Artificial intelligence has delivered one of the fairest draws on record for 2026, but try telling that to Penrith fans with their team facing the toughest schedule as they enter the new season without a premiership for the first time since 2021.
The competition kicks off in Las Vegas on March 1 and finishes on October 4, with the NRL implementing a draw that features only 12 five-day turnarounds with no club having more than one.
“No draw is ever perfect, but with the use of new software and a record number of inputs and constraints, the 2026 schedule is finalised and fans have a great deal to get excited about,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
“We have focused on fans, player wellbeing and balancing competitive elements. The reduction of five-day turnarounds to no more than one per club and the distribution of byes were important outcomes to achieve.”
NRL officials are thrilled with the fairness of the 2016 draw. Picture: NRL Photos
While the draw is clearly fairer than previous years, some clubs do have it easier than their rivals based on what happened in 2025.
That doesn’t always mean much given some teams can come from the clouds to rise up the rankings while traditionally strong teams can slide.
As it stands, Penrith faces the toughest draw next year and hasn’t been given any favours, with the premiers waiting in round 1 before the Panthers face fellow top-eight teams the Sharks and Roosters and then a western Sydney showdown with the Eels.
Ivan Cleary’s men had a horror start to 2025 and were last after 12 rounds before they turned things around, with the Roosters, Storm and Bulldogs waiting for them in the final month.
They play top-four sides the Broncos, Storm, Raiders and Bulldogs twice next season in what shapes as the toughest draw out of any club, with 13 matches against teams that played finals footy this year.
The Titans only have two games on free to air next year. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
The Rabbitohs have the second hardest draw and the Storm are third, but there’s better news for clubs like the Warriors, Sharks and Sea Eagles who appear to have softer schedules.
Cronulla only plays one top-four team next year (the Raiders), while the Sea Eagles only have to face the Storm twice and avoid a trip to Melbourne with that match in Perth.
The free-to-air split is solid, with 10 clubs having at least 10 games on Channel 9 next year, but you’ll need to subscribe to Kayo or Foxtel to watch the Titans who only have two matches on FTA.
The Warriors are next worst with three, while the Raiders have been rewarded for their exciting brand of footy with the minor premiers getting nine games on FTA.