MUDGEE, 22 February 2026 – The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are set to conclude the 2026 NRL Pre-Season Challenge today at Glen Willow Regional Stadium. This final trial match serves as the last opportunity for both clubs to refine their combinations before the premiership season begins, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 pm local time.
Latest Updates: Pre-Season Finale in Mudgee
As of today, Sunday 22 February, all eyes are on Mudgee for the Round 3 clash. This match is the final fixture of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. Following the Melbourne Storm’s dominant victory over the Gold Coast Titans yesterday, the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles are looking to build “match fitness and combos,” which fans on social media have noted as critical for a strong start to the 2026 season.
In major club news leading into this weekend, the Manly Sea Eagles have made a significant long-term investment in their roster. The club confirmed yesterday that rising star Tolutau Koula has signed a five-year contract extension, securing his future at Brookvale until the end of the 2031 season.
Head-to-Head Record and Historical Stats
The rivalry between these two foundation-era clubs (Manly entering in 1947) remains one of the most balanced in the league. Historically, Manly holds a slight edge in total wins, though South Sydney has been more successful in recent high-stakes encounters.
| Stat Category | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches (1947-2025) | 152 | 152 |
| Total Wins | 79 | 73 |
| Home Wins | 34 | 45 |
| Away Wins | 36 | 24 |
| Neutral Wins | 9 | 4 |
| Biggest Winning Margin | 54-0 (1983) | 42-14 (1951) |
Recent Form and 2025 Results
In their most recent premiership meeting on 6 July 2025, the Sea Eagles secured a convincing 30-12 victory over the Rabbitohs at 4 Pines Park during “Golden Eagles Day.” However, the Rabbitohs showed dominance in the lower grades throughout 2025, recording wins against Manly in both the NSW Cup (24-22) and the Jersey Flegg Cup (24-4) in June 2025.
Public sentiment heading into today’s trial suggests that while the result does not impact the ladder, the performance of “Cup players” and fringe first-graders will be under heavy scrutiny, especially as teams look to finalise their Round 1 rosters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rabbitohs vs Manly game being played today?
The match is being held at Glen Willow Regional Stadium in Mudgee, NSW, as part of the NRL’s regional outreach for the Pre-Season Challenge.
What time is kick-off?
The game is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm AEDT on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Who won the last official NRL match between these two?
The Manly Sea Eagles won the last premiership encounter 30-12 in Round 18 of the 2025 season.
Is Tolutau Koula playing for Manly?
While team lists for trials can vary, Koula remains a central part of Manly’s plans, having just signed a contract extension through to 2031.