Witzer Pre-Season Challenge Super Saturday: Broncos defend their title

Key takeaways: 

• Gold Coast halves Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson were superb with ball in hand, showcasing how good their combination can be if they continue to develop throughout the season. 
• Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui made a successful comeback from injury in his first match since tearing his ACL two games into the 2024 season. 
• It was not all positive for the Gold Coast, with veteran Kieran Foran suffering an arm injury and Josiah Pahulu placed into the concussion protocols. 
• The Dolphins were also hit by injuries throughout the match. Daniel Saifiti picked up a hamstring injury while Jack Bostock injured his knee in an awkward mid-air collision that saw the winger placed on report. Saifiti's complaint is not believed to be serious, with Bostock likely to be sent for scans.

Full-time: The Gold Coast Titans have ensured the Broncos will hoist the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge trophy after securing a 26-18 victory over the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium. 

The Dolphins needed to win by 13+ and secure three bonus points to leapfrog their cross-town rivals, however they were no match for the Titans.

The Gold Coast provided a glimpse of what fans can expect in 2025, playing an entertaining style and utilising their explosive backs to throw the ball around and pose plenty of questions for the Dolphins defence. Jayden Campbell was superb at halfback, combining perfectly with five-eighth AJ Brimson. 

There were glimpses of brilliance for the hosts, however they struggled in attack and were outplayed by their opponents at a sold-out Kayo Stadium.

70th minute: Mark Nicholls has a double, with front rowers rejoicing around the country after a grubber bounces perfectly into his arms for his second try of the night. 

In injury news, both Jack Bostock and Kieran Foran will be sent for scans, with concerns Foran may have suffered a small biceps tear. Titans 26-18.

60th minute: Dolphins winger Jack Bostock has limped from the field after injuring his knee in a collision that saw him get penalised and placed on report. The youngster extended his leg in the air as he attempted to catch a kick, collecting a chasing player and injuring his knee in the process. Titans 26-12

53rd minute: The Dolphins closed the gap thanks to a long-range effort finished off by Jake Averillo however their task has been made much tougher after Kenny Bromwich was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. 

The Titans immediately made the most of the extra man, David Fifita picking up a loose ball and finding Jojo Fifita for a spectacular putdown in the corner. Titans 22-12.

46th minute: The Titans have picked up where they left off before the break, the likes of Klese Haas throwing the ball around and keeping the play alive with offloads to create a disjointed Dolphins defensive line. Beau Fermor was the beneficiary on this occasion, latching on to an offload to cross next to the posts. Titans 18-6.

Half-time: Gold Coast coach Des Hasler will be thrilled with the improved performance from his team after last week's underwhelming display. The Titans have looked dangerous with ball in hand and staunch in defence to smother their opponents.

As for the Dolphins, they face an uphill battle to claim Pre-Season Challenge and must produce a big turnaround if they are to topple the Broncos. The Dolphins need to win by 13+, score four more tries, claim three more line breaks and eight more offloads in the second half to take out the title.

37th minute: In more concerning news for Titans fans, Kieran Foran has left the field after appearing to pick up a shoulder or arm injury. The veteran flung his arm out in an attempted tackle, however quickly reeled away in pain and was replaced soon after. Titans medical staff immediately put ice on his left arm around the bicep region.

34th minute: Gold Coast forward Josiah Pahulu has left the field for a Head Injury Assessment after a head clash in a crunching tackle from Dolphins back rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Pahulu has been placed in the concussion protocols and will not return to the match.

23rd minute: A period of sustained pressure has ultimately led to points for the Dolphins, with Mark Nicholls crashing over from short range. 

In positive news for Gold Coast fans, captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has successfully completed his first stint in the middle in his comeback from an ACL rupture. Titans 12-6.

16th minute: The Titans have put on a show throughout the opening 16 minutes of this match and Gold Coast fans will hope it's a sign of things to come in 2025. 

Jayden Campbell has run with the ball on the last tackle before putting through a well-placed grubber for AJ Brimson to cross for the Titan's second of the night. Titans 12-0.

10th minute: The Dolphins are aware of the equation to win the Pre-Season Challenge but the Titans have struck first as they look to play spoilers at Kayo Stadium. 

Keano Kini was the man to find the line, keeping the ball alive before latching on to an offload to put his side up 6-0. Titans 6-0.

Broncos v Bulldogs, Saturday 5.30pm (AEDT) at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Full-time: A late flurry has helped Brisbane claim a pair of bonus points to secure 14 competition points and climb to the top of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge standings. 

The Broncos ran in six tries to three to secure a 30-14 win, withstanding a Bulldogs second-half surge to regain the upper hand and put the game to bed. There was a late blow for the hosts, with Jack Gosiewksi leaving the field for a Head Injury Assessment following a high tackle that saw Josh Curran sent to the sin bin.

Brisbane sit first on the ladder with 29 points, with a for and against of 54 points. The Dragons are second, equal on points and a for and against of 38 points. The equation is simple for the Dolphins, beat the Titans by more than 12 points and secure three bonus points to claim the title of Witzer Pre-Season Challenge champions. 

71st minute: Brisbane have steadied the ship and claimed their first bonus point, with Deine Mariner crossing for the Broncos' fifth try of the night. 

A Bulldogs error put the hosts on the attack and Josh Rogers broke through the defensive line before linking up with Mariner to push the lead beyond a converted try. Broncos 24-14

As it stands, Brisbane have three line breaks and four offloads and require at least one more bonus point to draw level with St George Illawarra on the Pre-Season Challenge ladder.

69th minute: With the wind in their backs, the Bulldogs are flying home with a wet sail. A Brisbane error put the visitors on the attack and Canterbury capitalised. Rinakama came agonisingly close in the left corner and the Bulldogs shifted the ball all the way to the right from the ensuing play, Blake Wilson diving over in the right corner. Broncos 18-14

64th minute: Canterbury have a second and Brisbane's quest for the Pre-Season  Challenge crown is looking increasingly difficult. 

It was a perfect scrum move from the Bulldogs, five-eighth Matt Burton orchestrating a shift to the left, with Jethro Rinakama finishing off a well-worked play. Brisbane 18-10. 

60th minute: The Bulldogs are on the board, with Jacob Preston running from dummy half and making the most of some fatigued Broncos players to charge straight through before beating the fullback to cap a 60-metre solo try. Broncos 18-6.

Both sides have started to take off the bulk of their stars with Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan headlining the Broncos who have finished for the night. More details have come out regarding Kotoni Staggs, with club officials stating he is managing quad tightness. 

As for Canterbury, Blake Wilson passed his HIA and returned to the field.

41st  minute: We are back for the second half and the Broncos are 40 minutes away from putting one hand on the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge trophy. The Dragons currently sit on top on 29 points courtesy of their Charity Shield victory earlier today. 

Brisbane had 15 points heading into the match and will claim 12 for a win, with bonus points on offer for scoring 5+ tries, 5+ line breaks and 10+ offloads. 

As it stands, they have three tries, two line breaks and two offloads. 

The Broncos will secure the Pre-Season Challenge if they claim all 15 points on offer, however a 14-point haul will leave the door open for the Dolphins to draw level with both Brisbane and St George Illawarra in the final game of today's triple-header. 

Half-time: The Broncos have capped a stellar half of football with a try on the stroke of half-time. Jock Madden charged through a gap before hitting Selwyn Cobbo with a perfect pass, the winger making no mistakes to score in the corner. 

The Bulldogs have made plenty of metres and had success rolling through the middle of the field however they have struggled in attacking territory. Brisbane, on the other hand, have been slick when in the red zone and have made their opponents pay. Brisbane 14-0.

33rd minute: Brisbane have a second with another slick left-edge shift. Walsh was again in the thick of the action, receiving the ball out the back, getting to the outside of Stephen Crichton and sending Arthars over in the corner. Broncos 10-0

25th minute: The Broncos have taken a precautionary approach with Kotoni Staggs, with the winger to sit out the remainder of the clash. The outside has been managing calf and hamstring complaints leading into the game and will now turn his focus towards Round 1. Haas looks like he will return for a second stint in positive news.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs winger Blake Wilson has left the field for a Head Injury Assessment.

23th minute: This time there can be no denying the Broncos, with Ben Hunt putting up a towering bomb. Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey was not able to catch it amid pressure from Reece Walsh, allowing Adam Reynolds to scoop up the loose ball and cross in the corner. Broncos 6-0.

20th minute: A Reece Walsh 40-20 put the Broncos on the attack however the Bulldogs have held firm and denied their opponents. A poor pass by Pat Carrigan saw Brisbane turn the ball over and Canterbury rolled down the field from their subsequent set. 

In news that will have Broncos fans nervous, both Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas have left the field in the first 20 minutes, with the pair appearing to limp from the field. 

Walsh 40-20, puts Broncos on the attack 

8th minute: We are underway in Redcliffe and the Broncos looked to have opened the scoring after Adam Reynolds put through a perfect grubber for winger Jesse Arthars. The outside back, however, was unable to ground the ball and the bunker stepped in to disallow the try. 

While they didn't score, Brisbane should be thrilled to have come so close in their first attacking opportunity of the contest. 

Late Mail: The Bulldogs are 1-17 with no late changes. Kurt Mann starts at lock in his first game since fracturing his collarbone last season. The Broncos also line up as named on Tuesday with Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas and Reece Walsh all taking the field for their first game of 2025.

 

Dragons v Rabbitohs, Saturday 3.00pm at Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

Full-time: The Dragons tasted Charity Shield glory for just the second time in the last 13 years, making it two from two in the Pre-Season Challenge as new buys Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes displayed all their class. Centres Holmes and Moses Suli combined for 314 run metres while former Raider Emre Guler made 122 metres from 13 runs. The match total of 72 points was the highest scoring Charity Shield in its 42-year history.

68 min: Clint Gutherson delivers the final pass for Ryan Couchman to grab the Dragons' eighth try of the afternoon. Kyle Flanagan converts to make it 46-26.

61 min: Lachlan Ilias goes to the line and hits lead runner Moses Suli who slices through two defenders and steady the ship for the Red V. Kyle Flanagan converts to extend the Dragons' lead to 40-26. It's the most points the Dragons have scored in a Charity Shield match.

52 min: The Jamie Humphreys show continues as the playmaker busts through some flimsy defence from close range to get Souths right back in the game at 34-26. The Rabbitohs have now piled on five tries in 18 minutes.

49 min: A double strike for Souths when Jamie Humphreys delivers a nice short ball to put Keaon Koloamatangi over for his second. 34-20 Dragons.

46 min: Despite being down to 12 men the Rabbitohs grab their third try when a Jamie Humphreys kick is tapped back by Jack Wighton to Keaon Koloamatangi who touches down. Isaiah Taas converts to make it 34-16.

Half-time: The Dragons had 60 per cent of the ball and converted 16 of 20 sets to dominate the opening 40. Sione Finau racked up 115 run metres to go with his four tries while Val Holmes clocked up 147 run metres and fouyr try assists.

39 min: The Bunnies grab a second after Jye Gray splits the Dragons wide open and finds Jayden Sullivan backing up on the inside. Isaiah Taas adds the extras to make it 34-10.

34 min: Bunnies fullback Jye Gray grubbers for himself and shows great speed to beat the Dragons defenders to the ball and grab his team's first try. Dragons 34-4.

30 min: Sione Finau is helped from the field by two trainers and looks to be in some distress due to the heat. He had been hit high earlier by Lewis Dodd and failed his HIA, meaning Dodd would spend the first 10 minutes of the second half in the bin.

29 min: Four for Finau as Luciano Leilua comes up with some ball-playing magic and old hands Clint Githerson and Val Holmes again play their part. Holmes converts for a 34-0 lead.

27 min: Rabbitohs back-rower Thomas Fletcher is ruled out for the remainder of the game after failing a HIA.

22 min: Sione Finau completes a first-half hat-trick as the Dragons again turn on the razzle dazzle from their own side of halfway with Kyle Flanagan, Luciano Leilua, Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes all involved in the lead-up. Holmes' first miss of the day leaves the score at 28-0.

19 min: A Lewis Dodd grubber is knocked down by the Dragons and rebounds to Val Holmes who shows a clean pair of heels to race 70 metres before offloading to Sione Finau for the Red V's fourth. Holmes bangs over his fourth conversion to make it 24-0.

15 min: The Dragons unleash a 70-metre try with Jaydn Su'A making space for Mat Feagai who finds Clint Gutherson in support before Lachlan Ilias finishes the move off for an 18-0 lead.

12 min: On the back of three early penalties and 72 per cent of possession the Dragons cross again through Mat Feagai, the last pass coming courtesy of Moses Suli. A brilliant sideline conversion from Val Holmes makes it 12-0.

7 min: The Dragons strike first through left winger Sione Finau after slick hands from Kyle Flanagan, Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes who converts for a 6-0 lead.

2 min: Jayden Sullivan puts his first kick out on the full to hand the Red V field position but Jack de Belin puts the ball down.

Kick-off: It's weather fine and track fast and Mudgee with the temperature in the high 20s. The Bunnies kick off and the Dragons get through a solid first set.

Late Mail: Jacob Liddle (hand) drops out of the final Dragons squad with Connor Muhleisen taking his place. For Souths, Jye Gray takes over at fullback from Latrell Mitchell (hamstrung) while Fletcher Myers in jersey No.20 comes in on the wing. Lachlan Hubner has gone to the bench and Thomas Fletcher will start. Salesi Ataata joins the bench in No.18.

Dolphins v Titans, Saturday 7.30pm (AEDT) at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Late Mail: Titans train-and-triallist Brock Gray is a late inclusion on the interchange bench for game in Redcliffe. The 28-year-old joined the Titans from the Rabbitohs at the start of the 2025 pre-season in a full-time capacity in a bid to make his NRL debut after 129 NSW Cup games since 2015.