NRL 2023: what you need to know

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The 2023 NRL Draw is scheduled for release on Thursday 10 November at 11am AEDT. As the release of the full fixtures gets closer, keep across all the details - scheduling, draw news, Origin and finals info and much more.

View the full 2023 NRL Draw here

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2023 JERSEYS - click here

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2023 PLAYER MOVEMENT - click here

2022 - November

November 10: All clubs first month revealed (News Corp)

Storm: Rd1: Eels, Rd2: Bulldogs, Rd3: Titans, Rd4: Wests Tigers

Knights: Rd1: Warriors, Rd2: Wests Tigers, Rd3: Dolphins, Rd4: Raiders

Wests Tigers: Rd1: Titans, Rd2: Knights, Rd3: Bulldogs, Rd4: Storm

Cowboys: Rd1: Raiders, Rd2: Dolphins, Rd3: Warriors, R4: Titans

Titans: Rd1: Wests Tigers, Rd2: Dragons, Rd3: Storm, Rd4: Cowboys

Raiders: Rd1: Cowboys, Rd2: Dolphins, Rd3: Warriors, Rd4: Knights

Sharks: Rd1: Rabbitohs, Rd2: Eels, Rd3: Raiders: Dragons

Roosters: Rd1: Dolphins, Rd2: Warriors, Rd3: Rabbitohs, Rd4: Bye

Warriors: Rd1: Knights, Rd2: Roosters, Rd3: Cowboys, Rd4: Titans

LINK

The above means we can piece together Rounds 2-4, albeit without venues and times (the below only illustrates pairs of teams, not who the home team might be):

Round 2
Rabbitohs v Panthers
Broncos v Cowboys
Eels v Sharks
Dragons v Titans
Bulldogs v Storm
Dolphins v Raiders
Knights v Tigers
Roosters v Warriors
BYE: Manly

Round 3
Roosters v Rabbitohs
Broncos v Dragons
Eels v Manly
Cowboys v Warriors
Titans v Storm
Raiders v Warriors
Tigers v Bulldogs
Knights v Dolphins
BYE: Panthers

Round 4
Dolphins v Broncos
Bulldogs v Warriors
Storm v Tigers
Raiders v Knights
Cowboys v Titans
Sharks v Dragons
Eels v Panthers
Rabbitohs v Manly
BYE: Roosters

Round 5
Panthers v Raiders
Dragons v Dolphins

November 9: First four rounds for some teams, Magic Weekend dates (News Corp)

A rolling report from Michael Carayannis & Peter Badel reveals the Dragons will face the Titans in Round 2 following their opening round bye - though with no indication of who the home team will be. The same article confirms Magic Round will be played 5-7 May as had previously been rumoured.

The report then goes on to reveal opponents for several teams for the first month of the competition:

Penrith: Rd1: Broncos, Rd2: Souths, Rd3: Bye, Rd4: Eels, Rd5: Canberra

Parramatta: Rd1: Storm, Rd2: Sharks, Rd3: Manly, Rd4:Panthers

Dragons: Rd1:Bye, Rd2: Titans, Rd3: Broncos, Rd4:Sharks, Rd5:Dolphins

Bulldogs: Rd1: Manly, Rd2: Storm, Rd3: Tigers, Rd4: Warriors

Dolphins: Rd1: Roosters, Rd2: Raiders, Rd3: Knights, Rd4: Broncos

Rabbitohs: Rd1: Cronulla, Rd2: Panthers, Rd3: Roosters, Rd5: Sea Eagles

Broncos: Rd1: Panthers, Rd2: Cowboys, Rd3: Dragons, Rd4: Dolphins

Sea Eagles: Rd1: Bulldogs, Rd3: Eels, Rd5: Rabbitohs

LINK

A tweet from Peter Badel (Courier Mail) indicates an all-Queensland double header will be played on the first trial weekend (February 12) with Broncos-Titans and Cowboys-Dolphins the likely clashes. The subsequent CM article reports the venue will be Cairns, with the Brisbane match kicking off at 5pm local time, and the Cowboys match at 7pm. Badel also reveals the Broncos will host the Roosters at the Gabba in Round 22.

Later on Wednesday, the Round 4 Grand Final re-match was confirmed to be at Commbank Stadium, while the Eels were revealed as the second of Brisbane's opponents to face them at the Gabba - that game being Round 24.

Another addition to the leaks was Wests Tigers, who'll face the Titans, Knights, Bulldogs, Storm and Broncos across the opening month.

The NRL has officially confirmed the draw will be out tomorrow - Thursday 10 November:

Multiple Storm games revealed, Roosters-Souths clash, NRLW draw on ice (Nine papers)

Meanwhile, the SMH reports the Storm and Roosters will face off on 'Maundy Thursday' - the day before Good Friday - to kick off the NRL's Easter Round (Round 6). It will be Brandon Smith's first journey back to AAMI Park after leaving the Storm at the end of 2022. The article also reveals the Storm will play Penrith in Round 18 (June 30) and a re-match at home against Parramatta in Round 22 (July 28). The latter will likely be held at Marvel Stadium as a result of the FIFA Women's World Cup rendering AAMI unavailable. Also confirmed is Melbourne's home game on ANZAC Day night against the Warriors, April 25.

The Dragons' Round 2 match against the Titans and Round 4 match against Cronulla are both games, although it is not revealed which will be played at Kogarah or Wollongong.

The Roosters will host South Sydney in Round 3 at Allianz before the Rabbitohs get their hosting turn at Accor in Round 27. The Roosters will play some home games at the SCG while their new Allianz home is unavailable during the FIFA WWC.

Cameron Ciraldo and Villiame Kikau's first trip back to Penrith won't take place until Round 21, where the premiers host Canterbury at Bluebet Stadium. Fellow departure Api Koroisau's homecoming will be earlier, with the Wests Tigers visiting BlueBet in Round 9. The second grand-final rematch, at Bluebet, is booked in for Round 26 which will see a bumper clash on the eve of the semi finals.

The SMH report, by Adrian Proszenko and Adam Pengilly, also says the NRLW draw won't be released along with the mens' tomorrow. LINK

Broncos draw revealed in full (Courier Mail)

LINK

Round 1 - PANTHERS - FRI, March 3, 7.05pm Qld (BlueBet)
Round 2 - COWBOYS - FRI, March 10, 7pm Qld (SUNCORP)
Round 3 - DRAGONS - SAT, March 18, 6.35pm Qld (SUNCORP)
Round 4 - DOLPHINS - FRI, March 24, 7.05pm Qld (SUNCORP)
Round 5 - TIGERS - SAT, April 1, 6.35pm Qld (SUNCORP)
Round 6 - RAIDERS - SAT, April 8, 7.35pm (SUNCORP) - Easter Saturday
Round 7 - TITANS - SAT, April 15, 7.35pm (Cbus)
Round 8 - EELS - FRI, April 21, 7.55pm (Darwin) - ANZAC Round
Round 9 - RABBITOHS - FRI, April 28, 8pm (SUNCORP)
Round 10 - MANLY - FRI, May 5, 8.05pm (SUNCORP) - Magic Round
Round 11 - STORM - THU, May 11, 7.50pm (AAMI Park)
Round 12 - PANTHERS - THU, May 18, 7.50pm (SUNCORP)
Round 13 - WARRIORS - SAT, May 27, 5pm Local (Napier)
ORIGIN 1 - WED, May 31 (Adelaide)
Round 14 - SHARKS - SAT, June 3, 7.35pm (PointsBet)
Round 15 - KNIGHTS - SAT, June 10, 5.30pm (SUNCORP)
Round 16 - BYE
ORIGIN 2 - WED, June 21 (Suncorp)
Round 17 - TITANS - SUN, June 25, 2pm (SUNCORP)
Round 18 - DOLPHINS - SAT, July 1, 7.30pm (GABBA)
Round 19 - BYE
ORIGIN 3 - WED, July 12 (Accor)
Round 20 - BULLDOGS - SAT, July 15, 3pm (Accor)
Round 21 - RABBITOHS - FRI, July 21, 8pm (Sunny Coast)
Round 22 - ROOSTERS - THU, July 27, 7.50pm (GABBA)
Round 23 - COWBOYS - SAT, Aug 5, 3pm (Townsville)
Round 24 - EELS - FRI, Aug 11, 8pm (GABBA)
Round 25 - BYE
Round 26 - RAIDERS - SAT, Aug 26, 7.35pm (GIO)
Round 27 - STORM - THU, Aug 31, 8pm (SUNCORP)

Dolphins headed to Perth (The Australian)

The league's newest club will be part of a double header in the West, where they'll play Newcastle. South Sydney will be involved in the other match. LINK

November 8: Round 1 LEAKED (Nine papers), draw Thursday (News Corp), Pride Round still on the table (AAP), Origin round structure revealed (News Corp)

An SMH report from Michael Chammas suggests the Eels and Storm will face off in the season opener, with the Dragons the first team to have the bye. The leaked fixture also confirms the much-reported Dolphins-Roosters clash on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

NRL round 1 fixtures
Thursday, March 2, 8pm: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm @ CommBank Stadium
Friday, March 3, 6pm: New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights @ Mt Smart Stadium
Friday, March 3, 8pm: Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos @ BlueBet Stadium
Saturday, March 4, 3pm: Manly Sea Eagles v Canterbury Bulldogs @ Brookvale Oval
Saturday, March 4, 5.30pm: Cowboys v Canberra Raiders @ QLD Country Bank Stadium
Saturday, March 4, 7.30pm: Cronulla Sharks v Rabbitohs @ PointsBet Stadium
Sunday, March 5, 4pm: Dolphins v Sydney Roosters @ Suncorp Stadium
Sunday, March 5, 6pm: Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans @ Leichhardt Oval
Bye: St George Illawarra Dragons

More at the LINK

Meanwhile, News Corp have confirmed the full 2023 fixtures are intended to be released this Thursday, 10 November. The report indicates clubs have been provided their home game lists early this week. LINK

AAP's Scott Bailey reports that the NRL is still open to scheduling a Pride Round in 2023, but it will likely not appear in the draw upon release, rather announced at a later date. LINK

Later on Tuesday, the Telegraph reported that during Origin-affected rounds, Friday 6pm matches would be abandoned in favour of matches on Sunday evening instead, while saying that pre-Origin rounds would have five matches (seven byes) and post-Origin rounds seven matches (three byes):

Rounds immediately prior to State of Origin matches

  • Thursday night 7:50pm  
  • Friday night 7:55pm
  • Saturday afternoon 5:30pm
  • Saturday night 7:35pm
  • Sunday 4:05pm 

Rounds immediately after State of Origin matches

  • Friday night 7:55pm 
  • Saturday 3:00pm
  • Saturday 5.30pm 
  • Saturday 7.30pm 
  • Sunday 2:00pm 
  • Sunday 4:05pm
  • Sunday 6:15pm

November 7: Eels scurrying for pre-season opponent (News Corp)

Dean Ritchie's story on Monday morning suggests Penrith's World Club Challenge may throw a spanner in the works for the Panthers-Eels annual Battle of the West pre-season match, thereby leaving Parramatta to scramble for a new opponent.

Little is known in the way of firm information as yet - the Eels-Panthers clash could take place the weekend before the mooted WCC (which is rumoured to be Feb 18-19), and the format of the pre-season remains a contested point following reports of a formally structured tournament. LINK

Meanwhile, Manly have released their 2023 membership packages, confirming the Brookvale-based club will play ten games at 4 Pines Park throughout next season, with one home game being their Magic Round match at Suncorp, and the last to be announced. LINK

November 6: Not-so-Magic Knights (Nine papers)

Danny Weidler's weekly column in the Sun Herald says that 'as it stands', the Newcastle Knights will be the team left off the 2023 NRL Magic Round schedule. According to fan engagement data, the Novocastrians had the lowest interest of the 16 clubs at last year's event. The article then quotes an NRL spokesperson:

"Each team is allocated three byes during the 27-round season. The team allocated a bye during Magic Round is a factor of the overall draw and bye distribution. It is likely the team allocated the bye in Magic Round will be rotated each season."

LINK

November 5: First game reportedly 'leaked' (News Corp)

As previously suggested, it looks like the Dolphins and Roosters will face each other in Round 1. The 'Whats the Buzz' column is reporting NRL CEO Andrew Abdo wants the match played on Sunday 5 March, with a 4:05pm kickoff at Suncorp Stadium.

The match will be known annually as the Arthur Beetson Cup. LINK

November 4: USA no-go in 2023, longer term plan under consideration (News Corp)

Dave Riccio says the NRL will not be proceeding with a 2023 USA fixture to open the season, with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo focusing on a five-year plan from 2024. Abdo cited the already packed schedule this coming pre-season and limited promotional timing as reasons. LINK

November 4: Broncos reject USA opportunity, Broncos mooted pre-season games (News Corp)

Friday's Sports Confidential column reports Brisbane are not interested in being involved the USA/Round 'Zero' concept in 2023.

The report suggests the Broncos will play three pre-season games as per previous years, with fringe players to feature against Wynnum at Kougari Oval on February 4 before playing Queensland rivals the Titans and Cowboys over consecutive weeks in South East Queensland, possibly at Sunshine Coast Stadium. LINK

Meanwhile, Nine papers are reporting the 'pre-season tournament' concept mooted earlier in the week is well supported by NRL clubs. Proszenko's report indicates that UK champions St Helens are interested in participating if the prizemoney on offer and timing of the tournament are right. The concept could be green-lit and announced alongside the 2023 NRL Draw, which is expected as soon as the end of next week. LINK

A later report the same day from Proszenko indicated that St Helens are likely to play their namesake counterparts St George Illawarra in a 'Saints v Saints' clash in the first week of the mooted pre-season tournament, before facing Penrith for the World Club Challenge a week later. The Dragons opponents on the 18-19 February weekend are South Sydney, the Charity Shield match being played in Mudgee. LINK

November 3: Super League fixtures all-but confirm World Club Challenge plans (Super League)

The Super League fixtures are out Thursday morning UK time at 8:30am (7:30pm AEDT) - with the opening round already unveiled. Champions St Helens have had their opening round match against Huddersfield postponed in the announcement, indicating they'll be playing the World Club Challenge against NRL champs Penrith the weekend of 18-19 February - which is also the final weekend of NRL trials in 2023. LINK

November 3: Wests Tigers planning NZ home game (Stuff NZ)

David Long's report suggests the Tigers are looking to use FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton for an NRL home game in 2023. When they confirmed their three home grounds for nine of their home games on October 20, the Tigers indicated the locations for their other three home games would be confirmed as the draw released edged closer. Hamilton is now firming to host at least one of these matches, with Suncorp likely to be another for Magic Round, leaving one more - notably the Tigers have used Tamworth for a single home game in the last few seasons. LINK

November 2: Pre-season competition under consideration (Nine papers)

Adrian Proszenko reports the NRL is looking to introduce a new pre-season competition involving Super League champions St Helens, which would include prizemoney.

The competition could come in as soon as 2023 if green-lit, but the potential of the USA "Round Zero" match could scupper those plans. On the USA match, the report suggests a final decision on that game is 'imminent'. LINK

2022 - October

October 30: Clubs in chaos as season schedule nears release (News Corp)

The Telegraph has a piece which specifically notes Rounds 17 to 25 as the majorly impacted rounds due to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Among the items noted:

  • Melbourne having to play away from AAMI Park. While the report mentions Geelong and Marvel Stadium, the club only indicated Marvel Stadium to fans at their recent Awards Night.
  • Wests Tigers can only use Commbank Stadium during the nine week period - Leichhardt and Campbelltown are both unavailable.
  • As previously confirmed, Brisbane are using the Gabba for three games.
  • The Roosters may have to return to the SCG less than 12 months after playing their last game at the historic venue, due to Allianz Stadium being unavailable.
  • Canterbury will look to play two games at Belmore Sports Ground instead of the usual one
  • Central Coast Stadium in Gosford is out of action during the nine-week period as well - often used as a back-up venue.
  • St George Illawarra will need to use Wollongong during that period, with Kogarah out of action as well.

Other scheduling issues include Accor Stadium being unavailable for Round 1 (a Harry Styles concert) and potentially Easter (AFL Magic Round if it is played in Sydney).

The RLPA also expressed concerns that NRLW clubs had no clarity on when they could start signing players, when their season is or how long it goes for. LINK

October 28: Canberra games in the mix for Sydney clubs, draw expected second week of November (Canberra Times)

A report from David Polkinghorne in Canberra's main paper reports that some Sydney clubs may be forced to play matches at GIO Stadium Canberra when Sydney-based stadia become unavailable due to the FIFA Women's World Cup in July and August.

The report noted several key news tidbits, including:

  • The Raiders had offered their home venue as a solution to the NRL
  • The draw is expected to be released in the second week of November
  • The NRLW draw is expected to be released at the same time, with the expanded competition to feature 10 teams, including the Raiders
  • The Raiders will take one home game to McDonald's Park Wagga Wagga, as per previous years
  • Canberra have requested to play both the Rabbitohs and Eels at home in 2023

More at the LINK

October 26: International agenda highlighted (Nine papers)

Adrian Proszenko reports ahead of Wednesday's ARLC meeting that the Commission is looking at reviving the Kangaroos' Ashes series in the coming years, as well as the proposed US NRL match in 2023. The meeting will cover the CBA, grants and the 2023 draw which is nearing finalisation.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo reinforced the game's interest in the match on American soil, indicating that a likely venue for the match - involving Manly - would be on the US West Coast (likely California).

Abdo also said the code is committed to creating an international window in October-November moving forward. LINK

October 26: OFFICIAL - Sharks return to Coffs Harbour in 2023

Cronulla confirmed they will play a home game at C.ex Coffs International Stadium again in 2023, after successful trips to the mid-north coast of NSW in 2021 and 2022 for the club. LINK

October 25: World Club Challenge back on the table (Nine papers)

After being left out of the calendar in 2021 and 2022, the World Club Challenge - pitting the NRL and Super League premiers against each other - is firming to return.

Christian Nicolussi reports the clash between Penrith and St Helens is likely to take place in Australia, at Penrith's Bluebet Stadium home ground in February.

The report also suggested the NRL will make a call on "Round Zero" - a proposed season opener in the USA, which if green-lighted would pit Manly against Melbourne - by the end of this week. LINK

October 20: OFFICIAL - Wests Tigers home venue split confirmed

Putting their 2023 memberships on sale, the club confirmed it would use Commbank Stadium, Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium for three games each - totalling nine games across the season at those venues. The other three home games would be at venues that would be revealed once the 2023 NRL Draw is release. LINK

October 20: Origin dates revealed, expected Grand Final date (News Corp)

News Corp's Peter Badel reported the "preliminary dates" for the 2022 State of Origin series, which are firming as likely. The series will be played across three Wednesdays in the middle of the season, with the annual late-June representative round having been dropped.

According to the report, Adelaide will host the opening match on May 31, with Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium picking up Game II on June 21. The third and final game will be played at Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 12.

The same report noted the Grand Final is expected to be played Sunday 1 October. This would mean it is likely to fall on the same weekend as the AFL Grand Final for the first time since 2020.

Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, meanwhile is reported to be a week earlier than usual, slated for May 5 to 7. LINK

October 13: Dolphins-Roosters likely to kick off new season (News Corp)

Despite calls from some for a "local derby" start to 2023 for the Dolphins against the 'Big Brother' Brisbane Broncos, a report in News Corp's Sport Confidential column indicated the newest NRL club had lobbied the game's governing body to open their inaugural season with a clash against the Roosters, to be known as the Arthur Beetson Cup.

It's expected that the Dolphins-Broncos derby will instead feature among the opening four rounds, and a return clash to happen prior to Round 17 to ensure the availability of Suncorp Stadium for both matches. LINK

2022 - September

September 28: Clubs unhappy as season structure shared (News Corp)

Club CEO's were provided a draft proposal of 2023 key dates in the week leading up to the 2022 Grand Final, according to the Telegraph's David Riccio, in order to allow them to set up their team's pre-season training schedules.

It confirmed the following: 

  • 10-12 February: 1st weekend of trials and NRL Maori and Indigenous All Stars in Rotorua 
  • 17-19 February: 2nd weekend of trials and annual Charity Shield 
  • 24-26 February: Footy free weekend 
  • 2-5 March: 2023 NRL kick off 
  • 27 rounds - each team plays 24 games.
  • Three byes for all 17 teams.

Riccio's item also suggested clubs had asked why the All-Stars clash in February hadn't been rested for a year given the late finish of the World Cup. LINK

September 27: Friday 6pm games could be reduced (Nine Papers)

Adam Pengilly reported the NRL was considering a reduction in the number of Friday 6pm matches being played throughout the season, with the Sunday 6:15pm slot to pick up the slack.

Pengilly's report suggests we'll likely see the shifted fixtures post-Origin in the middle of the season, meaning that only two teams will play 48 hours after the interstate contests, instead of four.

The reasoning also suggested that the Sunday 6:15pm timeslot was more family-friendly and offered better ratings for broadcaster Fox Sports. The report also confirmed that the Dolphins have been promised a spot in the now-annual Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, likely to take place in May. LINK

September 23: OFFICIAL - Broncos confirm the 'Gabba for three home games

In a statement on their website, Brisbane confirmed they would use the Gabba, south of the city, as a temporary home ground in July and August next season when their regular home ground at Suncorp Stadium is unavailable due to the FIFA Women's World Cup. LINK

September 21: OFFICIAL - Rabbitohs staying home at Accor

Despite furious media reports throughout the back end of the 2022 season they would move to newly-completed Allianz Stadium, South Sydney confirmed they would play eight games at their current home ground Accor Stadium again in 2023.

Two other matches during the season were confirmed - Optus Stadium in Perth and Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland - both to be played during the FIFA Women's World Cup lock-out period in July and August. Two others will be confirmed at a later date, though it is likely one of them is Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round.

The club also confirmed they would be playing two pre-season matches, one at Gosford's Central Coast Stadium (opponent TBC) and the other being their annual Charity Shield clash with the Dragons, which has become an annual event in the NSW Central-West town of Mudgee. LINK

September 19: OFFICIAL - Dragons home game split

In opening 'Red V memberships' up for sale for 2023, the St George Illawarra Dragons confirmed their simple home venue structure - six games at WIN Stadium, Wollongong; and six games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah. LINK

September 15: OFFICIAL - Dolphins confirm home game split

In launching their 2023 memberships, the game's newest club advised fans they would host seven games at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with a further three at the club's spiritual base of Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe. The club expects this will include a Round 1 home opener at Suncorp.

The remaining two home game venues will be confirmed when the 2023 NRL Draw is released, expected to be in November. It is understood the Dolphins will not be hosting as a "home" team in Magic Round. LINK

September 8: 27-round regular season (Nine Papers)

Adam Pengilly reports in the SMH the NRL is set to play its "longest season ever" by starting the premiership a week earlier than usual - Thursday 2 March. This would include 27 rounds, three weeks of finals and an October 1 Grand Final.

Each team would be allocated three byes, therefore every team would play 24 matches as per previous years.

Indications were that a USA season opener in February was still on the table, but nothing had yet been confirmed. The annual All-Stars fixture, to be played in February in Rotorua, was considered to be moved earlier but resistance is likely from clubs. LINK

September 2: OFFICIAL - Warriors to play 9 at Mt Smart in 2023, home games in Napier, Wellington

With the Warriors back in NZ after years on the road, the club has confirmed they'll host just nine of their home games at their Auckland base of Mt Smart Stadium. McLean Park in Napier and Wellington's Sky Stadium will host two of the remaining three home games, with the last being a notional "home" game for Magic Round at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. LINK

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