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The Witzer Pre-Season Challenge is entering a thrilling final round, with several teams still in contention for the $100,000 prize and a coveted spot among the league’s elite. The Parramatta Eels, fresh off a dominant win over the Sharks, are aiming to secure their first Pre-Season Challenge title, while the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders similarly remain firmly in the hunt. This weekend’s matches will determine which teams join the ladder-leading North Queensland Cowboys and the second-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, who have already qualified for a trip to Las Vegas.

Mitchell Moses is set to make his first appearance of the season for the Eels, partnering with Jonah Pezet in a key halves matchup against the Roosters’ Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker at Polytec Stadium on Saturday night. The stakes are high as the Eels look to capitalize on their impressive form and secure a place in the final standings. With the Cowboys (27 points) and Bulldogs (16 points) already confirmed for Vegas, the competition for the remaining spots is fierce.

The Tigers have already made a strong statement in the Pre-Season Challenge, securing two wins from two games. Their 26-12 victory over the Panthers on Friday night, led by Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi, saw them pocket 14 points. While they missed out on an additional bonus point for achieving 10 or more offloads, their performance has positioned them well heading into the final round. Kai Pearce-Paul also made his debut for the Tigers, lining up in the second row.

The Raiders will kick off Saturday’s action with a clash against the Sharks, who suffered a defeat against the Eels last Sunday at Henson Park. Both the Eels, Titans, Wests Tigers and Raiders entered the final round tied on 15 points, creating an enthralling scenario where every point and bonus point will be crucial.

Round 3 Matchups and Key Storylines

Several key matchups will shape the final standings of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. The Sharks, despite their loss to the Eels, will be looking to bounce back against the Raiders, with Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Will Kennedy all returning to the lineup. Although, the Raiders possess enough talent to challenge the Sharks, promising a competitive contest.

The Titans will face the Storm at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, aiming to secure a win and valuable bonus points. Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson will form the halves partnership for the Titans, while captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will lead the charge in his first game of 2026. The Storm, meanwhile, will unleash a formidable lineup featuring Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Sua Faalogo, and new recruit Davvy Moale, promising a high-octane encounter.

The final match of the challenge will take place at Glen Willow Oval in Mudgee, where the South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the Manly Sea Eagles. This match will witness the debut of David Fifita for the Rabbitohs and Jamal Fogarty for the Sea Eagles, adding extra intrigue to the contest. Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Tolu Koula, and Reuben Garrick are also expected to deliver strong performances.

Bonus Points and Tiebreaker Rules

The Witzer Pre-Season Challenge incorporates a bonus points system to incentivize competitive play throughout each match. Teams can earn additional points for various achievements, adding another layer of complexity to the standings. The team with the most points at the conclusion of the two rounds will be crowned the winner and receive the $100,000 prize.

In the event of a tie, the NRL has established a countback system to determine the winner. Given the short duration of the challenge, a tiebreaker is a distinct possibility, making every point and bonus point even more valuable.

Last year, the Brisbane Broncos claimed back-to-back Witzer Pre-Season Challenge titles, amassing 80 points across two games. They defeated the Titans 50-12 in Toowoomba and the Bulldogs 30-12 at Redcliffe. The St. George Illawarra Dragons also won both their matches but ultimately fell short due to a lower points differential. With the Broncos currently competing in the World Club Challenge in England, a new champion will be crowned in 2026.

What’s Next?

The final round of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge promises to be a captivating spectacle, with several teams vying for the title and the lucrative prize money. The results of these matches will not only determine the champion but also provide valuable insights into the form and preparations of teams ahead of the upcoming NRL season. Fans can expect intense competition, exciting plays, and a glimpse of the stars who will be shaping the future of the league.

Share your predictions for the final round and discuss the key matchups in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow NRL fans!

Dubai – Paula Badosa, the former world number two, has vehemently defended her decision to withdraw from her second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships, responding to criticism that labeled her actions as “disrespectful” to the sport. The 28-year-old Spaniard retired from the match against Elina Svitolina on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after initially winning the first set 6-4, despite leading 4-1 earlier in the match. This latest withdrawal has reignited a debate surrounding player health and the pressures faced by athletes battling chronic injuries.

Badosa’s withdrawal is the 14th retirement or withdrawal at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, highlighting a growing concern about player wellbeing during the tournament. The incident occurred after Badosa had previously defeated Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 7-5 on Monday. Her ongoing struggles with injury have prompted questions about her future in the sport, but Badosa is resolute in her commitment to continuing her career despite the physical challenges.

Responding to Criticism

The controversy erupted after a social media user accused Badosa of showing a lack of respect for the game due to her frequent withdrawals. Badosa directly addressed the comment, offering a raw and honest account of life with a chronic injury. “You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going,” she wrote in a social media post. “To wake up everyday not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and fighting for something you love and give everything even when it’s so difficult.”

Badosa, who has previously battled a chronic back problem that led her to consider retirement in 2024, emphasized the mental and emotional toll of competing although injured. She described facing “endless nightmares” in her pursuit of solutions, but reaffirmed her passion for tennis. “It’s all about trying and that won’t change,” she stated. “I’ll always try one more time. I’m doing this for my passion… If there’s even a 1 per cent chance to keep going, I’ll take it. That’s just how I notice and understand life.”

A Pattern of Withdrawals

This isn’t an isolated incident for Badosa. According to MSN, approximately 17% of her career losses have come as a result of retirement or withdrawal. She retired from four matches in 2025 alone, and her recent struggles have seen her ranking drop to number 70 in the world.

The Dubai Tennis Championships have been significantly impacted by player withdrawals. Elena Rybakina, the world number three, retired from her match against Antonia Ruzic due to a gastrointestinal illness, allowing Ruzic, a lucky loser, to advance to the quarter-finals. Other notable players, including Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova, have progressed in the tournament, with Gauff defeating Elise Mertens 2-6, 7-6 (11-9), 6-3 and Anisimova securing a straight-set win.

Wider Debate on Player Wellbeing

Badosa’s response has sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by professional tennis players and the online abuse they often endure. The Independent reports that Badosa’s candid remarks have amplified the discussion surrounding hurtful comments players frequently encounter online. The incident underscores the need for greater understanding and empathy towards athletes dealing with physical and mental health challenges.

Elina Svitolina, Badosa’s opponent in the match where the injury occurred, has also been enjoying a successful run in Dubai, defeating Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals. She will face Antonia Ruzic in the next round.

As Badosa continues to navigate her injury struggles, her unwavering determination and willingness to speak out against criticism serve as an inspiration. The tennis world will be watching to see how she manages her health and continues her pursuit of success on the court.

What comes next for Badosa remains uncertain, but her commitment to fighting for her passion is clear. The focus will now be on her recovery and preparation for future tournaments, with the hope that she can overcome her physical challenges and return to her peak form. Share your thoughts on Badosa’s situation and the broader issue of player wellbeing in the comments below.