Canberra miss out on Magic Round spot, grand final rematch locked in as NRL draw reveals continue
Canberra will be the unlucky team to miss out on Magic Round next year as the NRL continue to reveal parts of the 2026 draw.
With an odd number of teams again next season before the Perth Bears join the fray in 2027, there was always going to be a team not making the trip to Suncorp Stadium.
This time around it will be the Raiders, who finished last season as minor premiers.
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Corey Horsburgh. Getty
Two rivalry games have also been confirmed for next season, with a grand final rematch between the Broncos and Storm slated for round three.
The other key match-up confirmed will see the Tigers host the Bulldogs in round 13.
The league have also confirmed the women’s Magic Round, which will be held in Wagga Wagga this season after a rain-affected edition at Newcastle this year.
Here’s all the latest additions to the NRL’s 2026 draw.
NRL Magic Round schedule 2026
Friday, May 15
- Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs
- South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett Getty
Saturday, May 16
- Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles
- Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm
Sunday, May 17
- Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights
- New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos
- Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons
NRL rivalry games 2026
- Friday, March 20: Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos (Round 3)
- Saturday, May 30: Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Round 13)
NRLW Magic Round schedule 2026
Broncos players celebrate with the NRLW trophy Getty
Saturday, August 1
- Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters
- Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys
Sunday, August 2
- Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
- New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
- Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights
