LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
According to raiders.com.au, the 2026 NRL season opener features intriguing matchups. Defending champions Brisbane will seek to begin their title defense with a win against the Panthers, the team they bested in a dramatic preliminary final last September.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm aims to uphold their impressive Round 1 undefeated streak under Craig Bellamy, which dates back to 2003. This highly anticipated Friday night clash will take place at Suncorp Stadium, where Adam Reynolds led the Broncos to victory, ending Penrith's four-year championship reign.
Dylan Brown, fresh off a stellar performance in the Pacific Championships, aims to guide his new team, Newcastle, to victory in Las Vegas. NRL.com previews the opening round, commencing on March 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and culminating with the Dolphins facing off against the Rabbitohs that Sunday.
The Bulldogs, coming off a remarkable 2025 season but stung by a swift exit from the finals, are motivated to make a statement. Their squad gets a boost from powerhouse prop Leo Thompson, setting the stage for an early showdown against the unpredictable Dragons, who haven't made the finals since 2018. All eyes will be on young star Lachlan Galvin as he embarks on his 15th game for the Bulldogs, looking to inspire the blue and white army.
After an impressive Pacific Championships run with the Kiwis and a full pre-season with Newcastle, Dylan Brown will debut for the Knights, partnering with Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, and Fletcher Sharpe in a bid for the club's third premiership, the first since 2001. To kick off the season effectively, the Knights must contain the Cowboys' attacking threats, spearheaded by Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden.
The round also features a contest between the elite Storm, led by 2024 Dally M Medalist Jahrome Hughes, and a developing Eels squad that gained momentum late in the 2025 season. With Coach Jason Ryles instilling confidence in the Eels, they are poised to compete fiercely, aiming to capitalize on their growth.