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Friday night footy: Warriors v Dolphins; Wests Tigers v Panthers

No better way to spend a summer night in February than sitting on the hill at Leichhardt Oval and taking in a Witzer Pre-Season Challenge double-header.

The Warriors and Dolphins round out their pre-season campaigns in the opening match before hometown heroes Wests Tigers tackle the powerhouse Panthers in a mouth-watering clash.

Follow all the action from Round 3 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog.

Warriors v Dolphins at Leichhardt Oval

22nd min: A strong run straight through the middle of the defence from English import forward Morgan Gannon sets up Wayde Egan to score to draw level. Boyd's kick is successful and the Warriors regain the lead 12-10

20th min: After a mixed start to the game where he has been playing hooker, Brad Schneider gets a try from dummyhalf, fooling the defenders on his way to putting his side into the lead. Isaako kicks the conversion this time for a 10-6 lead. 

14th min: Jackson Ford is sent to the sin bin for a tackle on Cobbo when he drops awkwardly on his legs. 

10th min: Dolphins don't take long to hit back after some entertaining play in the lead-up. Fullback Trai Fuller makes a break, but his pass hits the deck and finds a Warrior, but they then have the ball stripped away. Phins continue to go on the attack, swinging the ball out wide to the left to Selwyn Cobbo who goes flying over on the wing. Jamayne Isaako misses the conversion, so it's 6-4 Warriors. 

6th min: First try of the match comes to the Warriors with prop Jackson Ford proving too strong close to the line after the NZ side kept pushing up through the middle. The try is converted by Tanah Boyd for a 6-0 lead.

Jackson Ford Try

Kick-off: The Dolphins have first use of the ball in Friday night's opening match. 

Fun family fact: Three sons of former Warriors have been named to play this game. Haizyn Mellars, son of Warrior #106 Vince Mellars, is on the wing for the One New Zealand Warriors as he was against the Sea Eagles last Saturday while Warrior #206 Issac Luke's son Adaquix and Warriors #124 Nathan Fien's son Noah are both on the Dolphins' extended bench.

Late Mail: No changes to the squads named on Tuesday. 

Wests Tigers v Panthers at Leichhardt Oval

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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