Pre-Season Clash Sees Raiders and Storm Locked in Early Battle
The Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm met in a Pre-Season Challenge match at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan. Early reports indicated the score was level at 0-0. This match provided an opportunity for both teams to test new player combinations and for recruits to make their debut appearances.
Team Lineups and New Faces
The Canberra Raiders fielded a squad featuring some experienced players alongside new recruits. Daine Laurie was named at halfback, and Sione Finau was on the interchange bench, marking their first appearances for the club. The team included 11 players with NRL experience.
The Melbourne Storm also showcased new talent. Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington were set to make their first appearances in Storm colours, primarily in the forward pack. Other players featured in the Storm lineup included Trent Loiero, Lazarus Vaalepu, and Ativalu Lisati in the forwards. Marion Seve and Moses Leo were listed in the backline, with Hugo Peel at fullback and Jordan Hamlin and Eli Morris in the halves. Seb Kris, returning from a calf injury, was named on the bench, as was promising young centre Kain Anderson.
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| Position | Canberra Raiders | Melbourne Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Chevy Stewart | Hugo Peel |
| Winger | Michael Asomua | Luke Cesari |
| Centre | Mark Tuialii | Marion Seve |
| Centre | Savelio Tamale | Moses Leo |
| Winger | Jed Stuart | Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown |
| Five-Eighth | Ethan Alaia | Eli Morris |
| Halfback | Daine Laurie | Jordan Hamlin |
| Prop | Samuel Hyne | Davvy Moale |
| Hooker | Owen Pattie | Gabriel Satrick |
| Prop | Vena Patuki-Case | Jack Hetherington |
| 2nd Row | Matty Nicholson | Ativalu Lisati |
| 2nd Row | Jordan Uta | Cooper Clarke |
| Lock | Joe Roddy | Trent Loiero |
| Interchange | Malachi Smith | Amare Milford |
| Interchange | Sebastian Kris | Zayvian Langkilde-Fale |
| Interchange | Sione Finau | Lazarus Vaalepu |
| Interchange | Jayze Tuigamala | Angus Hinchey |
Pre-Season Challenge Context
The match was part of the 2026 NRL Pre-Season Challenge, a series of trial games played before the official NRL season begins. These games are crucial for teams to assess their rosters, integrate new players, and fine-tune strategies. The Canberra Raiders hosted this particular fixture at Seiffert Oval, a venue noted as the club's spiritual home.
New Signings Debut
The inclusion of Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington for the Melbourne Storm marked their initial appearances for the club, offering a firsthand look at their potential contributions.
Daine Laurie, a former Panther, debuted for the Canberra Raiders at halfback.
Established Players and Returns
Seb Kris was noted as returning from a calf injury for the Raiders.
For the Storm, experienced players like Trent Loiero were featured, providing leadership within the squad.
Match Details and Officials
The game was scheduled for Friday, February 13th, at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan. The match officials included Referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Touch Judge Phil Henderson, and Senior Review Official Grant Atkins.
Broader Pre-Season Challenge Landscape
The Canberra Raiders vs. Melbourne Storm match was one of several fixtures in the 2026 NRL Pre-Season Challenge. Other games included matchups like the Dolphins vs. Titans and various other contests spread across different venues and dates, as detailed in the provided schedules. These games collectively serve as a crucial lead-up to the NRL season, which was slated to kick off in Las Vegas.
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