The 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season is in full swing, featuring an expanded 27-round regular season and several high-profile regional matches. This guide provides an exhaustive look at the 2026 nrl fixtures, with a focus on the New Zealand Warriors' schedule, major events like Magic Round, and the State of Origin series. As of April 7, 2026, the competition is entering its sixth round, with the Warriors currently sitting 5th on the ladder following a solid start to their campaign. From the "Mt Smart Factor" at Go Media Stadium to the inaugural game at the brand-new Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch, this article serves as the definitive resource for New Zealand fans. You will find detailed fixture tables, venue information, and an FAQ section designed to clarify the nuances of the 2026 Telstra Premiership draw.
NRL Round 6 Fixtures (April 9–12, 2026)
Round 6 features several blockbuster matchups, including a top-of-the-table clash between the 2nd-placed Wests Tigers and the 3rd-placed Newcastle Knights. For Kiwi fans, the highlight is the Warriors' away trip to Melbourne.
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (NZT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 9 April | Bulldogs vs. Panthers | Accor Stadium, Sydney | 1:50 PM |
| Fri 10 April | Dragons vs. Sea Eagles | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | 12:00 AM |
| Fri 10 April | Broncos vs. Cowboys | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 2:00 AM |
| Fri 10 April | Rabbitohs vs. Raiders | Optus Stadium, Perth | 9:00 PM |
| Sat 11 April | Sharks vs. Roosters | Optus Stadium, Perth | 11:30 PM |
| Sat 11 April | Storm vs. Warriors | AAMI Park, Melbourne | 1:35 PM |
| Sat 11 April | Eels vs. Titans | CommBank Stadium, Sydney | 8:00 PM |
| Sat 11 April | Wests Tigers vs. Knights | Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney | 10:05 PM |
New Zealand Warriors 2026 Season Schedule
The Warriors' 2026 draw is strategically balanced, featuring nine home games at Go Media Stadium and several key regional fixtures to engage fans across the country. After a Round 5 loss to the Sharks, the team is looking to rebound during their mid-April block.
Upcoming Key Fixtures
- Round 7: vs. Gold Coast Titans — Sat 18 April, 7:00 PM (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)
- Round 8: vs. Dolphins — Sat 25 April, 10:05 PM (Hnry Stadium, Wellington)
- Round 11 (Magic Round): vs. Brisbane Broncos — Sun 17 May, 8:05 PM (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
- Round 16: vs. North Queensland Cowboys — Sun 21 June, 6:00 PM (Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch)
Round 7: vs. Gold Coast Titans — Sat 18 April, 7:00 PM (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)
Round 8: vs. Dolphins — Sat 25 April, 10:05 PM (Hnry Stadium, Wellington)
Round 11 (Magic Round): vs. Brisbane Broncos — Sun 17 May, 8:05 PM (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Round 16: vs. North Queensland Cowboys — Sun 21 June, 6:00 PM (Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch)
Recent Results (Rounds 1–5)
The Warriors opened their season with dominant home form before facing challenges on their recent Australian road trips.
- Round 1: Warriors 42–18 Roosters (Win)
- Round 2: Warriors 40–6 Raiders (Win)
- Round 3: Knights 12–38 Warriors (Win)
- Round 4: Warriors 14–32 Wests Tigers (Loss)
- Round 5: Sharks 36–22 Warriors (Loss)
Round 1: Warriors 42–18 Roosters (Win)
Round 2: Warriors 40–6 Raiders (Win)
Round 3: Knights 12–38 Warriors (Win)
Round 4: Warriors 14–32 Wests Tigers (Loss)
Round 5: Sharks 36–22 Warriors (Loss)
2026 NRL Major Events and Representative Dates
The 2026 season includes several "destination rounds" and the highly anticipated return of the State of Origin series to major Australian venues.
NRL Magic Round 2026 (Brisbane)
All 17 teams will converge on Suncorp Stadium from May 15–17, 2026.
- Friday 15 May: Sharks v Bulldogs, Rabbitohs v Dolphins
- Saturday 16 May: Tigers v Sea Eagles, Roosters v Cowboys, Eels v Storm
- Sunday 17 May: Titans v Knights, Warriors v Broncos, Panthers v Dragons
Friday 15 May: Sharks v Bulldogs, Rabbitohs v Dolphins
Saturday 16 May: Tigers v Sea Eagles, Roosters v Cowboys, Eels v Storm
Sunday 17 May: Titans v Knights, Warriors v Broncos, Panthers v Dragons
2026 Ampol State of Origin Series (Men's)
- Game 1: Wednesday, 27 May — Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Game 2: Wednesday, 17 June — MCG, Melbourne
- Game 3: Wednesday, 8 July — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Game 1: Wednesday, 27 May — Accor Stadium, Sydney
Game 2: Wednesday, 17 June — MCG, Melbourne
Game 3: Wednesday, 8 July — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Venue Guide: New Zealand's NRL Hubs
In 2026, the NRL is expanding its footprint in New Zealand, utilizing three world-class stadiums to host regular-season matches.
- Go Media Stadium (Auckland): The spiritual home of the Warriors, hosting the majority of their home fixtures.
- Hnry Stadium (Wellington): Host of the Round 8 ANZAC Round clash against the Dolphins.
- Te Kaha Stadium (Christchurch): This brand-new facility will host its first-ever NRL match in June (Round 16) against the Cowboys.
Go Media Stadium (Auckland): The spiritual home of the Warriors, hosting the majority of their home fixtures.
Hnry Stadium (Wellington): Host of the Round 8 ANZAC Round clash against the Dolphins.
Te Kaha Stadium (Christchurch): This brand-new facility will host its first-ever NRL match in June (Round 16) against the Cowboys.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 nrl fixtures provide a thrilling roadmap for the New Zealand Warriors as they seek a top-four finish. With the "Mt Smart Factor" in full effect and a historic Christchurch debut on the horizon, the opportunities for "Wahs" fans to engage with the team have never been better. As the competition heads into the brutal mid-season Origin period, managing the travel load from Auckland to Australia will be the primary challenge for Andrew Webster's squad. Stay tuned to the live updates as the ladder reshuffles following the conclusion of each round.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Warriors game? The Warriors play the Melbourne Storm away at AAMI Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:35 PM NZT.
Where can I buy tickets for Warriors home games? Tickets for all home games at Go Media Stadium and the regional matches in Wellington and Christchurch are available via the official club website or Auckland Stadiums.
What is the "Magic Round"? Magic Round is an NRL event where an entire round of matches (eight games) is played at a single venue—Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane—over three days.
When does the 2026 State of Origin start? The men's series kicks off on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Will there be an NRL game in Christchurch in 2026? Yes, the Warriors will face the North Queensland Cowboys at the new Te Kaha Stadium on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
How many rounds are in the 2026 NRL season? There are 27 regular-season rounds, followed by a four-week finals series.
Who won the last Warriors game? The Warriors lost their most recent game (Round 5) to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 36–22.
Is there a game in Wellington this year? Yes, the Warriors host the Dolphins at Hnry Stadium on Saturday, April 25, for the ANZAC Round.
What time is kick-off for the Magic Round game against the Broncos? The Warriors vs. Broncos match kicks off at 8:05 PM NZT on Sunday, May 17.
Is it legal to bet on NRL fixtures in New Zealand? Yes, sports betting is legal in NZ through the TAB and licensed international sportsbooks.