The biggest pre-season in NRL history will include 18 teams, an overall winner, an innovative ladder/scoring system and prizemoney.
The winner of the 2023 Pre-Season Challenge will receive $100,000 in prizemoney as part of the exciting new tournament, which will be brought to fans live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
During the two-week Pre-Season Challenge, teams will receive twelve points for a win, six points for a draw, and will also be eligible for a bonus point by scoring five or more tries, making five or more line breaks and ten or more offloads.
As a result, teams can earn a maximum of 15 points per match, encouraging open and entertaining play.
“Having 18 teams and the added innovations, prize money and all matches televised live will create an exciting two weeks of football for fans,” NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said.
“The 2023 Pre-Season Challenge offers a new experience for Clubs, players and most importantly fans, ahead of another highly anticipated Telstra Premiership in 2023. Overt two action packed weekends, we have traditional rivalry matches, the inclusion of St Helens, the Dolphins featuring in Pre-Season for the first time, the Charity Shield and World Club Challenge to look forward to.”
Squads will be capped at 28 players for their Week One matches and 26 players for Week Two matches.
Melbourne Storm's first game of the Challenge will see them face Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday, February 12 (1.50pm), followed by a clash with the Warriors in Christchurch on February 19.
All participating teams, including Super League champions St Helens, will be eligible to win the Pre-Season Challenge competition.
