Dragons Battle Knights, Cowboys Narrowly Defeat Bulldogs in Pre-Season Challenge
The 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge kicked off with a thrilling double-header at Jubilee Oval, featuring four teams eager to make their mark. The matches included the Cowboys narrowly defeating the Bulldogs and the Dragons staging a remarkable comeback against the Knights.
Dragons Prevail Over Knights in a Come-From-Behind Victory
The Dragons faced off against the Knights and emerged with a 28-18 victory. St George Illawarra showcased resilience, overcoming a two-point deficit in the final minutes of the match.
Key Moments of the Match
- Kade Reed’s Stellar Performance: The Dragons’ halfback, Kade Reed, was pivotal, contributing a try and three assists.
- Final Minutes: The Dragons scored three tries in the last 11 minutes to secure their win.
- Tyrell Sloan’s Closing Try: Sloan’s touchdown in the corner effectively sealed the match for the Dragons.
At halftime, both teams were evenly matched at 12-all. The Knights initially controlled the game, with notable performances from their players. However, the Dragons’ second-half resurgence was undeniable.
Cowboys Hold Off Bulldogs in Thrilling Encounter
In the first match of the night, the Cowboys edged past the Bulldogs with a final score of 34-30. North Queensland’s dominant first half laid the groundwork for their narrow victory.
First Half Highlights
- Luki’s Return: Heilum Luki scored early in the match, marking his return after an extended injury layoff.
- Jake Clifford’s Influence: Halfback Jake Clifford orchestrated play effectively, earning multiple assists.
- Robert Derby Shines: Derby scored twice, helping the Cowboys build an early lead.
Second Half Surge by Bulldogs
The Bulldogs fought back vigorously in the second half. Young players like Aaymon Fitzgibbon began making significant impacts on the game. Despite their efforts, they ultimately fell short.
Conclusion
The opening matches of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge showcased high-level rugby league action, with the Dragons and Cowboys both pulling off tight victories. As the teams head towards the season opener in Las Vegas, anticipation builds for their performances in the coming weeks.
