NRL reveals draw for 2019

The National Rugby League has revealed their 2019 draw today, with the season set to begin on Thursday, March 14.

Despite the NRL's efforts in the United States, it's not going ahead, with the season set to begin at Melbourne's AAMI Park between the Storm and Broncos.

Sunday, October 6. As was the case in 2018, the season will have 25 rounds, with each team receiving one bye in the form of a round off, and another bye during the standalone representative weekend between rounds 14 and 15.

The NRL Brisbane Magic round has been locked in for round 9, and will take place from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12.

Other highlights of the fixture include a big final rematch at AAMI Park on Friday night in Round 6, with the Roosters and Storm set to play each other again on Friday night in Round 15.

State of Origin fixtures have been confirmed, with the first match set to take place on Wednesday, June 5 in Brisbane, play two being played at Perth's Optus Stadium on Sunday, June 23, before the series concludes on July 10 at ANZ Stadium.

The news comes just hours after a last-minute deal to end the stand-off between Parramatta and Western Sydney Stadium the ensuing the Eels would play home games at the new venue in 2019. The only team with unconfirmed come is the Roosters, who are expected to move a large portion of their home games to the SCG.

A whole host of alternate venues have been locked in for 2019, including the Sea Eagles 'hosting' the Warriors at Christchurch's AMI Stadium in Round 3, while Penrith will take their clash with Melbourne on the same day in Bathurst.

The Rabbitohs will host the Warriors at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in round 5, before round 7 th Tigers tackle Gold Coast in Tamworth. The Raiders will travel to McDonald's Stadium in Wagga Wagga for a home game against the Panthers in round 8, while round 10 sees the Dragons host the Knights in Mudgee.

The Bulldogs will play against the Storm at their spiritual home of Belmore Oval in round 11, while Parramatta will take a game against Canberra to Darwin's TIO Stadium in round 15.

Gosford finally gets its first taste of NRL action in round 17, with the Roosters hosting the Cowboys there on the Sunday afternoon, before the Rabbitohs host the Storm there in round 21.

2019 NRL fixture, Round 1

Thursday, March 14
Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos; 7:40 pm, AAMI Park

Friday, March 15
Newcastle Knights vs. Cronulla Sharks; 6pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Sydney Roosters vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs; 7:40 pm, SCG

Saturday, March 16
Warriors vs Canterbury Bulldogs; 4pm, Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Manly Sea Eagles; 6pm, Leichhardt Oval
North Queensland Cowboys vs. St George-Illawarra Dragons; 8pm, 1300Smiles Stadium

Sunday, March 17
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels; 4pm, Penrith Stadium
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra Raiders; 6:30 pm, Cbus Super Stadium

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