NRL Pre-Season Challenge schedule: Eels to blood J’maine Hopgood in Panthers clash
After losing star backrower Isaiah Papali’i, the Eels will turn to a former Panther in the first Grand Final rematch. Corey Parker breaks down the biggest pre-season storylines.
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Penrith can soften the blow of losing Stephen Crichton with a handy $200,000 bonus by claiming the pre-season and World Club Challenges next month.
The league officially confirmed the $100,000 prizemoney for the winner of the inaugural Pre-Season Challenge, which kicks off on February 9 in Auckland.
However, the Panthers can double their winnings by defeating Super League champions St Helens when the two teams face off in Penrith on February 18.
The Daily Telegraph spoke with premiership-winner Corey Parker to break down the biggest storylines heading into the trials, all of which will be broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Warriors v Tigers, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 6pm
Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall’s Wests Tigers have their first official test, with a new brand of footy promised.
Parker thinks the additions of Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman and Api Koroisau have bolstered their team.
“Introducing those three individuals, they are going to be a completely different team. They won’t go from wooden spoon to first, but there should be, for once, a lot of excitement around the Wests Tigers,” Parker said.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Knights v Sharks, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford 5.55pm
With the Knights looking to improve off their horrid season last year, new recruits Jackson Hastings and Lachie Miller will be key.
“I was really impressed with Jackson Hastings last year and thought he handled himself very well,” Parker said.
“Some of the performances Hastings put on last year were terrific and he is a great acquisition and we will see good signs in the challenge.
“Lachie Miller is a real good success story and he gets a real opportunity to cement himself in this Newcastle side.”
Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford 8pm
Anthony Seibold is being put to the test to see how his side will go without their star fullback Tom Trbojevic and their new halves combination with Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Schuster.
This first game is a huge test for the side as they go up against South Sydney, who will look to put their foot down from day dot.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Eels v Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith 6pm
Given the way Penrith humiliated Parramatta in the grand final, fireworks could be expected.
After the amount of footy both teams played last year, Parker expects some fresh faces in the rematch.
“J’maine Hopgood will come in for Parramatta I believe and feel a void of the likes of Isaiah Papalii,” he said.
“He’s been flying under the radar and will be one of the new players that makes a statement.
“I have no doubt we won’t see Penrith’s full side in the first game as I assume they are focusing more on the World Club Challenge.”
Dragons v St Helens, WIN Stadium, Wollongong 8.05pm
St Helens’ first Australian test will come against the Dragons before their blockbuster clash against the reigning premiers.
The Saints, who have won the past four Super League titles, boast the likes of Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Jack Welsby, and Jonny Lomax.
“St Helens is not going to be an easy beat team for our NRL sides,” Parker said.
“They have some quality players and outfit which play a quality brand of football.
“They are not here to lose.”
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Storm v Roosters GMHBA Stadium, Geelong 1.50pm
In what could be the game of the round the Roosters are looking to show fans why they are one of the favourites for this year’s competition.
“I have the Roosters in the top three teams of this year, so I am expecting decent signs in the pre-season challenge,” Parker said.
“Write the Storm off at your own peril. The amount of times they have lost players and come back stronger is ridiculous, so I won’t count them out.”
Raiders v Bulldogs, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya 3.55pm
Cameron Ciraldo has been one of the most hyped coaches in recent history and will get his chance to show it throughout February.
Parker believes we will see most of the Bulldogs Round 1 team throughout the whole pre-season to gel everyone together.
“I would play my round one team throughout the entire pre-season so they can build that harmony and cohesion before the season starts,” he said.
Cowboys v Dolphins, Barlow Park, Cairns 8.05pm
Waynne Bennet is going to have to use some of his magic one more time for the Dolphins to succeed as Parker does not expect to see much from the newest NRL team.
“The reality of the conversation is the personnel of their football side,”
“Take nothing away from those individuals but their forward pack is ageing and we really don’t know what we are getting from their halves,”
“I’m not expecting big things from the Dolphins but we will get a good indication after the pre season challenge.”
Broncos v Titans, Sunshine Coast Stadium 8.05pm
The pressure is on for coach Justin Holbrook as he and all titans fans hope Kieran Foran will give good signs in the Pre-season Challenge.
Same can be said for Kevin Walters as hopes of a consistent side with the inclusion of Reece Walsh will hopefully bring the Broncos back to finals.
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