The Brisbane Broncos are set to face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the final week of the 2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe, with kickoff at 5:30 PM AEDT.
This pre-season encounter is particularly noteworthy as it features two high-profile recruits: Ben Hunt for the Broncos and Stephen Crichton for the Bulldogs. Hunt, returning to Brisbane after a stint with St George Illawarra, is eager to lead the Broncos to their first premiership since 2006. Reflecting on the 2015 grand final loss, Hunt expressed his determination to capitalize on the team’s new talent, stating, “I have all these new toys to play with.”
The Broncos have named a strong lineup for this clash. Reece Walsh is set to start at fullback, with Selwyn Cobbo and Jesse Arthars on the wings. The center positions are filled by Kotoni Staggs and Gehamat Shibasaki. In the halves, Hunt pairs with captain Adam Reynolds. The forward pack includes Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Jordan Riki, while Cory Paix is slated for the hooker role.
On the Bulldogs’ side, Stephen Crichton is set to make his debut in the centers alongside Bronson Xerri. The backline features Connor Tracey at fullback, with Blake Wilson and Marcelo Montoya on the wings. The halves combination includes Matt Burton and Toby Sexton. Up front, Max King and Sam Hughes are the starting props, with Reed Mahoney at hooker. Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston occupy the second-row positions, and Kurt Mann starts at lock.
Both teams have shown promising form in the pre-season. The Broncos secured a convincing 50-12 victory over the Titans in Toowoomba, while the Bulldogs edged out the Wests Tigers 20-14 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
This match serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the regular season. Fans can expect an intense and entertaining contest as these revamped squads showcase their off-season preparations.
