The 2026 NRL and NRLW draws have officially dropped, setting the stage for another thrilling season of Red and Blue action.
For Knights fans, it’s a first look at what’s ahead - the return of familiar rivalries, key stretches at home, and a chance to mark the calendar for those must-see moments at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The season will take the team from the Hunter to stadiums across Australia, New Zealand and Las Vegas, with the teams travelling more than 28,000km in what promises to be an exciting year for both squads.
NRL Draw
| Round | Opponent | Date | Time | Stadium | Themed Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Cowboys | Sunday, March 1 | TBC | Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas |
| 1 | BYE | ||||
| 2 | Sea Eagles | Sunday, March 15 | 4:05pm | 4 Pines Park | |
| 3 | Warriors | Saturday, March 21 | 3:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | Multicultural Round |
| 4 | Bulldogs | Saturday, March 28 | 3:00pm | Accor Stadium | |
| 5 | Raiders | Sunday, April 5 | 4:05pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 6 | Tigers | Sunday, April 12 | 4:05pm | Campbelltown Stadium | |
| 7 | Roosters | Sunday, April 19 | 2:00pm | Allianz Stadium | |
| 8 | Panthers | Sunday, April 26 | 2:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | ANZAC Round |
| 9 | Rabbitohs | Sunday, May 3 | 2:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 10 | Dragons | Saturday, May 9 | 3:00pm | WIN Stadium | |
| 11 | Titans | Sunday, May 17 | 2:00pm | Suncorp Stadium | |
| 12 | BYE | ||||
| 13 | Eels | Saturday, May 30 | 3:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 14 | Storm | Friday, June 5 | 6:00pm | AAMI Park | |
| 15 | BYE | ||||
| 16 | Dragons | Friday, June 19 | 8:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 17 | Tigers | Sunday, June 28 | 4:05pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | Beanie for Brain Cancer Round |
| 18 | Dolphins | Sunday, July 5 | 4:05pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 19 | Rabbitohs | Sunday, July 12 | 2:00pm | Accor Stadium | |
| 20 | Sharks | Friday, July 17 | 6:00pm | Sharks Stadium | Women in League Round |
| 21 | Roosters | Friday, July 24 | 6:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | |
| 22 | Broncos | Saturday, August 1 | 7:30pm | Suncorp Stadium | |
| 23 | Raiders | Sunday, August 9 | 2:00pm | GIO Stadium | Indigenous Round |
| 24 | Titans | Sunday, August 16 | 2:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | Indigenous Round |
| 25 | Sea Eagles | Saturday, August 22 | 3:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium | Telstra Footy Country Round/Old Boys Day |
| 26 | Warriors | Sunday, August 30 | 2:00pm | Go Media Stadium | |
| 27 | BYE |
The Knights open their 2026 NRL campaign in Las Vegas with a showdown against the Cowboys, setting the tone for a season full of energy and expectation as Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith combine for the first time in the historic fixture.
Returning home, the Knights will return to McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 3 for a Saturday afternoon clash with the Warriors.
The family friendly time slot is one members and supporters will become extremely familiar with this year, with nine of the eleven games at McDonald Jones Stadium taking place during the afternoon.
Other highlights on the NRL calendar include:
- A Magic Round clash with the Titans at Suncorp Stadium
- An Old Boys Day blockbuster against arch rivals Manly
- Back-to-back-to-back home games across Rounds 16-18
- An Easter Sunday special against the Raiders in Round 5
- The return of ANZAC Round to McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 8
Six of the fixtures will feature free-to-air on Channel Nine, with the remaining 18 on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
FULL 2026 DRAW
NRLW Draw
| Round | Opponent | Date | Time | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sharks | Thursday, July 2 | 7:50pm | Sharks Stadium |
| 2 | Roosters | Saturday, July 11 | 5:15pm | Allianz Stadium |
| 3 | Dragons | Sunday, July 19 | 6:15pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| 4 | Broncos | Sunday, July 26 | 1:45pm | Totally Workwear Stadium |
| 5 | Eels | Sunday, August 2 | 3:45pm | Geohex Park |
| 6 | Warriors | Saturday, August 8 | 3:15pm | Go Media Stadium |
| 7 | Raiders | Sunday, August 16 | 12:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| 8 | Tigers | Saturday, August 22 | 12:45pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| 9 | Cowboys | Saturday, August 29 | 5:15pm | QLD Country Bank Stadium |
| 10 | Bulldogs | Saturday, September 5 | 5:15pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| 11 | Titans | Sunday, September 13 | 1:45pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
The Knights will open the NRLW season on the road, facing the Sharks in the competition's opening game of the season.
The team will return home for a standalone fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium against the Dragons, before hitting the road again for a trio of away fixtures.
The team will then return to Newcastle for back-to-back home games, with both taking place as Double Headers alongside the NRL side.
Be There for Every Moment
From roaring home crowds to nail-biting finishes, nothing beats being there live. This season is built for families, big moments and packed-out home games.
Lock in your seat for 2026 and be part of the action - Knights memberships are on sale now.
It’s more than a game - it’s the feeling of being there.
Get ready, Knights fans. 2026 is shaping up as one to remember.
