NRL 2024 draw news: Panthers-Broncos grand final rematch locked in

The Broncos will get an early chance to exact some revenge for their heartbreaking grand final defeat to the Panthers. See when the heavyweights clash for the first time in 2024.

Round 1 fixtures revealed.

The Brisbane Broncos will get an early chance to exact revenge for this year’s heartbreaking grand final defeat after the NRL scheduled their rubber match against premiers Penrith in round three next season.

This masthead can reveal that the grand final rematch will take place at Bluebet Stadium under a draft schedule that is expected to be shared with the clubs on Friday.

The Broncos had this year’s grand final in their keeping, only to be run down in the final 20 minutes as Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary inspired one of the great comebacks.

Brisbane will head south with a point to prove as they look for redemption on hostile territory, the grand final rematch one of the highlights of the opening weeks of a season which will kick off with a historic double header in Las Vegas.

The Broncos will get their chance for revenge on the Panthers, when they face off in round three next season. Picture: Adam Head

While Brisbane will be among the sides starting their season at Allegiant Stadium, Penrith will begin their pursuit of a fourth premiership in succession the week after as they travel to Melbourne to renew their bitter rivalry with the Storm.

The second half of the split opening round will begin in Newcastle as the Knights host Canberra at McDonald Jones Stadium, although the NRL was believed to be considering a late change to its opening round after the Nine Network raised concerns on Thursday over that game.

The NRL listened to Nine’s concerns, but this masthead understands that they were unlikely to move the game given McDonald Jones Stadium will be out of action over that weekend because it is hosting The Freestyle Kings Live Show – a two hour freestyle motocross spectacular.

The Warriors will host the Sharks on Friday night before long-time rivals Shane Flanagan and Des Hasler resume their coaching careers against each other on the Gold Coast as St George Illawarra travel to the Glitter Strip to take on the Titans.

It has been more than five years since the premiership winners locked horns as head coaches. That game will also give Hasler an up-close and personal look at the player the Titans attempted to woo in the off-season – Dragons captain Ben Hunt.

Titans coach Des Hasler. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. Picture: Julian Andrews

Hunt has agreed to stay at St George Illawarra in 2024 but the Titans are likely to renew their interest in 2025. The opening round finishes with Dolphins’ star recruits Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth making their first premiership appearances for the club against North Queensland on Sunday afternoon.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall, who has promised to make his side physically and mentally tougher through the pre-season, will be forced to wait for his premiership bow after his club was handed the bye in round one.

The four clubs featured in Vegas will play each other through the opening three rounds of the premiership to help ensure a level playing field.

It means South Sydney are likely to play Brisbane in round two and the Sydney Roosters in round three. Manly will likely meet the Roosters in round two before they go their own separate way.

The NRL is also expected to unveil its pre-season draw on Friday morning.

Originally published as NRL 2024 draw news: Panthers-Broncos grand final rematch locked in