The Brisbane Broncos are preparing for a season-opening clash against the Parramatta Eels on March 12th at Suncorp Stadium, with American country music star Riley Green slated to perform during halftime, the club announced this week.
The 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams poised to challenge for the premiership. Canberra, despite a disrupted pre-season following a taxing 2025 campaign, remains a strong contender, while the Cronulla Sharks, known for their consistency, are also expected to be in the mix. The Dolphins and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are being touted as potential dark horses.
The fallout from the 2025 finals series continues to reverberate through the league. The Broncos’ unexpected premiership run, fueled by a stirring performance, exposed vulnerabilities in established powerhouses like the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm. Penrith, navigating a period of transition after years of success, managed to retain key players, including Blaize Talagi and Casey McLean, while re-signing Jack Cogger to bolster their spine. Melbourne, however, faces a more significant overhaul, with the departure of Eli Katoa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Ryan Papenhuyzen. The club has been hampered in its recruitment efforts, being blocked from signing Zac Lomax due to Xavier Coates’ Achilles injury.
A major storyline heading into the season is the impact of Payne Haas’s departure from the Broncos to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The loss of the star forward, who has signed a three-year contract, presents a significant challenge for Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, particularly given Haas’s history of injuries and the physical demands Maguire places on his players. Haas averaged over 63 minutes per game last year and played a full 80 minutes in the World Club Challenge.
The Roosters, led by Dally M-winning fullback James Tedesco, have also made significant moves in the off-season, acquiring Blues hooker Reece Robson to address a long-standing require for stability in the middle. The arrival of Manly and Maroons great Daly Cherry-Evans, however, introduces a complex dynamic, potentially limiting the role of halfback Sam Walker. Cherry-Evans, now 37, will likely be utilized in an auxiliary role, leveraging his experience and kicking skills.
Beyond the on-field battles, the NRL is navigating a crucial period for its financial future. Negotiations for the next broadcast rights deal are ongoing, with representatives from interested parties, including Dazn, attending the season opener in Las Vegas. A deal exceeding $4 billion is anticipated, but the outcome remains uncertain, dependent on the level of competition among broadcasters and the league’s ability to maintain its appeal to advertisers. A slower-than-normal start to the season or player indiscretions could negatively impact the value of the deal.
Off the field, legal disputes are also casting a shadow over the league. The case involving Nelson Lomax and his attempted move to Melbourne, along with ongoing court matters related to pre-season training practices at Manly, and a settled matter with former Bulldogs player Jackson Topine, highlight the increasing legal scrutiny facing the NRL. Corporate law firms are anticipating a surge in work related to the broadcast agreement and the establishment of expansion teams, including the Perth Bears and the PNG Chiefs.
