Get ready for an epic Friday night of rugby league action! It's a doubleheader at Leichhardt Oval, and we're in for a treat. The Warriors and Dolphins face off in the first match, followed by a mouth-watering clash between hometown heroes Wests Tigers and the mighty Panthers.
But here's where it gets controversial... some are questioning the Warriors' pre-season form, while others believe they're a dark horse for the title. And this is the part most people miss: the Dolphins, with their young guns, are a force to be reckoned with. Who will come out on top in this opening match?
As the sun sets on Leichhardt Oval, the Warriors and Dolphins take to the field. In the 70th minute, the speedy Tevita Naufahu, a young winger for the Dolphins, scores a beautiful try, narrowing the gap. The crowd erupts as Schneider converts, making it 34-26. But injuries strike, with young Warriors forward Paea Sikuvea leaving the field after a heavy collision.
The Warriors strike back in the 61st minute with a stunning try from Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, extending their lead to 34-20. But the Dolphins aren't done yet. With Molo in the sin bin, the Warriors take advantage, setting up Ali Leiataua for a try. The lead widens to 24-20, but the Dolphins fight back, scoring a try of their own and narrowing the gap to 20-18. It's a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showing their skill and determination.
In the second half, the Warriors maintain their lead, thanks to some impressive passing and a tap-on try from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. But the Dolphins aren't giving up. They keep the pressure on, with some fancy footwork from Fuller, who dances through the defense to score. The gap narrows to 18-16, and the crowd is on the edge of their seats.
As the final minutes tick away, the Warriors hold on to their lead, winning the match. But the Dolphins put up a valiant fight, and their young players certainly made their mark.
Next up, it's the hometown heroes, Wests Tigers, taking on the Panthers. With a few changes to the Tigers' squad, including the omission of Kai Pearce-Paul due to injury, the stage is set for an exciting encounter.
So, who will reign supreme at Leichhardt Oval? Will the Warriors and Wests Tigers continue their winning ways, or will the Dolphins and Panthers cause an upset? Find out by following the live blog on NRL.com for all the action from Round 3 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge.
And remember, in rugby league, anything can happen. So, what do you think? Who's your pick for the winners tonight? Let's discuss in the comments!
