Broncos’ brutal start to title defence; DCE grudge match locked in as 2026 NRL draw details revealed
The Brisbane Broncos will begin their premiership defence with a huge test against the Penrith Panthers.
Plus the Parramatta Eels will again open their season against the Melbourne Storm as Jason Ryles’ side tries to avenge its horror show loss in the corresponding 2024 fixture.
And Sydney Roosters recruit Daly Cherry-Evans will return to Brookvale Oval to face former side Manly in Round 4 during rivalry round.
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The 2026 NRL season will officially launch a week after the Las Vegas double-header featuring the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys, at Allegiant Stadium.
The Storm and Eels open Round 1 on Thursday night at AAMI Park.
That’s followed by a New Zealand Warriors v Roosters-Broncos v Panthers double header on the Friday night including Cherry-Evans’ debut for the Tricolours.
On the Saturday, the Cronulla Sharks will host the Gold Coast Titans in new coach Josh Hannay’s first game in charge followed by Manly hosting the Canberra Raiders later that night.
How Madge unlocked Reece Walsh | 00:51
The Dolphins and South Sydney Rabbitohs close out Round 1 on the Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
It comes as the Rabbitohs, Eels, Panthers, Bulldogs and Roosters are all forced to start their seasons on the road due to stadium unavailability, with Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium set to host the Matildas’ Asia Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin Series will be played at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, May 27.
Game 2 will be held at the MCG on Wednesday, June 17 and Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 8.
2026 NRL FIXTURE DETAILS
NRL in Vegas (February 28)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons
Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
Round 1
Thursday, February 5
Melbourne Storm v Paramatta Eels (AAMI Park)
Friday, February 6
New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters (Go Media Stadium)
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers (Suncorp Stadium)
Saturday, February 7
Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans (Shark Stadium)
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Raiders (4Pines Stadium)
Sunday, February 8
Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs (Suncorp Stadium)
Jillaroos dominant in Pacific finals | 02:46
Rivalry match (Round 4)
Thursday, February 25
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters (4Pines Stadium)
State of Origin Series
Men’s
Wednesday, May 27
Game 1 at Accor Stadium
Wednesday, June 17
Game 2 at MCG
Wednesday, July 8
Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium
Women’s
Thursday, April 30
Game 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium
Thursday, May 14
Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium
Thursday, May 28
Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium
Junior
Thursday, June 18
Under-19s State of Origin and Under 19’s Women’s State of Origin at North Sydney Oval
