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As the much-anticipated 2026 NRL season draw is unveiled, a new chapter in sports scheduling emerges with the introduction of artificial intelligence. However, this innovation has sparked a wave of discontent among fans of a prominent Sydney team, the Wests Tigers, who are voicing their frustrations over the initial match lineup.
Supporters of the Wests Tigers find themselves dismayed as their team is notably absent from the opening round for the second time in just three years. This revelation follows a similar situation in 2024 when the Tigers also received a bye to start the season, leaving fans disappointed once more as the league action kicks off this coming March.
Steven Georgallis, a devoted Tigers fan, did not hold back his frustration, stating, “If that’s the draw, it just goes to show what the NRL thinks of the Tigers. It’s an absolute disappointment from the NRL.” His sentiment echoes across the fanbase, capturing the discontent that has surfaced.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, The Rugby League Guru, a respected figure in the rugby league community, expressed his displeasure on social media, stating, “The Tigers getting the bye in round 1 twice in three years is unacceptable.” Such reactions highlight the sense of injustice felt by the Tigers’ faithful, who are left pondering the reasoning behind the league’s scheduling decisions.
Jarome Luai (pictured) and his Wests Tigers teammates will not feature in the opening round of 2026
In 2025, Luai (pictured with utility Adam Doueihi, centre, and winger Sunia Turuva) helped the Tigers avoid the wooden spoon for the first time since 2021
Fans are furious that Doueihi (pictured) and the rest of the team will be left out of the opening round for the second time in three years
‘(The) Tigers getting the bye in round 1 twice in three years is bull****,’ wrote footy expert The Rugby League Guru.
‘Really average form there from the NRL, if I was the Tigers I’d be filthy on that,’ he continued.
A Tigers fan page has also lashed out.
‘Chat (GPT), I run a professional sporting competition with 17 teams and I need a draw asap,’ wrote admin officials on The West Tigers Faithful page on X.
The other games in the opening round have set up some grudge matches, including Penrith getting the chance to avenge their preliminary final loss to reigning premiers Brisbane.
The NRL will officially announce the complete 2026 draw on Friday morning, but several parts of the AI-constructed schedule can now be revealed.
Roosters signing Daly Cherry-Evans has been drawn to face his old club Manly, returning to Brookvale Oval for the first time since his bombshell switch became official.
2025 premiership winner Reece Walsh (pictured) will look to lead the Broncos to a win over the Penrith Panthers when the teams face off in the opening round of 2026 at Suncorp Stadium
Nathan Cleary (pictured) and the Panthers will get a chance to avenge the preliminary final loss to Brisbane that ruined their tilt at a fifth straight grand final win
Jarome Luai (pictured) did not take part in the NRL finals series this year for the first time since 2019 after leaving the Panthers
Melbourne will host Parramatta for the first game on Australian soil, as the Storm begin life after Ryan Papenhuyzen on a Thursday night at AAMI Park.
The Warriors get to start their season at home against the Roosters, where Cherry-Evans is expected to play his first game for the Tricolours.
Defending premiers Brisbane face Penrith on the Friday night at Suncorp Stadium, with a rematch of this year’s epic preliminary final the most anticipated bout of the opening round.
Josh Hannay will then begin his tenure as Gold Coast coach against his old club Cronulla at Shark Park on the Saturday evening, after serving as assistant there for the past five seasons.
Jamal Fogarty will also start life against his former club, Manly’s halfback lining up against Canberra as the Sea Eagles host the Raiders in the Saturday night fixture.
Big-name South Sydney recruit David Fifita will then return to Queensland to close out the round, with the Rabbitohs to face the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, the NRL has also confirmed NSW will host the men’s State of Origin series opener on May 27.
Game two will be played in Melbourne on June 17, before a potential decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 8 as Queensland bid to defend the shield.
The MCG clash will come 20 years after the Maroons kickstarted their dynasty in Melbourne, with a late win in the decider at Docklands Stadium.
Women’s Origin will kick off in Newcastle on April 30, with no game in Sydney for next year’s series and the interstate competition kicking off earlier in 2026.
Suncorp Stadium will host game two on the eve of Magic Round on May 14, before the series finale on the Gold Coast on May 28.
2026 NRL OPENING ROUND
Saturday February 27 (Sunday February 28 AEDT)
Canterbury v St George Illawarra, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Newcastle v North Queensland, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Thursday March 5
Melbourne v Parramatta, AAMI Park
Friday March 6
Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Go Media Stadium
Brisbane v Penrith, Suncorp Stadium
Saturday March 7
Cronulla v Gold Coast, Shark Stadium
Manly v Canberra, 4Pines Park
Sunday March 8
Dolphins v South Sydney, Suncorp Stadium
STATE OF ORIGIN
Men’s
May 27: Game one, Accor Stadium
June 18: Game two, MCG
July 8: Game three, Suncorp Stadium
Women’s
April 30: Game one, McDonald Jones Stadium
May 14: Game two, Suncorp Stadium
May 28: Game three, Cbus Super Stadium.