The annual All Stars clash will head to New Zealand next year for just the second time, while the NRL has reduced the number of double-up clashes after criticism this season over teams playing rivals twice in a matter of weeks.<\/p>\n
Hamilton will host the Maori and Indigenous sides on February 15 with men\u2019s, women\u2019s and touch games.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll Stars is an incredible opportunity for players to represent and connect with their culture through the game they love,\u201d NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, the NRL is given the privilege of celebrating the vital influence Maori and Indigenous cultures have had on our game. It marks a special occasion for players, their families, and the entire community.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHamilton has become a regular fixture in the Rugby League season for our NRLW players, and it will be a great stage for the 2026 Harvey Norman All Stars.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NRL pre-season draw has also been confirmed with four double-headers across the three rounds, with games to be taken to Mudgee, Gosford, the Sunshine Coast, Mackay and Napier.<\/p>\n
There will be a sense of nostalgia when the Raiders host the Storm at Seiffert Oval on February 13, while footy returns to Henson Park when the Sharks face the Eels two days later.<\/p>\n
Importantly, fans won\u2019t have to watch double-up contests in 2026, with no return match-ups within four weeks which is down from seven in 2025, while there are no return match-ups within five weeks, down from eight this season.<\/p>\n
There are only five return match-ups within six week gaps, but most of those will be a he back end of the season. <\/p>\n
That ensures we won\u2019t see a repeat of what happened this year when the Roosters played the Broncos and Panthers twice in the opening seven rounds. <\/p>\n
The last time the NRL had a season with zero return match-ups spaced fewer than six rounds apart was 2008, however that came with 40 five-day turnarounds.<\/p>\n
Another marquee clash has also been locked in with Dylan Brown and the Knights to host his former side the Eels in round 13 on May 30.<\/p>\n
Round 1<\/p>\n
Saturday, Feb 7 <\/p>\n
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys Netstrata Jubilee Stadium 5.30pm (AEDT)<\/p>\n
Dragons vs. Knights Netstrata Jubilee Stadium 7.30pm<\/p>\n
Round 2<\/p>\n
Thursday, Feb 12 <\/p>\n
Dolphins vs. Titans Kayo Stadium 7.00pm<\/p>\n
Friday, Feb 13 <\/p>\n
Raiders vs. Storm Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan 5.30pm<\/p>\n
Cowboys vs. Panthers BB Print Stadium, Mackay 8.00pm <\/p>\n
Saturday, Feb 14 <\/p>\n
Warriors vs. Sea Eagles Mclean Park, Napier 1.40pm <\/p>\n
Wests Tigers vs. Roosters McDonald Jones Stadium 3.50pm<\/p>\n
Knights vs. Bulldogs McDonald Jones Stadium 6.00pm<\/p>\n
Dragons vs. Rabbitohs WIN Stadium 8.10pm<\/p>\n
Sunday, Feb 15 <\/p>\n
Sharks vs. Eels Henson Park 6.00pm<\/p>\n
Round 3<\/p>\n
Friday, Feb 20 <\/p>\n
Warriors vs. Dolphins Leichhardt Oval 6.00pm<\/p>\n
Wests Tigers vs. Panthers Leichhardt Oval 8.10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday, Feb 21 <\/p>\n
Sharks vs. Raiders Polytec Stadium, Gosford 3.50pm<\/p>\n
Roosters vs. Eels Polytec Stadium, Gosford 6.00pm<\/p>\n
Storm vs. Titans Sunshine Coast Stadium 8.10pm<\/p>\n
Sunday, Feb 22 <\/p>\n
Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee 4.00pm<\/p>\n