The 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge culminates in a thrilling finale as rugby league giants collide! Wayne's Bunnies (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Seibs' Sea Eagles (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) face off at the idyllic Glen Willow Oval in Mudgee, setting the stage for an epic battle.
But first, let's rewind to the action-packed second half. South Sydney, under the guidance of the legendary coach Wayne Bennett, aimed to solidify their lead. However, an early setback occurred when Tevita Tatola was forced off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), leaving the score at 12-0 in their favor.
Controversial Decisions and Close Calls:
As the game progressed, several controversial decisions and near-misses kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the 33rd minute, South Sydney's defense shone, thwarting Manly's attempts to score. But the Rabbitohs faced a setback when Sean Keppie was taken for an HIA after a collision. The score remained unchanged at 12-0.
The 30th minute brought a Captain's Challenge from the Rabbitohs, questioning a forward strip ruling on Latrell Mitchell. The Bunker stood by the on-field decision, but South Sydney retained their challenge. Meanwhile, Manly's Nathan Brown prepared to return from the sin bin, potentially shifting the momentum.
The Battle Intensifies:
Manly found themselves on the ropes in the 28th minute, suffering another blow as Corey Waddell was taken off for an HIA. South Sydney pushed for a third try, but the Sea Eagles' defense held firm. The score remained 12-0, but the tension was palpable.
Jack Wighton, the South Sydney center, had two near-misses in the first half, with the second attempt foiled by a last-ditch effort from Manly's Clayton Faulalo. The Sea Eagles clung on, but the Rabbitohs' dominance was evident.
Sin Bin Drama:
In the 22nd minute, a pivotal moment occurred when Manly's Nathan Brown was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Bayleigh Bentley-Hape. Despite this setback, the Sea Eagles had been building momentum before the penalty. Could they recover with 12 men?
Bunnies' Onslaught:
South Sydney's Cody Walker capitalized on the pressure in the 17th minute, scoring the team's second try. The try came after multiple repeat sets, showcasing Walker's skill and speed. The score extended to 12-0, and the Rabbitohs' onslaught continued.
Earlier, in the 13th minute, Brandon Smith's dart and offload to Walker almost resulted in a second try, but Manly's defense held firm. The Sea Eagles survived another scare, keeping the score at 6-0.
Dream Start for the Bunnies:
The opening minutes belonged to the Bunnies. In the 7th minute, a Manly error gifted South Sydney an attacking opportunity, and they capitalized with a well-worked try to Campbell Graham. Latrell Mitchell's sideline conversion extended the lead to 6-0.
Star Players Make Their Mark:
The game began with a bang as David Fifita, in his debut for South Sydney, burst through the defensive line. Although Manly survived the early threat, the stage was set for an exciting contest. Latrell Mitchell, in his new center role, and Dave Fifita's first appearance for the Rabbitohs added intrigue, while Manly's new halfback, Jamal Fogarty, also made an impact.
Late Changes and Excitement:
South Sydney made late changes, with Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and William Afualo stepping in due to injuries to Alex Johnston and Adam Elliott. The Sea Eagles also had a minor change, with Navren Willett dropping off the extended bench.
As the curtain falls on this pre-season challenge, the stage is set for the third installment of Rugby League Las Vegas. Which team will emerge victorious from this high-stakes clash? Share your predictions and thoughts on the controversial moments in the comments below!
