Get ready for an exciting start to the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge! We're kicking things off with a bang as four teams prepare to showcase their skills at Jubilee Oval, all en route to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
First up, it's a clash between the Bulldogs and the Cowboys, followed by the Dragons taking on the Knights. The Dragons, fresh from their runner-up finish in last year's challenge, are determined to go one step further this time around before embarking on their Vegas journey.
Stay tuned for all the live action from Round 1 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's blog.
Bulldogs vs Cowboys at Jubilee Oval
79th Minute: The game isn't over yet! A crucial error by the Cowboys gave the Bulldogs a chance to strike back, and strike they did. Justin Matamua's powerful run set up the perfect attacking position, and Alex Conti's precise pass found Mikey Nassar in the corner for a crucial try. With just over a minute left, the Bulldogs are within four points. Bulldogs 30 - Cowboys 34.
76th Minute: North Queensland gives themselves some breathing space. A penalty allowed them to advance, and they capitalized quickly. A deflected kick caught the Bulldogs off guard, and Mason Barber took advantage, extending the Cowboys' lead. Bulldogs 24 - Cowboys 34.
73rd Minute: Canterbury was inches away from scoring, but Liam Sutton's try-saving tackle kept them at bay. The Bulldogs then made a crucial error, failing to pack the scrum in time, which gifted North Queensland an easy escape. Bulldogs 24 - Cowboys 28.
And here's where it gets interesting...
67th Minute: The Bulldogs are on a roll! Jope Rauqe scored his team's fifth try after a brilliant play by Joseph Teaupa. Aaymon Fitzgibbon converted, and we have a tight four-point game on our hands. Bulldogs 24 - Cowboys 28.
65th Minute: Canterbury continues its momentum with another try. Joseph Teaupa's individual brilliance saw him shrug off defenders and put Louis Grossemy through for a score. The Bulldogs are now within striking distance. Bulldogs 18 - Cowboys 28.
58th Minute: The Bulldogs have found their rhythm in the second half and have crossed for their third try. Joseph Teaupa's short-side move set up Cooper Toy in the corner, and he did the rest, beating the cover defense. A thrilling finish is set up! Bulldogs 14 - Cowboys 28.
47th Minute: Aaymon Fitzgibbon, the youngest player on the field, has made an immediate impact. The son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon raced through to score, showcasing his talent beyond his years. Bulldogs 10 - Cowboys 28.
Second Half Kick-off: The Cowboys have brought in some emerging players, with Zac Herdegen at halfback and Liam Sutton at five-eighth. The Bulldogs have also injected some youth, including Aaymon Fitzgibbon. Bulldogs 6 - Cowboys 28.
Half-time: The Cowboys put on a superb first-half display, with big names stepping up. Jake Clifford controlled the game, Robert Derby scored a double, and Heilum Luki, playing his first match since 2024, crashed over for a try. The Bulldogs found some late momentum, with Justin Matamua scoring their first points of 2026. Bulldogs 6 - Cowboys 28.
38th Minute: The Bulldogs finally get on the board! A series of set restarts allowed them to attack, and Justin Matamua broke through, stepping past tired defenders to score. Bulldogs 6 - Cowboys 28.
27th Minute: Jake Clifford sets up another try, this time for Kai O'Donnell. The back-rower showed incredible strength, breaking free from three defenders to score. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 28.
24th Minute: Robert Derby scores his second try as the Cowboys continue to dominate. A slick right-edge move exposed the Bulldogs' defense, and Derby finished it off. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 22.
18th Minute: Jaxon Purdue, the Cowboys' five-eighth, gets in on the action with a towering bomb. Zac Laybutt was there to clean up the mess, extending the Cowboys' lead. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 16.
16th Minute: Robert Derby extends the Cowboys' lead, winning the race to a Jake Clifford grubber. Clifford has been exceptional, proving his worth alongside Tom Dearden in the halves. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 10.
10th Minute: Another Captain's Challenge, and the Bulldogs successfully argue for an early tackle. The penalty gave them an attacking opportunity, but an errant pass ended the threat. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 6.
6th Minute: Heilum Luki crashes over for the game's opening try. Luki, returning from a torn ACL, is set to be a key player for the Cowboys this season and will be crucial for their Vegas trip. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 6.
3rd Minute: We have our first Captain's Challenge of the year, with Thomas Mikaele successfully appealing a dropped ball call. North Queensland is awarded a penalty, and the Cowboys get the first attacking chance. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 0.
Kick-off: Rugby league is back! Jonathan Sua kicks off, and the Cowboys have the first possession. Both teams field young, talented squads, and we'll see some new faces making their debuts. Bulldogs 0 - Cowboys 0.
Late Mail: The Bulldogs make a late change, with Fletcher Baker starting in his first match for Canterbury, replacing Daniel Suluka-Fifita. No late changes for the Cowboys, who start with their full squad.
Dragons vs Knights at Jubilee Oval:
Get ready for another thrilling match as the Dragons, last year's runners-up, take on the Knights. Who will emerge victorious and take a step closer to their Vegas dreams?
Stay tuned for more updates and live action!
