Mark your calendars – the 2026 NRL and NRLW draws are here, with the Sharks set for a smorgasbord of sensational matches!
Craig Fitzgibbon's Cronulla side is also confirmed to play NRL Witzer Pre-Season Challenge matches against the Eels (6pm AEDT, Sunday 15 February at Henson Park) and Raiders (3.50pm AEDT, Saturday 21 February at Polyec Stadium).
See a comprehensive snapshots of both regular-season schedules below.
NRL Highlights
- Ten matches at Sharks Stadium (two Fridays, four Saturdays, four Sundays)
- An opening-round battle with the Josh Hannay-coached Titans at home
- A semi-final rematch against the Roosters at Optus Stadium (the Sharks will return to Perth after beating the Sea Eagles at the same venue in 2024)
- An Easter Sunday clash with the Warriors at Sharks Stadium
- Two Sunday afternoon local derbies against the Dragons (home and away)
- Launching Magic Round against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium
- A regular-season finale against 2016 Grand Final opponents the Storm – the perfect way to celebrate 10 years since the club's maiden premiership
- No five day-turnarounds, seven six-day turnarounds, 16 seven-plus-day turnarounds, with byes in Rounds 7, 12 and 17
- Trips to face Canberra, North Queensland, Canterbury (Magic Round), Brisbane, Dolphins, Gold Coast and New Zealand Warriors
- 21,237 kilometres travelled in total (NRL average: 24,155)
Themed Rounds
- Multicultural: Round 3 v Dolphins at Sharks Stadium
- ANZAC: Round 8 v Cowboys at QCB Stadium, Townsville
- Beanie for Brain Cancer: Round 17 (bye)
- Women in League: Round 20 v Knights at Sharks Stadium
- Indigenous: Round 23 v Dragons (away), Round 24 v Raiders (home)
- Telstra Footy Country: Round 25 v Titans at Cbus Super Stadium
CLICK HERE to view the full NRL draw.
NRLW Highlights
- Kicking off the premiership at home for the second year running with a match against the Knights on Thursday, July 2
- Five standalone games at Sharks Stadium including a Round 2 blockbuster against premiers Brisbane and a Round 11 local derby against the Dragons
- Taking centre stage at Magic Round in Wagga Wagga against Wests Tigers
- One six day-turnaround and nine seven-plus-day turnarounds
- Two Thursday games, seven Saturdays, two Sundays
- Interstate trips to face Canberra and North Queensland as well as a match against the Warriors in Auckland for the second straight year
Themed Rounds
- Indigenous: Round 6 v Titans (home), Round 8 v Cowboys (away)
- Telstra Footy Country: Round 8 v Eels at Sharks Stadium
CLICK HERE to view the full NRLW draw
The NRL used Fastbreak AI's industry-leading scheduling software platform to optimise operational efficiency and improve competitive balance across the competition.
"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 CEO 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.
"I'd like to thank our broadcast partners Channel Nine, Fox Sports, Sky Sports New Zealand and naming rights partner Telstra for their investment and support of the game."
Want to be part of the action? 2025 Sharks Members can renew their Membership now, with packages on sale to the general public from November 18!
CLICK HERE to view the NRL Draw Hub
