What we learned from the Pre-Season Challenge Week 2

An action-packed second week of the Pre-season Challenge saw the Sea Eagles crowned winners of the inaugural competition. 

The Storm, Wests Tigers, Titans and Sharks all claimed convincing victories too, as they hit the field for the final time ahead of the 2023 Telstra Premiership season kicking off in March. 

Pre-season Challenge Round 2

Titans 40 def. Dolphins 16 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

• Recap: Rookie wing bags four as Titans blitz Dolphins
• Injuries: Herman Ese'ese (elbow), Ben Hampton (hip), Jack Gosiewski (knee)
• On report: Nil. 

The main takeaways

• The Titans ran in eight tries at Kayo Stadium, four of which were scored by rookie winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira.
• Kieran Foran was heavily involved in his first game for the Gold Coast, including setting up the first try.
• Fellow new signings Sam Verrills and Aaron Schoupp performed well for the Titans, with the latter running for a game-high 190 metres and scoring a try. 
• Despite the heavy defeat, the Dolphins completed 82 percent of their sets and showed improvement in the second half after a horror start which saw them leak five tries in the first 25 minutes.  

Sharks 36 def. Bulldogs 16 at Belmore Sports Ground

• Recap: Sharks beat Dogs but fall short in Pre-season Challenge race
  
• Injuries: Viliame Kikau (head knock) 
• On report: Ryan Sutton (late tackle)

The main takeaways

• Cronulla handed the Bulldogs a reality check ahead of Round 1, running in six tries to three at Belmore in a match that will have new coach Cameron Ciraldo concerned with the side's defence. 
• Viliame Kikau started strong in Bulldogs colours but failed a HIA in the 15th minute and will need to pass protocols to take his place in Round 1. 
• The Sharks appear well-placed to start the year with Teig Wilton's move to start already paying dividends for the side's left edge. 
• The Sharks missed the $100,000 Pre-season Challenge prize money by one bonus point, falling short in the number of offloads required to take top spot.

Wests Tigers 36 def. Raiders 4 at Belmore Sports Ground

• Recap: Wests Tigers complete pre-season with big win over Raiders
• Injuries: Ken Maumalo (knee)
• On report: Jordan Rapana (high shot)

The main takeaways

• Tim Sheens indicated the race between Daine Laurie and Charlie Staines for the fullback spot remained open after both players were solid in their final hit-outs of the season. Staines could also be in line for a wing spot in Round 1 after Ken Maumalo went off injured early in the contest.
• Wests Tigers scored 36 unanswered points against the Raiders, who completed at 60 per cent for the match. 
• Raiders winger Jordan Rapana was placed on report and sin-binned for two head high tackles in the loss.

Storm 24. def Warriors 6 at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch

• Recap: Storm overcome Warriors in sloppy clash
  
• Injuries: Nil.
• On report: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (hip-drop tackle)

The main takeaways

• The Storm scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to secure victory.
• Between them the two sides made 30 errors (16 by the Warriors, 14 by the Storm)
• Will Warbrick impressed on the right wing for the Storm, running for 205 metres and scoring a try, while on the left Xavier Coates made a try-scoring return from injury. 
• The Warriors missed 55 tackles and allowed the Storm to make five line breaks in Christchurch.

Broncos 20 def. Cowboys 18 at Sunshine Coast Stadium

• Recap: Broncos earn bragging rights after holding off Cowboys comeback
• Injuries: Xavier Willison (head knock)
  
• Judiciary: Nil.

The main takeaways

• With no Adam Reynolds, Jock Madden and Ezra Mam looked comfortable in the halves together while young playmaker Josh Rogers produced the match-winning try assist for Jesse Arthars in the last ten minutes of the game.
• Selwyn Cobbo was impressive at fullback, scoring an athletic try, and will be ready to deputise in the number one jersey should Reece Walsh (facial fracture) not be ready for the Broncos' season opener against Penrith.
• Scott Drinkwater was a standout for the Cowboys – setting up a try in each half with a lovely run and cut-out pass for Kyle Feldt followed by a kick for Jeremiah Nanai, who celebrated his 20th birthday with a try.
• Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden played the entirety of the game for North Queensland, who used just 20 players in total for the game in order to give their squad a proper hit-out before their clash against the Raiders in Round 1.

St Helens 13 def. Panthers 12 at BlueBet Stadium

• Recap: Golden field goal lifts St Helens to World Club Challenge title
  
• Injuries: Taylan May (knee)
  
• Judiciary: Nil.

The main takeaways

• St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd kicked the winning field goal three minutes into golden point following a Panthers error. 
• Penrith had fought back from being 12-0 down after 50 minutes to force golden point, with a Brian To'o try and Nathan Cleary conversion in the final two minutes of regular time giving them a chance. 
• Panthers wing Taylan May picked up what is thought to be a minor knee injury in an awkward three-man tackle in the first half and failed to finish the match.

Rabbitohs 42 def. Dragons 24 at Glen Willow Oval

• Recap: Big guns fire as Rabbitohs dominate Charity Shield
• Injuries: Nil.
• Judiciary: Nil.

The main takeaways

• The Rabbitohs led 26-0 at the break in Mudgee but were outscored 24-16 in the second 40 by the Dragons.
• In his first club game of the year Latrell Mitchell had 18 points thanks to a try, six conversions and a penalty.
• Cameron Murray impressed with two try assists, two line breaks, 121 run metres and 21 tackles. 

Sea Eagles 28 def. Roosters 16 at Industree Group Stadium

• Recap: Garrick hat-trick steers Manly to win over Roosters
• Injuries: Joseph Suaalii (concussion), Brad Parker (head knock), Morgan Harper (knee)
• Judiciary: Nil.

The main takeaways

• The Sea Eagles had nine offloads, one short of the 10 they needed for a third bonus point which would have wrapped up the Pre-Season Challenge title. The Bulldogs, Sharks, Warriors and St Helens are all on 14 and need the full 15 points to join Manly on top. 
• In the event of two teams finishing equal on 29 points a countback procedure (see below) will be used to decide the winner, starting with points differential. The Sea Eagles' differential is + 14, the Warriors are +36, Bulldogs +16, Sharks +12 and St Helens +12.
• The Roosters went in without Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker and Joseph Manu and then lost Joseph Suaalii to a head knock.
• With Tom Trbojevic on track for Round 1 and Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick and Kaeo Weekes in outstanding form the Sea Eagles backline is in good shape.

Eels 36 def. Knights 14 at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

• Recap: Moses all class as Eels overpower Knights
  
• Injuries: Shaun Lane (jaw), Matt Doorey (ankle), Zac Cini (ribs)
• Judiciary: Nil.

The main takeaways

• The Eels took home the full 15 points courtesy of 12 for the win and three bonus points for seven tries, six line breaks and 12 offloads.
• The Knights' new halves combination of Kalyn Ponga and Jackson Hastings will head into the season opener against the Warriors with only 40 minutes of football together under their belt.
• The loss of Isaiah Papali'i to Wests Tigers is a blow for the Eels but new recruits Jack Murchie and J'maine Hopgood look capable of filling the void.