I have done the sums. From the day the draw is released (November 14th) there are 85 days until pre-season rugby league.
Thats only 12 weekends of horrible, hot and sweaty, rugby league-less-ness.
It may seem like a long, long way away, but with the NRL, NRLW and Pre-Season Cup draws being released, hope is suddenly on the horizon.
The mad scramble on Friday morning sent us all into a level of frenzy.
Some planned their away trips, others looked for rivalry games. Most proclaimed 2026 was "our season".
Every fixture next season is exciting in its own way, but some just stand out above the rest.
We've compiled ten such fixtures below. The reasons vary, but they all promise to be hot encounters.
Here are ten must watch fixtures for 2026.
5. The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans, Round 2
No one else is going to have this on a "must watch" list but this is one I am salivating for.
Sunday evening the Dolphins will host the Titans in what promises to be a game of all out attack. Defence optional!
The Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow vs. Keano Kini clash is worth the price of admission alone. The Samoan fullback vs. the Kiwi fullback.
Throw in Origin certainties Tom Gilbert and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui clashing, Jayden Campbell taking on Isaiya Katoa in the battle of the halfbacks.
Someone invent a time machine and take me to Suncorp Stadium, five minutes before kickoff please.
