Here’s the latest on the 2026 NRL draw.
Summary
- The 2026 NRL draw was released in November 2025, detailing round-by-round fixtures, venues, and network coverage for all teams. Several outlets highlighted notable features, including a blockbuster Broncos-Panthers opening round and a heavy early schedule for some clubs.[4][5][8][9]
Key highlights
- Opening round fixture: Broncos vs Panthers, with the match billed as a marquee Friday-night clash to kick off the season in Las Vegas for the opening round fixtures.[4]
- Home and away structure: The draw includes a mix of traditional stadiums (e.g., Allianz Stadium, ANZ Stadium) and neutral/alternative venues, with several teams hosting high-profile matchups at different rounds, including ANZAC Day schedules that feature multiple games in one day.[2][5]
- Notable contingencies: The draw accounts for scheduling around major events and venue availabilities, with some rounds featuring late-night or double-header arrangements to maximize fan engagement across networks.[9][4]
Team-specific observations
- Penrith Panthers: Faced a demanding early schedule in some reports, with a tougher run anticipated in the opening rounds due to high-profile matchups.[5]
- Manly Sea Eagles: Noted as benefiting from particular draw alignments, with several home fixtures spread across key rounds.[5]
- Other clubs: The draw assigns rounds to balance byes, travel, and broadcast windows, with annual adjustments common to the NRL fixture process (e.g., round-by-round ground choices and network allocations).[9]
Where to find the full draw
- The official NRL site hosts the final draw document (PDF) and related debrief articles that explain Round 1, round-by-round fixtures, and key schedule decisions.[3][4]
- League Unlimited provides a round-by-round listing and venue details for the 2026 draw, including early rounds and ANZAC Day planning.[2]
Would you like me to pull out a team-by-team breakdown for your club or provide a printable week-by-week schedule with venues and broadcast nets? I can also generate a concise table of key matchups for the first six rounds. citations, , , , ,
Sources
The Dolphins will host Manly (R5) and Cronulla (R19) at their Redcliffe base of Kayo Stadium. They have 9 home games at Suncorp with the 12th game in Darwin (R7 v Penrith). Falling on a Saturday in Round 8, ANZAC Day will have three big games - Dragons-Roosters (Allianz, 4pm) into Warriors-Dolphins (Wellington, 6pm) and Storm-Rabbitohs (AAMI, 8:10pm) … St George Illawarra's opponents per ground - WIN: Storm (R2), Sea Eagles (R6), Knights (R10), Dolphins (R22), Eels (R27 Jubilee: Cowboys (R5),...
leagueunlimited.comThe Westpac NSW Blues Women will be hoping it's third time lucky when they take on the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium to launch the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series.
www.nrl.comView updates for the most breaking Draw NRL news, analysis, scores, team list updates, squads, casualty ward, injury news, signings and judiciary.
www.nrl.comThe opening round of the 2026 NRL season kicks off at the magnificent Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and features a Broncos-Panthers blockbuster under the Friday night lights.
www.nrl.comFri 20 Mar 8:00PM at AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Newcastle Knights v Warriors Sat 21 Mar 3:00PM at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Dolphins Sat 21 Mar 5:30PM at Sharks Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal … Fri 27 Mar 8:00PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights Sat 28 Mar 3:00PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels … Sun 5 Apr 2:00PM at Sharks...
leagueunlimited.comWho each club plays through 2026.
www.sen.com.auWhile it is horror news for Penrith, one team has emerged as a big winner of the NRL’s 2026 draw.
7news.com.auRabbitohs vs. Warriors Accor Stadium (Fox) 5:30 PM 5:30 PM Dragons vs. Bulldogs Allianz Stadium (Fox/Nine) 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sunday, Aug 23 STADIUM (NETWORK) AEST LOCAL Titans vs. Sharks
www.nrl.comThe opening round of the 2026 NRL season kicks off at the magnificent Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and features a Broncos-Panthers blockbuster under the Friday night lights.
www.nrl.com