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08 February 2025

2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge Kicks Off Excitement

Teams gear up across Australia and New Zealand as the quest for the premiership begins.

The 2025 NRL season is just around the corner, and the anticipation is palpable as teams gear up for the Pre-Season Challenge. The excitement is particularly high for the Penrith Panthers, who are aiming for their fifth consecutive premiership, but every other team is hard at work, fine-tuning their lineups for what promises to be another fiercely competitive season.

The excitement kicked off on February 7, 2025, when the first game of the Pre-Season Challenge saw the Cronulla Sharks square off against the New Zealand Warriors at the Sharks' home ground, Shark Stadium. The match ended dramatically, with both teams sharing the spoils after finishing tied at 12-12. This result provided ample excitement and insights about each team's prospects for the upcoming season.

During the match, Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak became the first notable casualty, leaving the field after just 10 minutes due to what appeared to be a wrist injury. Team officials expressed confidence it wasn’t severe, but the impact on his readiness for the season opener remains uncertain. Similarly, the Warriors faced other setbacks, including the late withdrawal of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck due to a minor training niggle, raising eyebrows about the team's depth as they navigate the pre-season.

For both teams, the Pre-Season Challenge is not just about results but also about evaluating younger talent. Warriors coach Andrew Webster was particularly interested to see how Luke Metcalf would perform, as eyes are on finding the right replacement for the legendary Shaun Johnson. Metcalf's impressive display, including several key plays and 356 kicking metres, certainly put him on the radar for the starting halfback spot.

Cronulla's coach, Craig Fitzgibbon, took the opportunity to rest several key players, allowing younger talents like fullback William Kennedy to showcase their skills on the field. The Puru twins, who played for the Sharks, shone particularly bright, with Hohepa Puru scoring the equalizing try late in the game.

Friday’s match was just the start of what promises to be an exhilarating lead-up to the NRL season opener, which will feature the same teams – the Sharks, Warriors, Panthers, and Raiders – as they head to Las Vegas. This unique match is adding another layer of excitement to the opening of the season as fans eagerly anticipate how each team will perform under pressure.

The following day, the Penrith Panthers took to the field to face the Canberra Raiders, aiming to shake off season-long complacency after skipping last year's challenge. Despite their 22-16 loss to the Raiders, the Panthers demonstrated resilience, closing the gap with late tries, indicating they could be primed for another competitive season. Coach Ivan Cleary utilized this match to test new players and build chemistry, showcasing several newcomers, including international forward Isaiah Papali'i.

The Raiders, eager to make their mark this season, exhibited defensive tenacity, particularly during the second half. Key players like Ethan Sanders and Matty Nicholson put on commendable performances, solidifying their positions within the team structure. Noah Martin’s and Owen Pattie’s contributions for the Raiders not only offered depth to their roster but also tantalized fans with glimpses of what’s to come.

Beyond player assessments, the Pre-Season Challenge aims to integrate new rules and strategies as teams adjust to referees cracking down on play-the-ball infringements. Coaches have noted the emphasis on proper technique, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role throughout the season.

The NRL has organized games across various regions, bringing the excitement to fans throughout Australia and New Zealand. Towns like Mudgee, the Central Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns, and Cranbourne East are set to host matches, enhancing the connection between fans and the sport.

All 17 clubs are participating, creating healthy competition as teams vie for the $100,000 prize on offer for the winners of this year's challenge. It is also the perfect opportunity for teams to identify key players and kick off the regular season positively.

Teams participating during these early rounds are building momentum, practicing their strategies, and fine-tuning their lineups. The focus is not only on immediate outcomes but also on long-term prospects, creating the groundwork for success as the season progresses.

With the stakes high and anticipation building, the NRL Pre-Season Challenge serves as the perfect precursor to what promises to be an action-packed and thrilling 2025 season. Fans can expect not only to witness the return of some beloved stars but also to discover the new talents, who may soon become household names. The combination of seasoned players and fresh talent is set to make this season one of the most exciting yet!