Key fixtures have been gradually released all week, with fans already knowing the details for the grand final rematch and when Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin will clash again.
But there are plenty of other intriguing matches that will have fans hoping that summer comes and goes so they can sink their teeth into the new NRL season.
JONAH AND THE SALE
We already knew that Jonah Pezet was playing the Storm in round 1, and the young playmaker only has to wait another week to face the side he’ll be joining in 2026. The unique deal means Pezet join the Eels next season before he heads north to link up with Brisbane on a long-term deal. He’ll wear blue and gold when Parramatta goes to Suncorp Stadium to open round 2, where he’ll take on his future teammates.
FRIDAY THE 13TH
Cue the horror soundtrack when old foes the Roosters and South Sydney meet at Allianz Stadium in round 2. These teams simply hate each other and have to wait until the final round until they meet again. There are always storylines galore when these sides meet, with the Book of Feuds likely to have a new chapter added to it next year if Latrell Mitchell and co fire up.
CHERRY ON TOP
There are plenty of tantalising reunions, with Dylan Brown and other stars to face their former sides next year, but there are none bigger than Daly Cherry-Evans returning to Brookvale in round 4. The Manly legend shocked the club when he announced he was leaving, and after months of waiting for confirmation of what everyone knew, it was revealed that he was heading to the Roosters. His combination with Sam Walker will be a huge talking point, as will how he’s welcomed back to the place he called home for 15 seasons.
DOG DAYS AREN’T OVER
The Bulldogs and Panthers played one of the great regular season games last season when Nathan Cleary came up clutch to lead his side to victory, but we were robbed of a repeat when Penrith rested all their players for the return clash. The finals meeting fizzled out thanks to a faultless first half from the champions, but the clash in round 6 should be one for the ages if everyone is fit and firing given how many former Panthers are at the Bulldogs and how much the blue and whites want to make a statement.
DAVID THE GOLIATH
Fans have to wait until round 26 for David Fifita to return to the Gold Coast in what could be a hostile reunion. Fifita played five seasons for the Titans on big money but wasn’t able to bring the club much joy. His departure seemed inevitable, with the back-rower joining the Rabbitohs who have desperately missed punch on the edges.
