While the dust continues to settle on the 2015 NRL season, work has now commenced on the structure of next year’s fixture. In this article I have plotted out how Round 1 next year should unfold.
The 2016 season should kick off with the grand final rematch between the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos in Townsville, following their thrilling grand final duel on Sunday night.
The game was the first grand final since 1989 to be decided in extra time, and the first since the golden point rule was introduced in 2003.
It would mark the first time the two Queensland rivals have met in the opening round since 2011, and the first time the two clubs have played a Round 1 match against each other in Townsville since 2001.
It would also be the first time since 2012 that the previous year’s grand finalists have met in the opening round, when the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and New Zealand Warriors, the 2011 grand finalists, faced each other at Eden Park.
The season kick-off could also provide a strong lead-in to Nine’s The Footy Show, following the announcement that the first edition of the show for the new season would be telecast from Townsville, the Cowboys’ home city.
The first match in Sydney for the new season will see the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs renew hostilities at Allianz Stadium on the Friday night, with the two clubs expected to again contend for the premiership in 2016.
The Rabbitohs had hosted the first of the two meetings against the Roosters for the last two seasons, and so it’s the Chooks’ turn to host them for the first time in 2016, before the Rabbitohs host the return meeting, most likely in the final round.
For Trent Robinson’s men, it will be the second year in a row they will enter a new season after having lost several key players at the end of the preceding season. Next year, they’ll be without James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after they defected to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and New Zealand Warriors respectively.
As for the Rabbitohs, their bid for a second premiership in three years will start without Glenn Stewart, who has left the club after just one season to join Super League side the Catalan Dragons, as well as Issac Luke, who will join the Warriors.
Despite the loss of key players for both clubs, both the Roosters and Rabbitohs will be expected to once again be up there as among the many premiership contenders alongside the Cowboys and Broncos.
After a horror season which culminated in a second wooden spoon, the Newcastle Knights will be hoping for some better times ahead, following the appointment of former Dragons, Huddersfield and St Helens mentor Nathan Brown as head coach.
The Knights will be one of two clubs, the other being the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, armed with new coaches for season 2016. Their first game in the Brown era will be at home against perennial finalists the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Expectations will be high for the New Zealand Warriors next year, with Kiwi internationals Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke set to join Test teammates Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering and Manu Vatuvei in a potentially strong line-up.
After Round 18 this year, the Warriors sat in the top four and were on track to reach the finals for the first time since 2011 until a season-ending leg injury suffered by Johnson resulted in the club finishing 2015 with eight straight losses en route to a disappointing 13th place finish on the ladder.
After starting their past three seasons in New South Wales (no less), the club will play a Round 1 home game for the first time since 2012 when they welcome the Gold Coast Titans to Mount Smart Stadium.
Rounding out a huge Saturday night, Trent Barrett will launch his coaching career when the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles tackle the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium in the only game to be played at the ground in Round 1.
The Sea Eagles, finals casualties for the first time since 2004, should have Lewis Brown and Nate Myles debuting for the club, while for the Tigers it is still unknown whether their captain Robbie Farah will play after coach Jason Taylor said in August he risked being dropped to reserve grade if he remained at Concord Oval.
Sunday will see two matches, with the local derby between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks taking place at Kogarah Oval, and the Canberra Raiders welcoming the Melbourne Storm to the nation’s capital at night.
The match between the Dragons and Sharks will boast some interest following both clubs’ improvement, and hence their participation in the finals, in season 2015.
Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop will once again be behind the Dragons’ brains trust as they look to improve on their heartbreaking first round finals exit at the hands of the Bulldogs, while the addition of Roosters premiership player James Maloney should see the Sharks emerge as one of the teams to watch in 2016.
This match will be given the free-to-air exposure by Channel Nine, and given the expected continual improvement of both clubs next season, Kogarah Oval is likely to be sold out for the clash between the two southern Sydney rivals.
And to round out a blockbuster opening round, western rivals the Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers will clash at Pirtek Stadium on the Monday night, with their previous meeting having taken place in Darwin in August this year.
And so, this is how Round 1, 2016 should unfold (all times local):
Thursday, March 3
Cowboys versus Broncos, 1300SMILES Stadium, 6:45pm*
Friday, March 4
Roosters versus Rabbitohs, Allianz Stadium, 7:45pm*
Saturday, March 5
Knights versus Bulldogs, Hunter Stadium; 3:00pm
Warriors versus Titans, Mount Smart Stadium, 7:30pm
Wests Tigers versus Sea Eagles, ANZ Stadium, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 6
Dragons versus Sharks, Kogarah Oval, 4:00pm*
Raiders versus Storm, GIO Stadium, 6:00pm
Monday, March 7
Eels versus Panthers, Pirtek Stadium, 7:00pm
* denotes a Channel Nine game.
JAYDEN :)
Guest
Yes
Niall
Guest
Yeah but that revenue is from the leagues clubs. That's one of the things that annoys me about how the game is run. It seems there is more put into running the leagues clubs than the football clubs. But is great to see the work that the whole Panthers business group is doing. The people involved at alot of these clubs, particularly places like Parramatta and Manly, just want to be the big men on campus in the leagues clubs.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I agree. The Bulldogs definitely lead the bunch. Give the Sharks 5-10 years and they'll be bringing in the most revenue. In 2014, Penrith brought in the second most revenue of any Australian sporting club after Collingwood
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
What about the Knights v Eagles rivalry ? We could start the season with a sideline face slapping session between Nathan Brown and Trent Barrett.
Niall
Guest
Clubs choose where to play the games, 9 and Fox choose the date and time.
Avatar
Roar Guru
I know! It was a stupid move by the NRL (IMO) to schedule two western Sydney rivals in Darwin. It robbed league fans of a true blockbuster in the heart of Sydney's western suburbs. That also gave the AFL a free kick as a game between GWS and Essendon was played that same weekend. Next year it should be the Eels vs a low-drawing team such as the Storm or Raiders. I would've said the Cowboys, but they're already used to playing in humid conditions at home.
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Roar Guru
Umm... Foran used to play for Manly, not Penrith. I'm sure you meant Eels vs Sea Eagles.
The Verdict
Guest
NRL season launch in Townsville.... a way to acknowledge the premiers (while we are still premiers) and give back to a passionate and stubbornly loyal North Queensland fan base. We love our Cowboys, but it would be awesome to have a few profile names from other clubs come to Townsville too.
JAYDEN :)
Guest
With the footy show being on Wednesday night
JAYDEN :)
Guest
I think it should be ROUND 1: Thursday: Cowboys v Brisbane 7.15pm QLD TIME (8.15pm NSW) in Townsville Friday: Roosters v Rabbitohs 7.45pm AEDT Allianz Stadium Sunday at 4pm: Eels v Penrith, Parramatta Stadium (Foran Faces old Team)
jamesb
Guest
With the Eels/ Panthers game, I couldn't believe that fixture was played in Darwin. Where was the logic in that?
Niall
Guest
The only clubs in Sydney that make a genuine effort to consistently engage fans is the Bulldogs and Souths. There are other clubs that run good football programs but that's about it. Penrith and Cronulla seem to be getting their houses in order but are not there yet. All the other clubs are underachieving either on or off the field.
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Roar Guru
Easter next year will fall in Round 4.
Martha
Guest
Its the tradition isn't it. However before you go too overboard. On Sunday the overwhelming majority of the 50-50 decisions went the way of the trailing team which at various times disadvantaged both teams Its amazing how the GF had crucial penalties in the first 45 mins for holding down (then the Cowboys were penalised when the Broncs (who were leading) were going to score) and yet none for holding down from then on whilst the Cowboys players especially held the leading Broncs down as they tried to ruck their way out from their defensive area. This is how it went 16mins Cowboys trailing 0-8 get an innocuous holding down penalty in own 30m and then from there to score (no replay on the penalty). Something like 60% of all penalties end up in a try in the next set. 22 mins Broncs (leading 8-6) back Reed flicks back in and called forward (marginal) (it then bounced forward ) but no side-on replay despite the teams taking a minute to form the scrum. 23 min Broncs 8-6 Another innocuous holding down penalty against the Broncs (no replay)in the Cowboys half and the Cowboys get field position for a try 29 min Cowboys 12-8 Knock on disputed on charge down by Cowboys , (no replay) despite scrum. However probably was a ricochet and then a knock on and not a charge down but it begs the qn if the two events are almost simultaneous as happened here but not a qn for this game. 30 min (Cowboys 12-8) holding down (again no replay) for Broncos penalty 33 min - (Cowboys 12-8) Thurston stripped of possession with two in the tackle but Broncos go on to score – for something that changes the game so readily the law is badly defined but again a 50-50 decision goes to the team behind on the scoreboard Where a player steals the ball from a player on whom he is effecting a tackle, play will be allowed to continue. Where two or more players are effecting the same tackle - irrespective of whether all but one “drops off” the tackle, and the ball is subsequently taken from the tackled player, a penalty will be awarded against the player or players effecting the tackle unless the tackled player is attempting to ground the ball for a try. I note in the NFL all turnovers (which are as crucial as in RL) are referred to the video. 41 min Broncos (14-12) get an obvious offside penalty – not a 50-50 call 42 min Broncos (14-12) get an innocuous holding down penalty halfway to sideline but probably saved a Broncos try and Broncs always kick for goal (no replay) All second half – Cowboys holding down often but no penalties as they trail broncos 12-16 47 min - Brisbane (16-12) attacking and Thurston tackles Gillett without the ball – no penalty Broncs lose possession. 49 min Cowboys (12-16) Morgan forward pass to Thurston – play on 49 mins Cowboys (12-16) full back Coote elbows Boyd in the head on the ground – video and on ground refs rule no penalty?? 51 min – Thurston forward pass to Cooper – play on Cowboys still holding down at tackle 55min Ref calls Cowboys kick into ingoal a goal line drop out despite everyone seeing Cowboys knock on and Boyd shepherd it over dead ball. Video ref forced to reverse decision. Foxtel commentators try to defend the Sutton decision but then are forced to back down after video. 60 min Cowboys (still 12-16) kick into Broncos player who does not play at it but ruled 6 again. 69 mins Alleged Broncos knock on as they attack – the winger Oates screams that he didn’t and other player say it hit him in the err “nether regions” - The only sideon replay of the game while the teams take the scrum whereas the front on replay would have been the most informative. The overwhelming majority of the 50-50 decisions go against the team in front on the scoreboard which in the case of the second half was the Broncos. But the trend in the first half was the same – whomever was in front got the raw deal from the refs. Roy Masters wrote about this choregraphing by referees for close games and better TV product a couple of years ago and the RL was mute in reply. Shortly after Nine signed a deal with the Fairfax newspapers for joint co-operation in business programs, the floating of Nine and the joint ownership of streaming service Stan and Masters went quiet http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/dramatic-licence-whistleblowers-in-danger-of-playing-to-script-to-ensure-theatrical-finale-20120806-23qe1.html http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/refs-dont-know-rs-from-their-elbows-20130915-2tswt.html http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/blues-disdain-only-gave-maroons-extra-firepower-20130627-2oyzg.html http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/billys-lowpenalty-diet-has-players-tightening-their-belts-20110322-1c58h.html http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/fox-pundits-ignorance-just-isnt-bliss-for-codes-tragics-20120309-1upor.html http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/why-not-drug-test-nrl-referees-20130530-2nduo.html
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I'd love to hear who you think are the two smartest clubs.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Spread out rivalries (also Bulldogs vs Manly doesn't count as one). Storm should be playing at the beginning of the year in Melbourne when there is no AFL. You could potentially go into Adelaide as well with a Sydney-based club, maybe Panthers vs Raiders but play it on a Saturday. Also, too many Sydney games in the opening round. Hasn't worked out well in the past (2013). Sydney Rivalries Ranked (my opinion): Bulldogs - 1 Rabbitohs, 2 Eels, 3 Roosters, 4 Dragons, 5 Wests Tigers, 6 Sea Eagles, 7 Panthers, 8 Sharks Sea Eagles - 1 Bulldogs, 2 Eels, 3 Rabbitohs, 4 Sharks, 5 Roosters, 6 Wests Tigers, 7 Dragons, 8 Panthers Eels - 1 Bulldogs, 2 Wests Tigers, 3 Panthers, 4 Sea Eagles, 5 Rabbitohs, 6 Dragons, 7 Roosters, 8 Sharks Panthers - 1 Eels, 2 Bulldogs, 3 Wests Tigers, 4 Dragons, 5 Rabbitohs, 6 Roosters, 7 Sharks, 8 Sea Eagles Sharks - 1 Dragons, 2 Sea Eagles, 3 Rabbitohs, 4 Roosters, 5 Eels, 6 Wests Tigers, 7 Bulldogs, 8 Panthers Rabbitohs - 1 Roosters, 2 Bulldogs, 3 Dragons, 4 Wests Tigers, 5 Sea Eagles, 6 Eels, 7 Sharks, 8 Panthers Dragons - 1 Sharks, 2 Rabbitohs, 3 Roosters, 4 Bulldogs, 5 Wests Tigers, 6 Eels, 7 Sea Eagles, 8 Panthers Roosters - 1 Rabbitohs, 2 Dragons, 3 Bulldogs, 4 Wests Tigers, 5 Sea Eagles, 6 Sharks, 7 Eels, 8 Panthers Wests Tigers - 1 Rabbitohs, 2 Dragons, 3 Eels, 4 Bulldogs, 5 Roosters, 6 Sea Eagles, 7 Sharks, 8 Panthers
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I see huge potential in the Titans. They must visit schools on the Gold Coast and NSW North Coast, converting the young generation. Ten games at Robina, one game at Suncorp (versus Broncos), one game at Coffs Harbour or regional QLD. Equal FTA exposure for all teams would go a long way.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Cowboys vs Broncos - A Thursday night Cowboys home game is a bad idea, especially against the Broncos. Their fans travel for miles, many will miss out on seeing it live. Save it for later in the opening eight rounds. Roosters vs Rabbitohs - Friday night is the best timeslot for it. Sunday didn't turn out well this year, Thursday doesn't work either. Knights vs Bulldogs - I agree with this fixture. I would make the trip north, if this was the draw and the Saturday games had not been fixed however I would move this game to 5:30 and Warriors vs Titans to 3:00 AEDT (5:00 NZDT). Warriors vs Titans - Warriors need a higher drawing fixture, Titans need a home game versus Broncos. Don't let the Gold Coast flounder, I see big potential in the Titans if matches are scheduled well and the team is within positions 1 and 10. Tigers vs Manly - Why would you play Wests Tigers vs Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium? More suited to a Sunday afternoon at either Brookvale, Leichhardt or Campbelltown. Possibly even move it to the Central Coast, big crowd guaranteed. Dragons vs Sharks - No more than one Sydney rivalry per round I'm afraid. Save it for later. Raiders vs Storm - Canberra fans deserve a decent timeslot. A recent Raiders fan survey showed they prefer Sunday afternoons most followed by Saturday afternoons, Friday nights and then Saturday nights. After that was Sunday night, Monday night and then Thursday night polling very low. Storm need to play round one in Melbourne, free kick with no AFL on. Eels vs Panthers - Monday night for a local derby? As mentioned with Dragons vs Sharks, no more than one Sydney rivalry per round. Save it for later. This time lets hope they don't move it to Darwin. Tigers vs Sea Eagles would suit this timeslot better, if it was played in Gosford it would get a huge crowd.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Save Sharks vs Roosters for Easter Sunday. Storm need a home game due to there being no AFL. Games should be spread out, not half being played within two hours of each other ie 3 Sydney/1 Newcastle Eels vs Sea Eagles is a big rivalry and should be treated as one, not moved to Monday night. Dragons vs Knights and Titans vs Broncos are great fixtures though. I changed your draw a bit and came up with this: Thurs - Titans vs Broncos @ Suncorp Stadium (Move to Suncorp Stadium to facilitate big crowd) Fri - Eels vs Sharks @ Parramatta Stadium/Remondis Stadium Sat 3pm - Warriors vs Panthers @ Mount Smart Stadium Sat 5:30 - Cowboys vs Roosters @ 1300 Smiles Stadium Sat 7:30 - Storm vs Bulldogs @ AAMI Park/Etihad Stadium Sun 2pm - Raiders vs Souths @ GIO Stadium (Canberra fans deserve decent teams in decent timeslots) Sun 4pm - Dragons vs Knights @ WIN Stadium Mon - Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers @ Central Coast Stadium (Big crowd given both clubs have a large fanbase on the Central Coast)
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
They would be working within the same time frame if they played at Wembley than if they left immediately after the WCS. Two weeks in between their Round One and Round Two game. If they left the day after, they would get to Sydney on Monday and travel north to Townsville by Monday night. That leaves them with two weeks to prepare.