Fans will rejoice the noticeable absence of early season "double headers" after the NRL made a conscious effort to remove the quirk from the 2026 draw, with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
One of the fixture issues most despised by fans in recent seasons has been the propensity to meet the same opponent twice within weeks, even in the first two months of the season.
The dreaded "double headers" are gone from the pre-Origin period next season, with the NRL completely eradicating repeat fixtures within four and five week windows, and limiting the number of repeat fixtures within a six week window to just five occurrences – four of which take place after round 20.
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As a comparison, in 2025 there were seven instances of return match ups within four weeks and eight instances of return match ups within five weeks.
Not since 2008 has the NRL featured a season where the shortest turnaround between return bouts has been six weeks. However, that season also featured 40 five-day turnarounds.
The NRL will release its full 2026 draw at 11am on Friday but has already revealed a host of rivalry matches, revealing when star recruits face their old sides as well as unveiling the State of Origin schedule, the fixtures for Vegas, round one and Magic Round.
Hours ahead of the full draw's release, the date for Dylan Brown's reunion with his Eels teammates was confirmed after his $13 million move to the Knights.
Brown will play Parramatta for the first time from Newcastle on May 30, in round 13, where his progress at the Knights will be a big talking point.
The NRL also revealed the All-Stars match will be played at Hamilton, and the full pre-season list of games.
The All-Stars match heading to New Zealand in 2026 makes it the second time it will have been played outside of Australia.
The women's, men's and touch football games will be played on February 15.
"All Stars is an incredible opportunity for players to represent and connect with their culture through the game they love," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
"Each year, the NRL is given the privilege of celebrating the vital influence Māori and Indigenous cultures have had on our game. It marks a special occasion for players, their families, and the entire community.
"After the success of hosting All Stars in Rotorua in 2023, we are excited to once again experience All Stars in the incredible culture of Aotearoa, with a community that is so integral to our game."
Round one of the pre-season challenge will be played on February 7 between the Bulldogs and Cowboys at 5:30pm (AEDT), followed by the Dragons and Knights.
The final match will be played at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee between the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles.
The Charity Shield between Rabbitohs and Dragons is on February 14, starting at 8:10pm.
