LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

2026 Draw Debrief: Sunday Sizzlers

What better way to round out the weekend than tuning in to Fox Sports and the Nine Network for a couple of slashing Sunday clashes?

From the opening weekend of the season in Las Vegas to thrilling Sunday afternoons in the national capital, the NRL offers numerous exciting matches on the finale of each round.

With the 2026 draw now revealed, NRL.com highlights five key Sunday matchups worth noting on your calendar.

If the Cowboys aim to return to the finals in 2026, improving their home record is crucial, having ended 2025 with only five wins, six losses, and one draw at QCB Stadium. One of their notable victories was a nine-try triumph against the Titans in Round 8, featuring standout performances from Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, and Robert Derby. This upcoming matchup promises a dynamic contest between two unpredictable teams known for their scoring capabilities.

The Raiders narrowly defeated the Sharks in Round 5 of the 2025 season; however, the Sharks claimed victory in the finals, eliminating Canberra on their home ground, where they had only lost twice that year. Stability has been integral to Cronulla's recent success, a trait likely to continue in 2026. Conversely, the Raiders will need to adjust their playmaking, with Jamal Fogarty moving to Manly. Former Eel Ethan Sanders, who played two NRL games as a halfback in 2025, is expected to step into the lineup alongside Ethan Strange.

Think of legends like Mortimer, Lamb, Folkes, Hazem, and Mason. Envision Sterling, Kenny, Burt, Hindmarsh, and Cayless. These names embody two proud clubs eager to end long championship droughts-one lasting 21 years, the other spanning 39 years. This season presents a vital opportunity for the fans of both clubs, the Bulldogs and Eels, who are ready for success. The Bulldogs appear well-prepared, while the Eels, led by Jason Ryles, are building momentum with rising star Jonah Pezet joining Mitch Moses for a one-year stint. By Round 7, fans will have a clearer sense of each club's form, especially when they clash at CommBank Stadium on April 19.

To achieve greatness, one must overcome the best. The Warriors, still pursuing their first premiership since entering the league in 1995, will face the defending champions, the Broncos, in Round 11. With a passionate supporter base, the Warriors are expected to thrive in the competitive atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium, seizing the opportunity to compete against a team with numerous past championships.