The anticipation is building as the Brisbane Broncos prepare to face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday, February 22, 2025, for the NRL Pre-Season Challenge. Set to kick off at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe, Queensland, this encounter promises to showcase some exhilarating rugby league action.
The Broncos come off the back of their impressive 50-12 victory against the Gold Coast Titans, demonstrating their attacking prowess and solidifying their stance as serious contenders for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs started their pre-season campaign positively, edging out the Wests Tigers 20-14. Fans are eager to see if the Bulldogs can build on this momentum against the historically dominant Broncos.
Under the guidance of head coach Cameron Ciraldo, the Bulldogs have finalised their line-up for the match, and it features several notable inclusions. Kurt Mann, who returns from injury after breaking his collarbone last season, has been named as the lock. Off-season recruit Marcelo Montoya will also make his first appearance since returning to the club, and star players like Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau will be making their pre-season debuts. The full Bulldogs team comprises:
- 1. Connor Tracey
- 2. Blake Wilson
- 3. Bronson Xerri
- 4. Stephen Crichton (c)
- 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
- Reserves: Jethro Rinakama, Joseph O'Neill, Cassius Tia, Blake Taaffe, Harry Hayes, Jonathan Sua, Luke Smith
On the other side of the field, the Broncos' squad has also been named and boasts significant firepower, including the likes of Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, and Adam Reynolds. Head coach Michael Maguire appears to have called upon his key players to engage fully as they prepare for the regular season. Their team for the match is set as follows:
- 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
- Reserves: Josh Rogers, Corey Jensen, Tyson Smoothy, Brendan Piakura, Ben Te Kura, Martin Taupau, Jaiyden Hunt, Xavier Willison, Jett Bryce
Brisbane has historically been the dominant force against the Bulldogs with 28 wins to 19, but the Bulldogs did manage to break their four-match losing streak against the Broncos last season, winning 41-16. This upcoming clash is viewed as pivotal for both teams, with the Broncos eager to capitalize on their impressive start, and the Bulldogs aiming to secure another victory against their rivals.
They will also be competing for the $100,000 prize money on offer for the winning club, adding another layer of incentive on both sides. This pre-season challenge not only serves as preparation for the upcoming regular NRL season but also offers teams the opportunity to hone their strategies and develop chemistry within their squads.
With star players returning and intense training leading up to the match, the atmosphere at Kayo Stadium is expected to be electric. Supporters of both clubs will be hoping to see their teams deliver standout performances. Will the Broncos affirm their status as top contenders, or can the Bulldogs defy the odds once again? Saturday promises to deliver thrilling rugby league action as the NRL Pre-Season Challenge continues to heat up.
Fans can catch all the action live on Fox 502 or via streaming platforms Kayo and Foxtel, making it accessible for all to join the excitement of this pre-season showdown.