The 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge has kicked off with teams showing their strength leading up to the regular season, and one of the highly anticipated matchups was between the Dolphins and Titans on February 22 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe.
The match showcased pivotal performances from several players, offering fans and SuperCoach enthusiasts insight as they prepare for the season.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, returning from ACL surgery, played around 20-25 minutes, contributing 29 points during his brief time on the field. His comeback holds significant importance for both the Titans and SuperCoach players who have kept track of his progress after injury.
On the Dolphins' side, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki emerged as a key player, notching up 60 points with impressive stats including a linebreak and 72 run metres. He’s already captured the interest of SuperCoach players, with 16% ownership, and may see this number rise based on his performance. “He’s shown he can be valuable,” one analyst noted.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, winger Jack Bostock faced difficulties during the match, limping off due to what appeared to be a knee injury suffered during an awkward mid-air collision. The team is now awaiting results from scans to determine the severity of his condition.
Meanwhile, Titans’ veteran Kieran Foran is also under scrutiny following his own injury, as he will be sent for scans after suffering from bicep issues during the match. The loss of these players could impact their teams as they head toward the regular season.
SuperCoach analysis following the match highlighted various players of interest. Analysts pointed out the significant performances from different matches across the league, encouraging users to keep these players on their radar leading up to draft night. “There are some real standout performers and potential low-cost options for teams,” one expert commented.
Before the Dolphins and Titans clash, the Sea Eagles faced off against the Panthers at Leichhardt Oval. Lehi Hopoate was noted for his versatility as he switched between wing and fullback, accumulating 82 SuperCoach points, emphasizing his potential place on the starting lineup.
Reuben Garrick, the Sea Eagles’ player, struggled to make significant contributions, collecting only five points. Conversely, Ethan Bullemor proved his determination by scoring 80 points, effectively making the case for his inclusion on the team's roster.
On the same night, the Wests Tigers took on the Eels, and Isaiah Iongi shone as he scored 77 points. His impressive performance, including a try and assist, suggests he’ll likely remain a popular choice among SuperCoach players.
“Get him on your team right now,” Andrew Voss emphasized, showcasing Iongi's potential going forward.
Further games included the Dragons battling the Rabbitohs, where Peter Mamouzelos stood out, earning 76 points. Despite his team’s loss, he managed to secure solid stats, putting him on the watch list for many fantasy managers.
Also worth mentioning is the Broncos' match against the Bulldogs, where Jacob Preston led the scoring with 92 points thanks to his solo effort. These standout performances provide valuable insights for fantasy managers as they contemplate their strategy moving forward.
All these performances and updates from the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge serve to build anticipation for the regular season. Fans are excited to see which players will rise to the occasion and which teams will solidify their spots as frontrunners. With injuries to key players like Bostock and Foran, the Dolphins and Titans will need to recalibrate as they head closer to round one of the NRL season.
This pre-season challenge is not just about testing strategies and refining lineups—it is also about resilience and adapting to injuries and performance fluctuations. All teams are vying for the edge as they sequence closer to their actual matches. Stay tuned, as these pre-season games will set the stage for what’s to come.