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 featured 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

See Full Page