The date for Dylan Brown’s reunion with his Eels teammates has been confirmed after his $13 million move to the Knights.
Brown will play Parramatta for the first time from Newcastle on May 30 in round 13 where his progress at the Knights certainly will be a big talking point.
The announcement of the rivalry match-up comes with the NRL revealing the All-Stars match will be played at Hamilton, a full pre-season list of games and confirmation of no return match-ups within four or five weeks.
The rest of the NRL draw will be announced over Friday.
Parts of it have been drip fed over the past few days, with Canberra missing out on Magic Round. The grand final replay between Brisbane and the Storm will be played in round three. The Tigers and Bulldogs are up against each other in round 13.
No return match-ups over a nominated period is the most notable change for the draw.
There will be only five return match-ups with six-week gaps. Four of those will occur in the back half of the year. One will occur in round 20.
The All-Stars match heading to New Zealand in 2026 makes it the second time it will have been played outside of Australia.
The women’s, men’s and touch football games will be played on February 15.
“All Stars is an incredible opportunity for players to represent and connect with their culture through the game they love,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
“Each year, the NRL is given the privilege of celebrating the vital influence Māori and Indigenous cultures have had on our game. It marks a special occasion for players, their families, and the entire community.
“After the success of hosting All Stars in Rotorua in 2023, we are excited to once again experience All Stars in the incredible culture of Aotearoa, with a community that is so integral to our game.”
Round one of the pre-season challenge will be played on February 7 between the Bulldogs and Cowboys at 5:30pm (AEDT), followed by the Dragons and Knights.
The final match will be played at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee between the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles.
The Charity Shield between Rabbitohs and Dragons is on February 14, starting at 8:10pm.
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