Bold opener: Friday night footy is back, and the stakes are high as two big-names collide in a weekend of heavyweight NFL-level intensity on the NRL field. But here's where it gets controversial: nostalgia aside, the on-field drama promises to redefine momentum for the season.
Original setup reads: Friday night footy features Raiders vs Storm at Seiffert Oval and Cowboys vs Panthers at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. The Raiders return to Seiffert Oval, a venue they called home from 1982 to 1990, adding a nostalgic layer as the Green Machine revisit Queanbeyan. The pairings draw a substantial crowd expected for a clash between last year’s minor premiers and runners-up, while Mackay’s stadium will be packed as the Cowboys host the Panthers.
Context and expectations: After falling short of a five-peat in 2025, the Panthers aim to kick 2026 with a strong start, facing the Cowboys and Wests Tigers before a Round 1 meeting with the Broncos—who eliminated them in a dramatic finals showdown at Suncorp Stadium.
Live coverage reminder: Stay up-to-date with Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge via NRL.com’s live blog.
Raiders v Storm at Seiffert Oval
- 73 min: The Storm finally break through as Jordan Hamlin routes the ball along the short side, releasing Liam Williams for a try. Amaziah Murgha converts. Score: Raiders 28, Storm 6.
- 72 min: Storm five-eighth Eli Morris is judged to have been struck high by Raiders defender Mark Tuialii, who is sent to the sin bin. Morris appeared to slip as Tuialii moved in to tackle, resulting in the high contact call.
- 68 min: Seb Kris powers through from 20 metres out to claim Canberra’s sixth try; Chevy Stewart adds the extras. Raiders 28-0.
- 66 min: Vena Patuki-Case crosses but is held up on the fifth tackle. The Raiders attempt a last-kick play, but Melbourne covers and clears.
- 59 min: Sione Finau grubbers, Seb Kris toe-punts into the in-goal, where Eli Morris chases and grounds the ball for a field-grounding race; result is a Storm dropout.
- 54 min: Jalen Afamasaga gathers from the ruck and uses pace to slice through, scoring from 20 metres out. Ethan Alaia converts. Raiders 22-0.
Up Next
51 min: Raiders shift right; Seb Kris draws two defenders before a flick pass to Sione Finau, who scores. Finau, who bagged four tries in last year’s Charity Shield for the Dragons, is chasing a big season with Canberra. Alaia misses the conversion from out wide. Raiders 16-0.
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44 min: Marion Seve crosses for Melbourne but loses the ball in the act. Raiders scoop and race 80 metres before Sione Finua is ankle-tapped; video review confirms no try.
Forward momentum: Vena Patuki-Case posts seven carries for 84 metres with three tackle breaks; Joe Roddy adds 14 carries for 95 metres. Savelio Tamale proves troublesome in the middle with six tackle breaks and 75 metres.
Half-time: Raiders lead 8-0, thanks to Michael Asomua’s two tries. Possession advantage sits at 58% in Canberra’s favour, with 22 sets to Melbourne’s 18.
36 min: Michael Asomua powers through for a second try after a right-side move; Chevy Stewart converts from the sideline. Raiders 8-0.
32 min: Storm squander a repeat set opportunity as Alan Holten makes a solo run from dummy-half but is shut down.
31 min: Ethan Alaia bombs out a kick; Storm hit the red zone.
29 min: Asomua soars for a high ball but spills it before the line; a high-shot penalty gives the Storm a fresh surge.
25 min: Tamale’s footwork creates space, but an errant pass from Owen Pattie ends the threat.
23 min: Raiders prop Sam Hyde drives hard close to the line but is held up by desperate Storm defence.
19 min: First blood to the Raiders as Daine Laurie steers a perfectly weighted grubber for Michael Asomua to score in the right corner. Conversion misses. Raiders 4-0.
17 min: Daine Laurie skies for a catch; Hugo Peel secures the tackle, forcing a Storm dropout.
16 min: A powerful run from Cooper Clarke creates field position, but Jordan Hamlin’s kick sails out on the full.
12 min: Eli Morris bombs to the corner; Michael Asomua covers, earning Canberra a fresh start.
8 min: Marion Seve’s break is halted by a knock-on from Daine Laurie after a clean pass; Storm win the ensuing scrum but drop the ball.
3 min: Early Raiders pressure ends when Mark Tuialii is ruled offside for obstruction, giving Melbourne early relief.
Late Mail
- Raiders: Ethan Alaia to start at five-eighth (No. 18); Jalen Afamasaga to come off the bench; Matty Nicholson to captain.
- Storm: No late changes; new props Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington debut, with Trent Loiero and Ativalu Lisati remaining from the 2025 grand final squad.
Cowboys v Panthers at BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Late Mail
- Cowboys: John Bateman is ruled out with a wrist injury.
- Panthers: Ivan Cleary’s team unchanged for the Mackay showdown.
And now the big question: Do these early-season matchups prove last year’s near-misses can translate into a true title tilt, or will injuries and intensity slow the pace? Share your take in the comments: which side has the sharper edge to start 2026, and who will emerge as the breakout star of Round 2?
