The Newcastle Knights are set for an exciting 2026 NRL season with their full fixture list now revealed, featuring international matches, fierce rivalries and traditional club events that will delight Hunter Valley fans.
Season Opener in Las Vegas
The Knights will launch their 2026 campaign with an international spectacle, taking on the North Queensland Cowboys in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 1. This marks the second consecutive year the NRL has taken regular season games to the United States, providing global exposure for the Newcastle franchise.
Following their American adventure, the Knights will have either an away match or a bye in round two before making their highly anticipated home debut at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Home Ground Welcome Against Warriors
Newcastle's first home game of the 2026 season will see them host the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday, March 21 in a fan-friendly 3pm timeslot. This fixture carries extra significance after the Warriors stole a dramatic 20-15 victory with a last-play effort at the same venue in July this year.
The round three clash gives Knights supporters their first opportunity to cheer on the team at home and provides the players with a chance for redemption against the New Zealand side.
ANZAC Day Blockbuster and Sporting Bonanza
Newcastle will host a massive ANZAC Day weekend of sport with the Knights taking on the Penrith Panthers on Sunday, April 26 at 2pm. This match presents a golden opportunity for the club to break a concerning eight-game losing streak against the Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium that dates back to 2016.
The sporting extravaganza begins the previous day when the Newcastle Jets host the Central Coast Mariners in an A-League Men's derby at 5pm on ANZAC Day. The action continues just four days later when McDonald Jones Stadium welcomes the NSW Women's Origin series opener on Thursday, April 30.
Traditional Old Boys Day and Key Rivalries
The Knights will host traditional rivals Manly Sea Eagles for their Old Boys Day celebration in round 25, an event that typically coincides with the club's final regular season home game. This scheduling indicates the Knights will finish their 2026 campaign with two away games or a bye in rounds 26 and 27.
Another highlight includes the round 13 clash against Parramatta Eels on Saturday, May 30, which could mark new Knights playmaker Dylan Brown's first match against his former club since joining Newcastle.
The Magic Round in Brisbane will feature the Knights against Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, May 17, adding to the festival atmosphere of the NRL's popular round where all games are played at Suncorp Stadium.
Pre-Season Preparation
Newcastle's preparation for the 2026 season begins with two trial matches in February. They'll first travel to Kogarah to face the Dragons at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 7, followed by a home trial against the Canterbury Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium at 6pm on Saturday, February 14.
Meanwhile, the Knights NRLW team will also see action with their fixture list released simultaneously. The women's side has drawn Parramatta Eels in the relocated Magic Round, which moves from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga across the weekend of August 1-2.
The complete 2026 draw revelation gives Knights members and supporters plenty to anticipate with international exposure, traditional rivalries and key home games spread throughout what promises to be an enthralling NRL season.
