Canberra Misses Magic Round as NRL Draws Unveil Grand Final Rematch
Canberra will not participate in the upcoming Magic Round for the 2026 NRL season, a decision revealed in the league’s recent draw announcement. With the introduction of the Perth Bears in 2027, next season’s format features an odd number of teams, necessitating the absence of one club from the Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.
The Raiders, who were the minor premiers last season, will be the team missing from this much-anticipated event.
2026 NRL Rivalry Games
Two key rivalry matches have been confirmed for next year’s schedule. The first is a grand final rematch between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos set for Round 3. The second notable clash will see the Wests Tigers face the Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 13.
Overview of the Magic Round Fixtures
The league has also announced the details for the 2026 NRL Magic Round, which will take place from May 15 to May 17. Here is the schedule:
- Friday, May 15:
- Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs
- South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins
- Saturday, May 16:
- Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles
- Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm
- Sunday, May 17:
- Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights
- New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos
- Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons
NRLW Magic Round for 2026
The NRL also confirmed the schedule for the women’s Magic Round, which will be held in Wagga Wagga after a weather-impacted event in Newcastle earlier this year. The fixtures are as follows:
- Saturday, August 1:
- Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters
- Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Sunday, August 2:
- Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
- New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
- Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights
The NRL is set for an exciting 2026 season with these confirmed match-ups and the integration of the Perth Bears, promising further competitive action in the league.
