Prize money for things like running metres and most tries could be on offer as part of the NRL’s revamped pre-season for 2023.
The details of the Pre-Season Challenge haven’t been finalised, but the two-week extravaganza has been locked in, with Super League champions St Helens to make the trip to Australia for the event.
The English champions will face the Dragons on February 11 in Wollongong before they take on Penrith in the World Club Challenge the following Saturday at BlueBet Stadium.
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Both matches will be on Fox League, as will all 18 pre-season fixtures as clubs test out combinations and unleash stars of the future.
There will be two double-headers in Gosford, while Belmore will also host back-to-back matches on February 19.
Cash prizes haven’t been locked in for the fortnight of footy, but an announcement is expected to be made soon that will confirm players and teams will receive money if they lead certain stats categories across the two weeks.
February 11 shapes as the biggest day of the pre-season, with the All Stars heading to New Zealand for the first time.
The women’s and men’s matches are set to be played in the afternoon (AEDT), which means there won’t be any clashes when the Eels take on Penrith later that evening.
2023 NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE FIXTURES (AEDT times)
THURSDAY, FEBUARY 9
Warriors vs Tigers, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm
FRIDAY, FEB 10
Knights v Sharks, Central Coast Stadium, 5.55pm
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium, 8pm
SATURDAY, FEB 11
Eels vs Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm
Dragons v St Helens, WIN Stadium, 8.05pm
SUNDAY, FEB 12
Storm vs Roosters, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, 1.50pm
Raiders vs Bulldogs, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya, 3.55pm
Cowboys vs Dolphins, Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm
Broncos vs Titans, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.05pm
FRIDAY, FEB 17
Knights vs Eels, Central Coast Stadium. 5.55pm
Roosters vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium. 8pm
SATURDAY, FEB 18
Dragons vs Rabbitohs, Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee, 3.30pm
Panthers vs St Helens, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm (World Club Challenge)
Broncos vs Cowboys, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.10pm
SUNDAY, FEB 19
Warriors vs Storm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 12.50pm
Tigers v Raiders, Belmore Sportsground, 2.55pm
Bulldogs v Sharks, Belmore Sportsground, 5pm
Dolphins vs Titans, Moreton Daily Stadium, 7.05pm
ALL-STARS
SATURDAY, Feb 11
Women’s match, Rotorua International Stadium, 1.45pm
Men match, Rotorua International Stadium, 3.45pm
