Eels Crowned 2026 Pre-Season Challenge Champions as Cleary Faces Ban in Fiery Round 3

Check out what happened in round 3 of the Pre-Season Challenge competition.

Review

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Parramatta have won the 2026 Pre-Season Challenge and the $100,000 first prize.

The Eels (30 points, +40) moved to first place after beating the Sydney Roosters at Polytec Stadium (Gosford) on Saturday. The Eels scored four second half tries to come back from 22-12 down at half-time, with a double to Jordan Samrani. The game was interrupted after four minutes (the Roosters leading 6-0) by a 50-minute lightning delay.

The Gold Coast (29, +42) fell one point short of overtaking the Eels later that night. Playing Melbourne at Sunshine Coast Stadium, the Titans trailed 12-4 after 29 minutes and then scored seven tries in a row, including a double to Jaylan De Groot. The Titans passed the Eels on points differential, but couldn’t get the last offloads bonus point as time ran out.

The Wests Tigers (29, +30) were in first place on Friday night after beating Penrith at Leichhardt Oval. Heamasi Makasini scored a fantastic solo try in the first half, running 40 metres down the left hand side and bumping off multiple Panthers defenders. But the headline was Nathan Cleary’s tackle on Makasini late in the first half. Cleary was sin binned and is likely to receive a two-match ban – or three if he contests the charge.

North Queensland (27, +46) and South Sydney (27, +28) were the other two undefeated teams.

Canterbury-Bankstown, The Dolphins, Cronulla-Sutherland, St George Illawarra, Canberra, and Manly Warringah all finished with one win and one loss. The Sydney Roosters, NZ Warriors, Newcastle, Melbourne, and Penrith finished with no wins and two losses, with the Panthers claiming the wooden spoon.

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Results

Warriors vs Dolphins

Full Time: Warriors 34 – 38 Dolphins
Warriors 34 (Tries: Jackson Ford 4′; Wayde Egan 24′; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 36′, 58′; Ali Leiataua 54′; Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 60′. Goals: Tanah Boyd 6′, 26′, 37′, 55′; Taine Tuaupiki 62′)
Dolphins 38 (Tries: Selwyn Cobbo 9′; Bradley Schneider 19′; Trai Fuller 42′; Jamayne Isaako 46′; Tevita Naufahu 69′; John Fineanganofo 72′; Brian Pouniu 75′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 20′, 44′; Bradley Schneider 70′, 73′, 76′)
Half-Time Score: Warriors 18 – 10 Dolphins
Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Warriors Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	Winger	2	0	8
3	Ali Leiataua	Centre	1	0	4
4	Adam Pompey	Centre	0	0	0
5	Haizyn Mellars	Winger	0	0	0
6	Luke Hanson	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Tanah Boyd	Halfback	0	4	8
8	Tanner Stowers-Smith	Prop	0	0	0
9	Wayde Egan	Hooker	1	0	4
10	Jackson Ford	Prop	1	0	4
11	Kurt Capewell (c)	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Jacob Laban	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Erin Clark	Lock	0	0	0
14	Sam Healey	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Morgan Gannon	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Leka Halasima	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	Interchange	1	0	4
18	Taine Tuaupiki	Reserve	0	1	2
21	Kayliss Fatialofa	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Jack Thompson	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Makaia Tafua	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Motu Pasikala	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Sio Kali	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Caelys-Paul Putoko	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Geronimo Doyle	Reserve	0	0	0
28	Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea	Reserve	0	0	0
29	Paea Sikuvea	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	6	5	34

Dolphins Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Trai Fuller	Fullback	1	0	4
2	Jamayne Isaako	Winger	1	2	8
3	Jake Averillo	Centre	0	0	0
4	Herbie Farnworth	Centre	0	0	0
5	Selwyn Cobbo	Winger	1	0	4
6	Kodi Nikorima	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Isaiya Katoa (c)	Halfback	0	0	0
8	Francis Molo	Prop	0	0	0
9	Bradley Schneider	Hooker	1	3	10
10	Tom Gilbert	Prop	0	0	0
11	Connelly Lemuelu	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Oryn Keeley	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Morgan Knowles	Lock	0	0	0
14	Tevita Naufahu	Interchange	1	0	4
15	Thomas Flegler	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Kulikefu Finefeuiaki	Interchange	0	0	0
17	John Fineanganofo	Interchange	1	0	4
18	Sebastian Su’a	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Elijah Rasmussen	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Brian Pouniu	Reserve	1	0	4
21	Zac Garton	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Brent Woolf	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Adaquix-Jeramiah Watts-Luke	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Sangstar Figota	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Noah Fien	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Elijah McKay	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	7	5	38

Wests Tigers vs Panthers

Full Time: Wests Tigers 26 – 12 Panthers
Wests Tigers 26 (Tries: Jahream Bula 15′; Heamasi Makasini 17′; Lachlan Broederlow 68′; Luke Laulilii 76′; Heath Mason 80′. Goals: Adam Doueihi 16′; Jock Madden 69′, 80′)
Panthers 12 (Tries: Brian To’o 8′; Paul Alamoti 21′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 9′, 23′)
Half-Time Score: Wests Tigers 10 – 12 Panthers
Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Wests Tigers Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Jahream Bula	Fullback	1	0	4
2	Heamasi Makasini	Winger	1	0	4
3	Taylan May	Centre	0	0	0
4	Starford To’a	Centre	0	0	0
5	Sunia Turuva	Winger	0	0	0
6	Jarome Luai (c)	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Adam Doueihi	Halfback	0	1	2
8	Bunty Afoa	Prop	0	0	0
9	Apisai Koroisau	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Fonua Pole	Interchange	0	0	0
11	Samuela Fainu	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Alex Twal	Prop	0	0	0
14	Jock Madden	Interchange	0	2	4
15	Jack Attard	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Alex Seyfarth	2nd Row	0	0	0
17	Sione Fainu	Lock	0	0	0
18	Patrick Herbert	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Tony Sukkar	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Tristan Hope	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Heath Mason	Reserve	1	0	4
23	Luke Laulilii	Reserve	1	0	4
24	Jared Haywood	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Mavrik Geyer	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Faaletino Tavana	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Charlie Murray	Reserve	0	0	0
28	Javon Andrews	Interchange	0	0	0
29	Lachlan Broederlow	Reserve	1	0	4
–	Team Total	–	5	3	26

Panthers Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Dylan Edwards	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Thomas Jenkins	Winger	0	0	0
3	Izack Tago	Centre	0	0	0
4	Paul Alamoti	Centre	1	0	4
5	Brian To’o	Winger	1	0	4
6	Blaize Talagi	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Nathan Cleary (c)	Halfback	0	2	4
8	Moses Leota	Prop	0	0	0
9	Mitch Kenny	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Lindsay Smith	Prop	0	0	0
11	Isaiah Papali’i	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Kalani Going	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Isaah Yeo	Lock	0	0	0
14	Freddy Lussick	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Billy Phillips	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Zakauri Clarke	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Luron Patea	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Jaxen Edgar	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Patrick Moimoi	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Tom Ale	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Jesse McLean	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Sione Fonua	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Kurt Falls	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Keahn Skipps	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Jirah Liddiard	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Billy Scott	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Harry Armstrong	Reserve	0	0	0
28	Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	2	2	12

Sharks vs Raiders

Full Time: Sharks 48 – 6 Raiders
Sharks 48 (Tries: Sione Katoa 16′; Jesse Ramien 22′; Samuel Stonestreet 37′; Hohepa Puru 44′; Billy Burns 51′; Siosifa Talakai 57′; Harrison Hassett 59′; Michael Gabrael 65′, 77′. Goals: Nicholas Hynes 24′, 39′, 45′; Niwhai Puru 58′, 60′, 65′)
Raiders 6 (Tries: Shaun Packer 72′. Goals: Chevy Stewart 73′)
Half-Time Score: Sharks 16 – 0 Raiders
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2026
Venue: Polytec Stadium, Gosford

Sharks Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	William Kennedy	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Sione Katoa	Winger	1	0	4
3	Jesse Ramien	Centre	1	0	4
4	KL Iro	Centre	0	0	0
5	Samuel Stonestreet	Winger	1	0	4
6	Braydon Trindall	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Nicholas Hynes	Halfback	0	3	6
8	Addin Fonua-Blake	Prop	0	0	0
9	Blayke Brailey (c)	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Thomas Hazelton	Prop	0	0	0
11	Briton Nikora	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Billy Burns	2nd Row	1	0	4
13	Jesse Colquhoun	Lock	0	0	0
14	Siosifa Talakai	Interchange	1	0	4
15	Toby Rudolf	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Oregon Kaufusi	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Braden Uele	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Hohepa Puru	Reserve	1	0	4
19	Tuku Hau Tapuha	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Jayden Berrell	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Niwhai Puru	Reserve	0	3	6
23	Riley Jones	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Michael Gabrael	Reserve	2	0	8
25	Harrison Hassett	Reserve	1	0	4
26	Taj Ford	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Riley Pollard	Reserve	0	0	0
28	Chris Vea’ila	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	9	6	48

Raiders Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Daine Laurie	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Savelio Tamale	Winger	0	0	0
3	Simi Sasagi	Centre	0	0	0
4	Sebastian Kris	Centre	0	0	0
5	Xavier Savage	Winger	0	0	0
6	Ethan Alaia	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Jalen Afamasaga	Halfback	0	0	0
8	Ata Mariota	Prop	0	0	0
9	Jayden Brailey	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Zac Hosking (c)	Prop	0	0	0
11	Matty Nicholson	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Noah Martin	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Morgan Smithies	Lock	0	0	0
14	Owen Pattie	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Jed Stuart	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Sione Finau	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Jordan Uta	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Chevy Stewart	Reserve	0	1	2
19	Mark Tuialii	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Shaun Packer	Reserve	1	0	4
21	Myles Martin	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Jake Clydsdale	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Joe Roddy	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Saxon Innes	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Braydan Darmody	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Michael Asomua	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Samuel Hyne	Reserve	0	0	0
28	Vena Patuki-Case	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	1	1	6

Roosters vs Eels

Full Time: Roosters 22 – 28 Eels Roosters 22 (Tries: Lindsay Collins 2′; Tommy Talau 21′; Sam Walker 35′; Angus Crichton 38′. Goals: Sam Walker 3′, 37′, 40′) Eels 28 (Tries: Josh Addo-Carr 5′; Mitchell Moses 27′; Jake Tago 58′; Sean Russell 61′; Jordan Samrani 68′, 73′. Goals: Mitchell Moses 7′; Jonah Pezet 29′) Half-Time Score: Roosters 22 – 12 Eels Date: Saturday 21st February 2026 Venue: Polytec Stadium, Gosford

Roosters Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	James Tedesco (c)	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Tommy Talau	Winger	1	0	4
3	Billy Smith	Centre	0	0	0
4	Fetalaiga Pauga	Centre	0	0	0
5	Mark Nawaqanitawase	Winger	0	0	0
6	Daly Cherry-Evans	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Sam Walker	Halfback	1	3	10
8	Naufahu Whyte	Prop	0	0	0
10	Lindsay Collins	Prop	1	0	4
11	Angus Crichton	2nd Row	1	0	4
13	Blake Steep	Lock	0	0	0
14	Connor Watson	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Siua Wong	2nd Row	0	0	0
16	Spencer Leniu	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Egan Butcher	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Salesi Foketi	Interchange	0	0	0
19	Benaiah Ioelu	Hooker	0	0	0
20	Reece Foley	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Max McCathie	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Toby Rodwell	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Tom Rodwell	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Junior Tupou	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Taylor Losalu	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	4	3	22

Eels Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Isaiah Iongi	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Bailey Simonsson	Winger	0	0	0
3	Will Penisini	Centre	0	0	0
4	Sean Russell	Centre	1	0	4
5	Josh Addo-Carr	Winger	1	0	4
6	Jonah Pezet	Five-Eighth	0	1	2
7	Mitchell Moses (c)	Halfback	1	1	6
8	J’maine Hopgood	Prop	0	0	0
9	Ryley Smith	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Junior Paulo	Prop	0	0	0
11	Jack Williams	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Kitione Kautoga	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Jack De Belin	Lock	0	0	0
14	Dylan Walker	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Sam Tuivaiti	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Matt Doorey	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Tallyn Da Silva	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Charlie Guymer	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Kelma Tuilagi	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Joash Papalii	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Brian Kelly	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Jordan Samrani	Reserve	2	0	8
23	Ronald Volkman	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Araz Nanva	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Jake Tago	Reserve	1	0	4
26	Lorenzo Talataina	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Teancum Brown	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	6	2	28

Storm vs Titans

Full Time: Storm 12 – 42 Titans
Storm 12 (Tries: Hugo Peel 23′; Sualauvi Faalogo 27′. Goals: Tyran Wishart 25′, 29′)
Titans 42 (Tries: Beau Fermor 6′; Phillip Sami 31′; Arama Hau 34′; Sialetili Faeamani 41′; Chris Randall 58′; Jensen Taumoepeau 68′; Jaylan De Groot 72′, 76′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 32′, 36′; Lachlan Ilias 60′, 74′, 78′)
Half-Time Score: Storm 12 – 16 Titans
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2026
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

Storm Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Sualauvi Faalogo	Fullback	1	0	4
2	Will Warbrick	Winger	0	0	0
3	Marion Seve	Centre	0	0	0
5	Moses Leo	Centre	0	0	0
22	Hugo Peel	Winger	1	0	4
6	Cameron Munster	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Tyran Wishart	Halfback	0	2	4
8	Stefano Utoikamanu	Prop	0	0	0
9	Harry Grant	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Josh King	Prop	0	0	0
11	Joe Chan	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Ativalu Lisati	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Alec MacDonald	Lock	0	0	0
14	Trent Toelau	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Cooper Clarke	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Davvy Moale	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Trent Loiero	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Angus Hinchey	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Gabriel Satrick	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Preston Conn	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Manaia Waitere	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Mitchell Jennings	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Jack Hetherington	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Amare Milford	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Lazarus Vaalepu	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	2	2	12

Titans Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Keano Kini	Fullback	0	0	0
2	Phillip Sami	Winger	1	0	4
3	Max Feagai	Centre	0	0	0
4	Jojo Fifita	Centre	0	0	0
5	Sialetili Faeamani	Winger	1	0	4
6	AJ Brimson	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Jayden Campbell	Halfback	0	2	4
8	Moeaki Fotuaika	Prop	0	0	0
9	Sam Verrills	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c)	Prop	0	0	0
11	Josh Patston	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Beau Fermor	2nd Row	1	0	4
13	Chris Randall	Lock	1	0	4
14	Kurtis Morrin	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Klese Haas	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Tukimihia Simpkins	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Cooper Bai	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Jett Liu	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Jensen Taumoepeau	Reserve	1	0	4
20	Arama Hau	Reserve	1	0	4
21	Lachlan Ilias	Reserve	0	3	6
22	Zane Harrison	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Luke Sommerton	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Jaylan De Groot	Reserve	2	0	8
–	Team Total	–	8	5	42

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles

Full Time: Rabbitohs 30 – 6 Sea Eagles
Rabbitohs 30 (Tries: Campbell Graham 6′; Cody Walker 16′; Bronson Garlick 55′; Latrell Mitchell 59′; Peter Mamouzelos 63′. Goals: Latrell Mitchell 8′, 17′, 57′, 60′; Jamie Humphreys 65′)
Sea Eagles 6 (Tries: Clayton Faulalo 69′. Goals: Clayton Faulalo 70′)
Half-Time Score: Rabbitohs 12 – 0 Sea Eagles
Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Venue: Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

Rabbitohs Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Jye Gray	Fullback	0	0	0
2	William Afualo	Reserve	0	0	0
3	Latrell Mitchell	Centre	1	4	12
4	Jack Wighton	Centre	0	0	0
5	Campbell Graham	Winger	1	0	4
6	Cody Walker	Five-Eighth	1	0	4
7	Ashton Ward	Halfback	0	0	0
8	Tevita Tatola	Prop	0	0	0
9	Brandon Smith	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Keaon Koloamatangi	Prop	0	0	0
11	Tallis Duncan	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	David Fifita	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Cameron Murray (c)	Lock	0	0	0
14	Jamie Humphreys	Interchange	0	1	2
15	Peter Mamouzelos	Interchange	1	0	4
16	Bronson Garlick	Interchange	1	0	4
17	Euan Aitken	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Jordi Mazzone	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Dean Tauaa	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Lachlan Hubner	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Sean Keppie	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Matthew Dufty	Reserve	0	0	0
23	Bayleigh Bentley-Hape	Winger	0	0	0
24	Liam Le Blanc	Reserve	0	0	0
25	Latrell Siegwalt	Reserve	0	0	0
26	Matthew Humphries	Reserve	0	0	0
27	Thomas Fletcher	Reserve	0	0	0
28	John Radel	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	5	5	30

Sea Eagles Team

Number	Player	Position	Tries	Goals	Points
1	Clayton Faulalo	Fullback	1	1	6
2	Jason Saab	Winger	0	0	0
3	Tolutau Koula	Centre	0	0	0
4	Reuben Garrick	Centre	0	0	0
5	Lehi Hopoate	Winger	0	0	0
6	Luke Brooks	Five-Eighth	0	0	0
7	Jamal Fogarty	Halfback	0	0	0
8	Taniela Paseka	Prop	0	0	0
9	Jake Simpkin	Hooker	0	0	0
10	Siosiua Taukeiaho (c)	Prop	0	0	0
11	Hugo Hart	2nd Row	0	0	0
12	Corey Waddell	2nd Row	0	0	0
13	Nathan Brown	Lock	0	0	0
14	Joey Walsh	Interchange	0	0	0
15	Blake Wilson	Interchange	0	0	0
16	Ethan Bullemor	Interchange	0	0	0
17	Kobe Hetherington	Interchange	0	0	0
18	Zach Dockar-Clay	Reserve	0	0	0
19	Brandon Wakeham	Reserve	0	0	0
20	Simione Laiafi	Reserve	0	0	0
21	Jackson-Levi Shereb-Schmidt	Reserve	0	0	0
22	Josh Feledy	Reserve	0	0	0
24	Blake Metcalfe	Reserve	0	0	0
–	Team Total	–	1	1	6

Match Review

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