Quick Read
- The Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans clashed in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on February 21, 2026, at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
- The match was a crucial fixture with the Titans still in contention for the $100,000 pre-season title prize.
- Gold Coast Titans’ Beau Fermor scored the opening try eight minutes in, giving his team an early 4-0 lead.
- Melbourne Storm rookie Hugo Peel responded at the 24-minute mark, with Tyran Wishart converting to put Storm ahead 6-4.
- The game experienced a delayed kick-off due to a lightning stoppage at another venue.
SUNSHINE COAST (Azat TV) – The Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans engaged in a fiercely contested Witzer Pre-Season Challenge match on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Sunshine Coast Stadium. The highly anticipated clash, part of the final round of the challenge, carried significant implications for both teams, particularly the Titans, who remained in contention for the prestigious pre-season title and the accompanying $100,000 prize money.
The match, which experienced a delayed kick-off following a lightning stoppage in Gosford affecting an earlier fixture, quickly ignited with both sides eager to make a statement. Early play showcased intense competition, setting a combative tone for what promised to be a pivotal encounter in the lead-up to the regular season.
Early Battle: Titans Strike First Against Storm
The Gold Coast Titans, led by coach Josh Hannay, demonstrated their intent early, with second-rower Beau Fermor opening the scoring. Fermor capitalized on an expertly executed play, receiving a pass from England international AJ Brimson, who was playing at five-eighth, to breach the Storm’s defense just eight minutes into the contest. This early try gave the Titans a 4-0 lead, signaling their determination to challenge the formidable Melbourne side.
The Melbourne Storm, however, quickly responded, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. At the 24-minute mark, rookie Hugo Peel crossed the line for the Storm following a period of sustained possession in the Titans’ territory. Peel finished off a well-executed backline shift, with fellow Victorian Sua Faalogo creating an overlap. Tyran Wishart successfully converted from the sideline, pushing the Storm ahead with a narrow 6-4 lead. These early exchanges underscored the competitive nature of the match, with momentum shifting between the two formidable teams.
Team Lineups and Strategic Shifts
Both teams fielded strong lineups, integrating key veterans with emerging talent. For the Storm, coach Craig Bellamy confirmed a starting side that saw boom rookie Hugo Peel on the wing, replacing Nick Meaney, with Moses Leo shifting to the centers. Sua Fa’alogo took the No.1 jersey at fullback, while captain Harry Grant led the side from hooker. Cameron Munster and Tyran Wishart formed the halves pairing, with Jahrome Hughes still sidelined recovering from shoulder surgery. The Storm’s formidable front row included Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, and Josh King, with new recruits like Davvy Moale and Trent Toelau named on the interchange bench, according to Melbourne Storm reports.
The Titans’ squad was bolstered by the return of Jayden Campbell, Keano Kini, Jojo Fifita, and Josh Patston from All Stars duty. AJ Brimson featured at five-eighth, with skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui at prop and Beau Fermor in the back row. Sam Verrills started at hooker. Playmakers Lachlan Ilias and Zane Harrison, who had impressed in a previous win against the Dolphins, were placed on the extended bench, making way for Brimson and Campbell in the starting lineup. Oliver Pascoe, a new recruit, was notably absent due to NRL concussion protocols after a head knock during the Indigenous All Stars match, as reported by NRL.com.
Witzer Pre-Season Challenge Stakes
The Storm-Titans encounter was a crucial fixture in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. While the Parramatta Eels had all but secured the overall title after a dominant victory over the Sydney Roosters, the Titans still held an outside chance for the championship and the significant financial reward. The match was therefore not just a trial but a genuine battle for positioning and momentum heading into the official NRL season. The competitive spirit displayed by both sides reflected the high stakes involved, with each team looking to fine-tune their strategies and combinations under game-day pressure.
The early intensity and strategic depth showcased in the Storm vs. Titans pre-season match highlight its significance as more than just a warm-up game, serving as a critical indicator of each team’s readiness and competitive resolve for the upcoming NRL season.