Match Preview: NRL Pre-Season Challenge v Raiders

Author: Troy Whittaker Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 20 Feb 2026, 01:15 PM

A star-studded Sharks side will tune up for Round 1 in their second and final NRL Pre-Season Challenge match against Ricky Stuart's Raiders at Polytec Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named his strongest-available squad for the Gosford clash, with second-rower Teig Wilton (recovery from shoulder surgery) the only member of the potential season-opening team missing from the line-up.

Stuart, on the other hand, has rested the majority of his big names, however the reigning minor premiers still boast class across the park with the likes of Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage, Zac Hosking and Morgan Smithies lacing up the boots.

After fielding an inexperienced side in last Sunday's 40-6 trial loss to the Eels, the Sharks are boosted by the return of All Stars representatives including Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, Jesse Ramien and Briton Nikora.

Front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake is another who will pull on the black, white and blue jersey for the first time in 2026 after being held back last week.

"We know we're coming up against a pretty tough pack in Canberra. Can't wait to see how we go and dust the cobwebs off," Fonua-Blake said.

Pre-Season Challenge Media: Addin Fonua-Blake

"The expectation for us is to start the year how we finished it last year. We made some big steps forward leading into the finals and gained a lot of momentum.

"We fell short, but the belief's still there and we've got to get back to the brand of footy we know we can play. This weekend's going to be a good audition for that.

"Some boys had a game last week and the All Stars boys played really well in New Zealand, so we're all looking forward to it and looking to pick up where we left off."

An extended squad and unlimited interchanges will again allow Fitzgibbon the luxury of handing valuable experience to a host of exciting up-and-comers.

Inspired by a multitude of young guns, the Raiders came away with a 32-6 win over a similarly youthful Storm outfit in their opening Pre-Season Challenge fixture, keeping them in contention for the title and the accompanying $100,000 prize.

The Sharks and Raiders last met in a semi-final in September, the Shire men famously emerging victorious in enemy territory after a near-perfect performance.

Saturday's encounter is the first leg of a Central Coast double-header, with the Roosters and Eels to do battle at the waterfront venue from 6pm.

The Pre-Season Challenge action will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

See the squads below.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 21 Feb

4:50 am

Sharks

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Daine Laurie
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi
Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Alaia
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jalen Afamasaga

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Ata Mariota
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Jayden Brailey
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Thomas Hazelton

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Zac Hosking
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Matty Nicholson
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Billy Burns

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Noah Martin
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse Colquhoun

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Owen Pattie
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Jed Stuart
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Sione Finau
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Uele

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Jordan Uta

Reserves

Reserve for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru

Reserve for Raiders is number 18 Chevy Stewart
Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Mark Tuialii
Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Mawene Hiroti

Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Shaun Packer
Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Jayden Berrell

Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Myles Martin
Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Niwhai Puru

Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Jake Clydsdale
Reserve for Sharks is number 23 Riley Jones

Reserve for Raiders is number 23 Joe Roddy
Reserve for Sharks is number 24 Michael Gabrael

Reserve for Raiders is number 24 Saxon Innes
Reserve for Sharks is number 25 Harrison Hassett

Reserve for Raiders is number 25 Braydan Darmody
Reserve for Sharks is number 26 Taj Ford

Reserve for Raiders is number 26 Michael Asomua
Reserve for Sharks is number 27 Riley Pollard

Reserve for Raiders is number 27 Samuel Hyne
Reserve for Sharks is number 28 Chris Vea'ila

Reserve for Raiders is number 28 Vena Patuki-Case