Broncos legend Corey Parker has slammed the NRL over the fact Canberra won’t be playing in Magic Round in 2026, labelling it a ‘disgrace’ and ‘ridiculous’. And angry fans are questioning why the Broncos and Dolphins have been given ‘away’ games for the showpiece round at Suncorp Stadium, meaning they effectively get an extra home game to their rivals.
The NRL released the draw for Magic Round on Thursday morning, and it’s the Canberra Raiders the unlucky team to get the bye. The Bulldogs and Sharks will kick off the blockbuster round from May 15 to 17, followed by the Dolphins and Rabbitohs on the Friday night at 8pm. The Broncos will take on the Warriors on Sunday afternoon at 4pm – the second year in a row the NRL has given the Dolphins the Friday night slot over the Broncos.
The Dolphins and Broncos both get ‘away’ games at Suncorp Stadium in Magic Round. Image: Getty
However the NRL and broadcasters showed during the finals that they love to have the Broncos on a Sunday afternoon as it’s a proven ratings winner. But one detail in the draw has raised eyebrows amongst fans – and that’s the fact the Dolphins and Broncos are technically the ‘away’ teams for their respective games.
The Rabbitohs and Warriors are the ‘home’ teams for their games against the Queensland teams, meaning they lose a home game in Sydney and Auckland respectively. As the Broncos and Dolphins are the away teams, they technically get an extra home game than all the other teams because they normally play out of Suncorp anyway.
It means the Dolphins will play the Rabbitohs in Round 1 and Magic Round – both at Suncorp. One person wrote on social media on Thursday: “Warriors fans have to give up a home game at home so the Broncs can have an away game….At home! Make it make sense!”
Another wrote: “Dolphins and Broncos with away games…makes sense.” While a third added: “Giving the teams that use Suncorp as their home ground an away game in magic round is dumb.”
The Broncos will be the ‘away’ team when they take on the Warriors at Suncorp. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
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Corey Parker blasts NRL over Magic Round draw
This is the first time the NRL has used AI (artificial intelligence) to create the draw, but it’s created plenty of controversy. Wests Tigers fans are fuming they’ve been given the bye in Round 1 for the second time in three years, while Raiders fans aren’t happy they won’t be a part of Magic Round.
Many have pointed out that Canberra are the reigning minor premiers and have a large supporter base in Queensland, making it a strange decision to have them miss Magic Round when their following is so strong after their first-place finish in 2025. Parramatta fans are also questioning why they have to play the Melbourne Storm in Round 1 and then again in Magic Round – both away from Sydney.
On SEN radio, Andrew Voss also pointed out that Canberra have the best record in Magic Round with five wins from six games. “The most successful team in the history of Magic Round will miss Magic Round,” he said. Greg Alexander said sarcastically: “AI has delivered some pieces of gold.”
Parker went even harder, labelling it a ‘disgrace’ that the reigning premiers are sidelined. “Magic Round, one of the most carnival-like rounds for the NRL, a festival of stars come to Brisbane and descend on Suncorp Stadium,” he said.
“The minor premiers, the best team, the most consistent team throughout the course of the season last year, are not there. An absolute disgrace. To not see the Raiders, who were the best team last year, and they’re not a boring team to watch.
“They’ve got young superstars, like (Kaeo) Weekes, Ethan Strange, (Joe) Tapine and these players, why wouldn’t they be on show? Look at the game they played this year, I think they played Melbourne on the last game in the Sunday night (game), it was an absolute epic.
“Why aren’t we seeing the minor premiers this year, on the big stage here at Suncorp next year. I think it’s ridiculous.”
The Canberra Raiders have the bye in Magic Round in 2026. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
On social media, one person wrote: “Giving the minor premiers the bye in magic round with one of the largest traveling supporter bases for that weekend in the comp is so NRL. Not to mention the Raiders’ good support in QLD. NRL not having a good 24 hours dripping their fixture out…”
Another commented: “The NRL are a joke, no Canberra in magic round. We’ve got one of the biggest fan bases there.” While a third added: “Gold Coast vs Newcastle and give Canberra the bye, what a joke.”
NRL MAGIC ROUND:
Friday 15 May
Rabbitohs v Dolphins, 8pm
Saturday 16 May
Roosters v Cowboys, 5.30pm
Sunday 17 May
Panthers v Dragons, 6.15pm
NRLW MAGIC ROUND:
Saturday, August 1
Sharks v Wests Tigers, 12pm
Dragons v Roosters, 2.15pm
Raiders v Cowboys, 4.15pm
Sunday, August 2
Warriors v Titans, 1.45pm