SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 22: Nathan Brown of the Eels Is tackled during the round 23 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

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.