Get ready for an action-packed Friday night of rugby league as the Raiders take on the Storm at Seiffert Oval, and the Cowboys face off against the Panthers at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. But here's where it gets controversial... The Raiders, who called Seiffert Oval home from 1982 to 1990, are set to roll into Queanbeyan once again, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans. This heavyweight showdown between last year's minor premiers and runners-up promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Meanwhile, the Cowboys host the Panthers at Mackay, where the crowd will be packed to the rafters. After a disappointing 2025 season, the Panthers are determined to make a swift start this year, taking on the Cowboys and the Wests Tigers before a Round 1 clash with the Broncos, who eliminated them from the finals in a thrilling encounter at Suncorp Stadium. And this is the part most people miss... The Raiders' Vena Patuki-Case and Joe Roddy showcased impressive forward momentum, with Patuki-Case making seven runs for 84 meters and three tackle breaks, and Roddy contributing 14 runs for 95 meters. The center, Savelio Tamale, was also a standout with six tackle breaks and 75 run meters. As the game unfolds, keep an eye on the Raiders' Michael Asomua, who scored a double in the first half, and the Storm's Marion Seve, who rode a tackle and forced a dropout. But be warned, the Storm's five-eighth, Eli Morris, was caught high by Mark Tuialii, resulting in a sin-bin sending. The Cowboys, without their Englishman John Bateman due to a wrist injury, and the Panthers, led by Ivan Cleary, will be looking to make their mark in this pre-season challenge. So, who will come out on top? Follow all the action from Round 2 of the 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Do you agree or disagree with the commentators' analysis? Let's spark a discussion!
