Get ready for a fiery showdown! The Dragons and Manly just clashed in a pre-season scrimmage that’s got everyone talking. Jubilee Stadium played host to this annual ritual, as Shane Flanagan’s squad geared up for their journey to Las Vegas. But here’s where it gets interesting: this wasn’t your typical scrimmage. NRL officials were on the scene, ensuring the match—packed with simulated scenarios and fluid gameplay—ran like clockwork. The Dragons came out swinging early, with David Fale’s slick offloads setting the stage for a Clint Gutherson try. Yet, both teams fumbled golden opportunities before Manly’s Jason Saab and Blake Wilson teamed up to even the score. And this is the part most people miss: as the scrimmage evolved, both sides brought in fresh talent, including players from the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squads, turning the game into a full-blown trial of depth and strategy. New Dragons faces like Fale, Daniel Atkinson, Josh Kerr, and Setu Tu got their moment to shine, leaving fans buzzing about the team’s potential. But here’s the controversial bit: is this pre-season lineup enough to dominate in Las Vegas? The Red V returns to Jubilee Stadium in two weeks to kick off their Pre-Season Challenge against Newcastle—your first chance to see the team’s new combinations and raw hunger in action. Don’t miss it! (Tickets: https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2026/01/06/dragons-pre-season-tickets-available/) Then, they face South Sydney in the Charity Shield at WIN Stadium before all eyes turn to the season opener in Las Vegas. Want in on the action? Secure a 2026 Red V membership (https://am.ticketmaster.com/redv/) for a 15% discount on tickets and priority access to the NRL Telstra Premiership Season. Lock in your spot for every moment, from Anzac Day to the Bulldogs showdown at Allianz Stadium. But here’s the question: Can the Dragons turn this pre-season momentum into a championship run? Let us know what you think in the comments—are they contenders or pretenders?
