The NRL will begin season 2020 with a Thursday night showdown between Parramatta and Canterbury, to be played at Bankwest Stadium in March, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The season opener will be followed by a Friday night match between Queensland rivals, North Queensland Cowboys hosting the Brisbane Broncos at the new Townsville stadium.

The Cowboys are hoping for a major celebration, with local product Valentine Holmes expected to return following a stint in the NFL with the New York Jets. Holmes is set to become North Queensland's $1 million fullback in a major coup.

Along with TV Networks Fox Sports and Channel, the NRL are currently finalising the draw with the schedule expected to be released later in the month.