The NRL draw for the 2021 season has been released, with a return to mid-year State of Origin and six games played in regional NSW headlining the announcement.
After the COVID-impacted 2020, 2021 will see a return to relative normality, with the first of 25 rounds beginning on March 11, the finals commencing on September 10, and the grand final to return to its usual timeslot on the Sunday of the first weekend of October. Magic Round in Brisbane will also resume after a successful first iteration in 2019.
The season-opener between the Storm and Rabbitohs will be the defending premiers’ first game in Melbourne since June this year, and their first in front of home fans since 2019.
“Our Melbourne fans have not seen a game at AAMI Park since 2019. We’ll change that with the opening game of our 2021 season,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“The premiers returning home after relocating to Queensland with a blockbuster against South Sydney. It’s by design that both Melbourne and the Warriors, who sacrificed so much, will play at home in Round 1.”
There’s good news in the fixture for the Warriors who, after spending all of this season after the COVID restart in Australia, will return to playing out of Mount Smart Stadium in 2021. Their Round 1 match against the Titans is scheduled for the Auckland venue, however Abdo said if borders aren’t open in time for the season, the side will make Central Coast Stadium their home.
“We know with a clear vision and a common purpose that we can achieve our goals and this schedule sets March 11 as the date that we deliver on the schedule we have promised,” Abdo said.
“People will question why we have included aspects that still require approvals and we are fine with that. People are welcome to question decisions, like they did in the 2020 season.
“All 25 rounds were announced today to ensure fans and clubs have the opportunity to plan their entire season in advance. The current infection rate is zero and borders are opening, we are optimistic about the 2021 season, but equally we will be ready to adapt and adjust our plans should the need arise.
“As we demonstrated in 2020, the safety of the community will be a priority for us.”
After poor TV ratings in this year’s post-season edition, it’s no surprise to see State of Origin return to its traditional mid-year schedule. While the official dates are yet to be confirmed, the timing of bye weeks indicate Games 1 and 3 will be played on June 9 and July 14 respectively, while Game 2 will cap off the return of Representative Round on Sunday, June 27.
If Rep Round returns to the same format it had in 2019, Women’s State of Origin will be played on Friday, June 25. The venues for men’s and women’s series are yet to be confirmed.
As announced yesterday, six games will be taken to regional NSW after only one match in 2020. Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Mudgee, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour will each host a regular-season fixture.
Other highlights of the fixture include Indigenous Round in Round 12, which will be played across six different cities and towns, the return of rugby league on the Anzac Day weekend, and a grand final rematch between the Panthers and Storm to kick off Round 3.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
The ladder isn’t an accurate representation at the end of the season because not all teams get to play St.George twice. They should add Perth, Adelaide and a couple of Queenslanders and play each team once. That would make the ladder accurate at the end of the rounds as long as there's no Golden Point.
captainpale
Roar Rookie
Anywhere but QLD, i do not see why they should receive a reward for the way in which their premier has behaved. Banning our crowds, forcing teams during finals to only be allowed to arrive the day of the game so they could not train or acclimatize. Time to teach them a lesson.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Mate, that's one thing where we certainly agree. There's only one king and it sure aint Gutho! Back in the 80's I had a plumber mate from Qld (yes Dog supporters have mates) and at SoO time he - with the help of Wally and co - would take my money routinely. I learned a lesson and haven't bet on a SoO match since. :thumbup:
Big Daddy
Guest
I suppose it's the East's / South's thing. Personally I don't think he should play until he's 18 regardless of his talent . But it's wether East's get their way. The NRL will drop in my estimation but it wouldn't surprise me if it happens.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Mate, there will be Smiths Crisps, Milk, HFC Finance, Hardie represented as well. One of th best parts for me, you go watch your team but you get to just be a fan of the other games that you would probably not go and watch otherwise. Last year, I was halfway down Caxton St (which becomes one large party) when Ponga snapped Foran’s ankles for the try and I heard the roar go up. Every one is there for a good time.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Someone playing more at Gosford would be good.
Albo
Roar Rookie
For what its worth, my quick analysis of draw, indicates the 2020 top dogs have been rewarded with pretty tough 2021 draws . The Panthers play twice : Dogs, Storm, Sea Eagles, Broncos, Sharks , Rabbitohs, Roosters, Eels & Tigers. The Storm play twice : Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Roosters, Sharks, Titans & Warriors. Whereas the Knights look to have won the lottery with them playing twice : Broncos, Dogs, Cowboys, Sharks, Tigers, Titans & Warriors !!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
?? Not from my understanding and all the reports around last year and why the NRL was so desperate to keep them there. The news was pretty definite that if the Warriors went so did the comp. V'Landys himself said that the agreement with the broadcasters was for a 16 team comp. No Warriors - no comp - or at least subject to the whim of and all power to the broadcasters.
Nat
Roar Rookie
He'll be ready for the Cup by Nov mate... :stoked:
Max power
Guest
There would have been a Comp without the warriors
Dutski
Roar Guru
I don’t know why everyone is so keen on this kid. His agent has talked him up as a special talent but talent is only part of the picture
Chris
Roar Pro
Have a great time for me Willie. I’m lucky I finally got to see a Storm game- which happened to be both the finals games in Brisbane this year. Make sure you start the ‘Melbourne’ chant and lead a chorus of ‘Harry, clapclapclap Harry’, the latter of which went around Suncorp during Origin 3 a week ago.
Big Daddy
Guest
Another bucket list job for you HY. A trip to the Brekkie Creek hotel or the Caxton will make the trip more pleasurable.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I'll Advocate for that.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
No Buck. ??? He will be pleased . 2020 did not do his fitness any good at all.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Do it HY. 2021 is the year of going to the footy!
bbt
Roar Rookie
The AFL have an iron clad contract with the MCG. There will be no NRL Magic Round at the MCG.
Paul
Roar Guru
we miss playing the Storm twice thankfully, but the others will still be tough
Paul
Roar Guru
"but wait, there's more"
Nat
Roar Guru
That's royal blue for the King Mr Bacon. They tried to put another (so called) King in a sky blue jumper and look how that turned out! #eatpalmgutho :laughing: