Pre-Season Challenge Round 1: Sharks and Warriors can't be split

Three weeks out from their historic trip to Las Vegas, the Sharks and Warriors square off in the opening game of the 2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge.

Both sides will relish the opportunity to play some footy and work on their combinations after a gruelling off-season on the training paddock.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has named a solid side for the clash, with multiple stars set to line up at Sharks Stadium.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was a late withdrawal after picking up a minor niggle at training on Tuesday however the winger is expected to be fit for next week's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge clash with Melbourne.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has opted to rest a number of his stars, with William Kennedy to lead a young side into the clash. 

Follow all the action from the opening night of the 2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on NRL.com's live blog.

Friday February 7, Witzer Pre-Season Challenge Round 1

Sharks v Warriors at Sharks Stadium

Key injuries

• Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak lasted just 10 minutes before picking up a wrist injury. The outside back did not return but club officials are optimistic it is not serious.
• Mitchell Barnett also spent a stint on the sidelines after suffering a nasty gash early in the clash however he was taped up and later returned to the field. 
• Cronulla's Sione Katoa left the field early in the second half with a shoulder stinger. He was also placed in cotton wool and could have returned if needed.

Key takeaways

• Plenty of questions have been raised about who will replace Warriors legend Shaun Johnson in the No.7 jersey and Luke Metcalf had first crack on Friday night. The halfback took on the primary playmaking role and had an impressive outing at Sharks Stadium. 
• The opening trial match of the year is traditionally an opportunity for the next generation to showcase their skills and Friday was no different. Emerging hooker Samuel Healey got through a mountain of work in his first outing for the Warriors while 20-year-old Sharks five-eighth Taj Ford showed he is on track to make the step up from Jersey Flegg to open-age rugby league in the coming seasons. 
• Warriors recruit James Fisher-Harris was solid in his first outing for his new club and his combination with fellow starting prop Mitchell Barnett is set to be one to watch this season.
• The NRL announced a crackdown on play the balls during the week and the referees kept a close eye on the area throughout the match. Players from both sides were penalised for failing to make a genuine effort to play the ball with their foot in a sign it will be an area of focus in 2025.

Full-time: The opening match of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge has finished in a 12-12 draw, with both sides sure to take plenty out of an entertaining contest at Sharks Stadium. 

Cronulla rested most of their stars, with Craig Fitzgibbon providing fans a glimpse of the next generation. Along with flashes of attacking brilliance, there was plenty of defensive grit as they repelled a quality Warriors side. 

Tom Hazelton opened the scoring early while Hohepa Puru levelled the scores in the 74th minute to secure the draw. 

With five Warriors featuring in next week's All Stars game, Friday night marked the side's primary trial before they head to Las Vegas. The visitors were slow out of the gates however they found their groove midway through the first half and looked slick with ball in hand. 

Dylan Walker's pass to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for his try was a brilliant one, while Taine Tuaupiki finished off a nice attacking play early in the second half.

80th minute: An error by Motu Pasikala handed the Sharks one last chance to claim victory at the death however the last pass went to ground and the match will end a 12-12 draw. 

75th minute: This time the hosts will not be denied, Hohepa Puru latching on to a Jayden Berrell grubber before Mawene Hiroti slotted the conversion to level the scores at 12-12 with four minutes remaining.

71st minute: The Sharks are convinced they've crossed for the equaliser after 20-year-old talent Taj Ford charged through a yawning gap however the celebrations are short lived after referee Liam Kennedy immediately called for the bunker and the try was disallowed due to an obstruction.

60th minute: Tuaupiki's try has acted as a pressure release of sorts with both coaches giving their stars a rest and turning to their extended benches. The large squads used in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge provide future emerging players with their first chance to taste the elite game and plenty of youngsters in action are set to become household names in the future.

22-year-old Samuel Healey has been impressive throughout the night for the visitors while Jett Cleary, younger brother of Nathan, has just entered the fray for the Warriors. 

52nd minute: A number of senior Warriors players have been handed an extended stint in the middle tonight and the visitors' experience is starting to shine through. A period of sustained attack eventually saw Taine Tuaupiki cross out wide to hand his team a 12-6 lead. 

Half-time: The teams are locked up at 6-6 heading into the break, with plenty to like from both sides. Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon will be stoked with the defensive resolve shown by his young side as they held firm against a talented Warriors squad. 

The Warriors had the better of the attacking opportunities and looked more dangerous when their key players had the ball in hand however their execution cost them at times.

20th minute: The Sharks jumped out to an early 6-0 lead courtesy of a Tom Hazelton try in the second minute, however the Warriors have hit back after Dylan Walker linked up to a charging Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. 

It's not all positive for the visitors with both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Mitch Barnett leaving the field inside the first 15 minutes.

Watene-Zalezniak picked up a wrist injury and while it is not considered serious he is unlikely to return. Barnett suffered a laceration and was getting taped up on the sidelines and looks set for a second stint in the middle. 

7:00pm: If you missed the news earlier today, the Indigenous and Māori squads were announced for next week's All Stars match. Multiple players lining up tonight are set to feature in the clash, with Warriors recruit James Fisher-Harris headlining the Māori squad. 

The prop will be joined by four Warriors teammates in the Māori side, while Cronulla's Puru twins will play represent the Indigenous All Stars and face off against Sharks teammate Mawene Hiroti. 

6:30pm: The Warriors have made one change on game day, with Marata Niukore to start in the back row in jumper No.15 and Jacob Laban shifting to the bench. 

The Sharks will start the game 1-13, with Daniel Atkinson and Niwhai Puru to combine in the halves as Cronulla look to kick the season off with a win.