NRL 2026 Pre-Season: Schedule, Trials & What You Need to Know

The 2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge is set to begin on February 7, offering fans an early look at their National Rugby League (NRL) teams as they prepare for the 2026 Premiership season. The competition will span three weeks and feature a total of 16 matches, including four double-header weekends.

A Broad Geographical Showcase

This year’s challenge isn’t confined to a single location. Matches will be played across New South Wales, Queensland, and even New Zealand, with games scheduled in Queanbeyan, Mudgee, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, and Napier. This wide distribution allows fans from diverse regions to witness the action firsthand.

Round-by-Round Highlights

The opening round will spotlight the four teams preparing for games in Las Vegas – the Dragons, Bulldogs, Knights, and Cowboys – at Jubilee Oval. Round 2 will see the Raiders return to Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan to face the Storm. McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle will host a double-header featuring the Wests Tigers versus the Roosters, and the Knights against the Bulldogs. Round 3 begins with another double-header at Leichhardt Oval, followed by a significant day of matches at Polytec Stadium in Gosford, where the Sharks will play the Raiders and the Roosters will face the Eels.

Did You Know? The Broncos won back-to-back Witzer Pre-Season Challenge titles in 2024, amassing 80 points across two games.

High Stakes and a $100,000 Prize

The winning team of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge will receive $100,000, but the benefits extend beyond the financial reward. A strong performance in the pre-season is expected to provide a significant confidence boost heading into the competitive 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership.

Competition Format and Rules

Teams will submit 28-player squads, with 13 starting players and 15 on the interchange. Team lists will be announced on NRL.com each Tuesday at 4:00 PM (AEDT), with a final 28-player squad submission one hour before kick-off. Unlimited interchange is permitted, allowing teams to utilize their full roster during each game.

Expert Insight: The unlimited interchange rule suggests a focus on player development and experimentation during the pre-season, allowing coaches to assess combinations and fitness levels without the constraints of strategic substitutions.

The competition incorporates a bonus points system alongside traditional win/draw points, ensuring every contest holds significance regardless of the scoreboard. In the event of a tie at the conclusion of the challenge, a countback system will be used to determine the winner.

Defending Champions Face New Challenges

The 2024 champions, the Broncos, will not be defending their title in the 2025 challenge, as they are scheduled to compete in the World Club Challenge against Hull KR in England on February 19. This opens the door for a new team to claim the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge crown.

Where to Watch

All games of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge will be broadcast exclusively on Fox League, and are available through Kayo Sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prize money for winning the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge?

The winning team will receive $100,000.

How many matches are scheduled for the 2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge?

There will be a total of 16 matches played across three weeks.

When are team lists announced?

Team lists will be announced on NRL.com at 4:00 PM (AEDT) each Tuesday.

As teams gear up for the 2026 NRL season, what impact do you think a strong showing in the Pre-Season Challenge could have on a team’s overall performance?