LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The 2026 NRL draw has been leaked, revealing troubling news for several Sydney teams.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, the opening rounds of the 2026 NRL season are expected to be chaotic. The Matildas' Asia Cup campaign will require multiple Sydney clubs to begin their seasons away from home.
Teams including the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, and Sydney Roosters will be forced to play on the road due to venue unavailability. Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium will be occupied with women's football fixtures during this time.
Adding to the complexity, the NRL draw is the first to be created using AI technology, making it one of the most intricate schedules in league history.
The official start of the 2026 season is set for a week after the Las Vegas double-header. The Melbourne Storm will commence the Australian leg on Thursday, March 5 at AAMI Park.
Defending champions, the Brisbane Broncos, will kick off their title defense the following night at Suncorp Stadium on March 6, after participating in the World Club Challenge against Hull KR in the UK.
Key venues in Sydney and on the Gold Coast, like Accor, CommBank, and Cbus Super Stadium, will be occupied for the women's Asian Cup tournament, causing NRL clubs to search for alternative venues for their early-season matches.