack Williams tries; Zac Lomax 2, Ronald Volkman goals)
Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tristan Hope 19. Tony Sukkar
Players cut from final squad: 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Te Hurinui Twidle 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Wiremu Greig 12. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Toni Mataele 11. William Latu
Players cut from final squad: 19. Charlie Guymer 21. Dan Keir 22. Ryley Smith 23. Brendan Hands 24. Joash Papali’i
Referee: Ashley Klein
Bunker: Kasey Badger
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee, 22/2/2025, 15:00)
St George-Illawarra Dragons 46 (Sione Finau 4, Mathe Feagai, Lachlan Ilias, Mosese Suli, Ryan Couchman tries; Valentine Holmes 5, Kyle Flanagan 2) defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 26 (Keaon Koloamatangi 2, Jye Gray, Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys tries; Isaiah Tass 3 goals)
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Hamish Stewart 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Hame Sele 20. Jonah Glover 21. Kade Reed 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 23. Dylan Egan 24. Nathan Lawson 25. Hayden Buchanan
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Rabbitohs: 15. Jye Gray 5. Tyrone Munro 2. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 20. Fletcher Myers 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 16. Thomas Fletcher 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jamie Humphreys 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Salesi Ataata 19. Ashton Ward 22. Luke Webley 23. Talanoa Penitani 25. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Players cut from final squad: 1. Latrell Mitchell 3. Declan Casey 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo
Referee: Adam Gee
Bunker: Grant Atkins
Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Kayo Stadium, 22/2/2025, 17:30)
Brisbane Broncos 30 (Adam Reynolds, Jesse Arthars, Jock Madden, Delouise Hoeter, Deine Mariner, Benjamin Te Kura tries; Tyson Smoothy 2, Adam Reynolds goals) defeated Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14 (Jacob Preston, Ratu Rinakama, Blake Wilson tries; Matt Burton goal)
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Latrell Siegwalt 15. Josiah Karapani 16. Delouise Hoeter 17. Jock Madden 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Deine Mariner 20. Billy Walters 21. Corey Jensen 22. Tyson Smoothy 23. Brendan Piakura 24. Benjamin Te Kura 25. Martin Taupau 26. Jaiyden Hunt
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Ratu Rinakama 20. Joseph O’Neill 21. Cassius Tia 22. Blake Taaffe 23. Harry Hayes 24. Jonathan Sua 25. Luke Smith
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee: Todd Smith
Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans (Kayo Stadium, 22/2/2025, 19:30)
Dolphins 18 (Mark Nicholls 2, Jake Averillo tries; Jamayne Isaako 2, Sean O’Sullivan goals) lost to Gold Coast Titans 26 (AJ Brimson 2, Keano Kini, Beau Fermor, Jojo Fifita tries; Jayden Campbell 3 goals)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 14. Junior Tupou 3. Jake Averillo 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 6. Kodi Nikorima 15. Kenneath Bromwich 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 19. Josh Kerr 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Harrison Graham 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Aublix Tawha 24. Tevita Naufahu 25. LJ Nonu 27. Ethan Quai-Ward
Players cut from final squad: 18. Max Feagai
Titans: 14. Keano Kini 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 16. Brian Kelly 5. Tony Francis 6. AJ Brimson 18. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 12. Beau Fermor 17. Klese Haas 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Allan Fitzgibbon 7. Kieran Foran 11. David Fifita 13. Chris Randall 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Thomas Weaver 22. Brock Gray
Players cut from final squad: 19. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights (Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, 23/2/2025, 15:15)
Sydney Roosters 10 (Daniel Tupou, Sandon Smith tries; Sandon Smith goal) lost to Newcastle Knights 48 (Jacob Saifiti 2, Fletcher Sharpe 2, Jayden Brailey, Kalyn Ponga, Thomas Cant, Connor Votano tries; Kalyn Ponga 7, Will Pryce goals)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Siua Wong 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Nat Butcher 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 19. Blake Steep 20. Jake Elliott 21. Ethan King 22. Tom Rodwell 23. Max McCathie 24. Taylor Losalu 25. Hugo Savala 28. Ethan Roberts
Players cut from final squad: 14. Benaiah Ioelu
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 18. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Mat Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 19. Thomas Cant 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Logan Aoake 22. Will Pryce 24. Jackson Hastings 25. Cody Hopwood 26. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana 27. Tyrone Thompson 28. Connor Votano
Players cut from final squad: 7. Tyson Gamble 13. Tyson Frizell 23. Matthew Arthur
Referee: Peter Gough
Bunker: Matt Noyen
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys (Casey Fields, 23/2/2025, 17:15)
Melbourne Storm 24 (Nick Meaney, Sualauvi Faalogo, Keagan Russell-Smith, Stefano Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore tries; Nick Meaney, Tyran Wishart tries) lost to North Queensland Cowboys 36 (Scott Drinkwater 2, Jaxon Purdue 2, Tom Dearden, Braidon Burns, Viliami Vailea, Jaxson Paulo tries; Thomas Duffy 3, Scott Drinkwater goals)
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 10. Josh King 9. Harry Grant 16. Tui Kamikamica 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Stanley Huen 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 23. Hugo Peel 24. Cooper Page-Wilson 25. Nathaniel Roache 26. Preston Conn 27. Coby Williamson
Players cut from final squad: 20. Angus Hinchey 22. Ryan Papenhuyzen
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Matautia 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Karl Lawton 16. Griffin Neame 19. Kai O’Donnell 20. Coen Hess 21. Robert Derby 22. Thomas Mikaele 23. Jaxson Paulo
Players cut from final squad: n/a
Referee: Chris Butler
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
