The National Rugby League is set for a blockbuster start to the 2026 season, with an artificial intelligence-generated draw creating several must-see clashes headlined by Daly Cherry-Evans facing his former club, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
AI Crafts a Blockbuster Opening Round
The NRL will officially unveil the full schedule on Friday, but key details of the first round have been confirmed. The season kicks off with a spectacular double-header in Las Vegas on February 28 (AEDT), featuring Canterbury battling St George Illawarra and Newcastle taking on North Queensland.
When the action shifts to Australian soil, the drama intensifies. Melbourne Storm will host Parramatta at AAMI Park on Thursday, March 5, marking their first outing since the departure of star player Ryan Papenhuyzen.
All eyes will then turn to the Warriors' home ground, where Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to make his debut for the Sydney Roosters against his new teammates. The Friday night schedule delivers a grand final rematch, with defending premiers Brisbane facing Penrith at Suncorp Stadium, just two weeks after the Broncos return from the World Club Challenge in England.
Saturday highlights include Josh Hannay's first game as Gold Coast coach against his old club Cronulla, and Manly's new halfback Jamal Fogarty lining up against his former team, the Canberra Raiders. The round concludes with big-name recruit David Fifita and South Sydney taking on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Cherry-Evans' Emotional Brookvale Return
The narrative of the season's first month will be dominated by one man: Daly Cherry-Evans. The most-capped player in Manly's history, with 352 games for the club, is slated for an emotional return to Brookvale Oval in round four on Thursday, March 26.
This match promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the early season. The reception he receives from Sea Eagles fans after his dramatic exit from the club will be a major point of discussion across the rugby league community.
State of Origin and Stadium Challenges
Beyond the club competitions, the 2026 State of Origin schedule has also been locked in. The men's series will begin in NSW at Accor Stadium on May 27. Game two moves to the MCG in Melbourne on June 18, setting the stage for a potential decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 8.
The women's Origin series will kick off earlier, with Game one in Newcastle on April 30. The series will then move to Suncorp Stadium on May 14, before concluding on the Gold Coast on May 28.
The NRL draw also navigates a significant logistical challenge, with Penrith, Parramatta, Canterbury, and South Sydney unable to use their home grounds for the first three rounds. CommBank, Accor, and Cbus Super Stadiums will be occupied by the women's Asian Cup football tournament during this period.
