The 2026 NRL season will kick off with exciting matchups, including the Warriors starting their campaign at home against the Sydney Roosters on Friday, 6 March.
This game is extra special as Daly Cherry-Evans, who played over 350 games for Manly, is expected to debut for the Roosters against his new team.
Before that, the season begins in Las Vegas on 28 February with two games: Canterbury face St George Illawarra, and Newcastle take on North Queensland. These matches mark the league’s second visit to the United States.
Back in Australia, Melbourne Storm will host Parramatta Eels on 5 March at AAMI Park, starting their new era without star player Ryan Papenhuyzen.
One of the biggest games of the opening round will see Brisbane Broncos face Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium. It’s a re-match of last season’s thrilling preliminary final, where Brisbane ended Penrith’s hopes of winning again.
Other key matchups include Cronulla Sharks playing Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles taking on Canberra Raiders, and Dolphins facing South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium.
In round four, Cherry-Evans will return to Brookvale Oval to play against his former team Manly on 26 March, a moment that many fans are eagerly waiting for.
The 2026 State of Origin series has also been revealed. The men’s games will be held in Sydney on 27 May, Melbourne on 18 June, and Brisbane on 8 July. The women’s series begins on 30 April in Newcastle, with the final game on 28 May at the Gold Coast.
