Jonah Pezet will be the star attraction the following week when he plays his first game for Parramatta against former employer the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on a Thursday night.
Pezet played off the bench for the Storm in the grand final loss to Brisbane, but opted to take up a 12-month deal with the Eels before he moves further north to the Broncos in 2027.
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On the Friday night, Cherry-Evans will make his Roosters debut against the Warriors in Auckland, followed by premiers Brisbane kicking off their title defence against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium, where the Panthers’ four-year reign was ended by Reece Walsh and co in the 2025 preliminary final.
Josh Hannay starts his coaching career at the Gold Coast with a clash against Cronulla, where he spent the past few years working as Craig Fitzgibbon’s assistant, followed by Jamal Fogarty – Cherry-Evans’s halfback replacement at Manly – playing against his old Canberra teammates.
South Sydney meet the Dolphins in Brisbane in the final game of the round.
Wests Tigers have the bye.
The 2026 State of Origin fixtures were also confirmed, with Laurie Daley’s NSW to kick off game one in Sydney, followed by game two in Melbourne.
The Blues hold a 5-1 record over the Maroons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, including a 2024 hammering when the Blues led 34-0 at half-time.
NRL 2026: Round 1 matchups
Sunday, March 1
Bulldogs v Dragons @ Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas; Knights v Cowboys @ Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Thursday, March 5
Storm v Eels @ AAMI Park, Melbourne
Friday, March 6
Warriors v Roosters @ Go Media Stadium, Auckland; Broncos v Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, March 7
Sharks v Titans @ Sharks Stadium, Sydney; Sea Eagles v Raiders @ 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sunday, March 8
Dolphins v Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium
* Wests Tigers (bye)
