The complete draws for both the NRL and NRLW for 2026 have been revealed, showcasing a plethora of rivalry matches, a significant reduction in double headers, an exhilarating Magic Round, and another spectacular season opener in Las Vegas.
CLICK HERE to access the full printable PDF of the NRL draw for 2026.
CLICK HERE to view the complete printable PDF of the NRLW draw for 2026.
Following the announcement on Friday, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo expressed his satisfaction with the draws.
Andrew Abdo during the 2025 NRL grand final. Getty
“No draw is ever without its flaws, but thanks to the implementation of innovative software and an unprecedented volume of inputs and constraints, the 2026 schedule is complete, and there’s a lot for fans to look forward to,” Abdo remarked.
“Our focus has been on the fans, player welfare, and ensuring competitive balance.
“We have limited each club to just one five-day turnaround, and the scheduling of byes was also a key consideration.”
The season kicks off spectacularly with the popular Las Vegas games, set to take place on February 28 in the US, and will be broadcast live to eastern states of Australia on the afternoon of Sunday, March 1.
In crafting round one, the NRL has ensured a line-up of intense rivalry matches, maintaining excitement long after the Vegas event.
The traditional Easter round (round five) will once again feature the thrilling Good Friday clash between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs, as well as the Easter Monday match between the Eels and Tigers. ANZAC Round will once again see the Dragons and Roosters go head-to-head in a marquee match.
Being mindful of fan expectations, the NRL has placed a strong emphasis on player welfare, resulting in the fewest number of five-day turnarounds in NRL history, decreasing from 21 in 2025 to just 12 in 2026. No team will face more than a single five-day turnaround this season.
The NRLW draw has also made headlines, starting with a highly anticipated Thursday night fixture on July 2, featuring 2025 preliminary finalists, the Knights and the Sharks.
Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton of the Broncos raise the 2025 NRLW premiership trophy. Getty
Additionally, the season will witness the competition’s second-ever Magic Round, scheduled for Wagga Wagga in round five.
“The 2025 season achieved the highest levels of live ball and action on the field, along with a record number of golden point matches. In this competitive 11-round format, every moment counts for every club.
“This year’s draw has created a more balanced allocation of double-header matches, giving fans across Australia and New Zealand more opportunities to witness both the women’s and men’s Premiership on the same day.
Every NRLW game throughout the season will be broadcast live on the Nine Network and 9Now.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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