Blockbusters to kickstart NRL season

The Broncos and Eels, as well as the Rabbitohs and Roosters will headline rugby league’s return.

Brisbane will take on Parramatta in the NRL’s first game back following the season break. Picture: AAP

Brisbane will face Parramatta for the first time since their inglorious exit from last year’s finals series on May 28 before Latrell Mitchell faces off against the Sydney Roosters 24 hours later as the NRL heralds its return with a pair of blockbusters.

North Queensland will play the Gold Coast in the early game on Friday night before Mitchell and the Roosters lock horns for the first time since the Rabbotohs star left the club in the off-season.

Latrell Mitchell will face the Roosters for the first time in round three. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The return of rugby league also includes a massive game between Canberra and Melbourne on Saturday before the weekend comes to an end with Manly playing Canterbury on Sunday afternoon.

The NRL will this afternoon unveil rounds three and four – two rounds were played before the competition was shut down due to COVID-19 – before the rest of the draw is announced next week.

The Broncos will return with consecutive Thursday night games – they will play the Sydney Roosters in round four. The highlights of round four include Melbourne playing South Sydney, Parramatta against Manly and the Bulldogs playing St George Illawarra on Monday night.

Mitchell against the Roosters will be the landmark game of round three. It is understood the game is still finalising venues as they look to centralise games.

“It is obviously exciting,” Souths star Cody Walker said.

“We were playing the Roosters anyway in round three before the comp was cancelled so it makes sense to start that up again. It is the oldest rivalry in the game’s history.

“Regardless of Latrell being a Roosters boy, if you are a Roosters player or Souths player you get up for these games. With the no crowds, it will still be an intense game.”

Asked about Mitchell playing against his former club, Walker said: “He is a big figure in our game and he is training with a smile on his face, bouncing around the training rooms, being Latrell Mitchell which is great to see. He can’t wait to get out there and play footy.”

Round 3:
Thursday 7.50pm Broncos vs Eels
Friday 6.00pm Cowboys vs Titans
Friday 7.55pm Roosters vs Rabbitohs
Saturday 3.00pm Warriors vs Dragons
Saturday 5.30pm Sharks vs Tigers
Saturday 7.35pm Storm vs Raiders
Sunday 4.05pm Panthers vs Knights
Sunday 6.30pm Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs

Round 4:
Thursday 7.50pm Broncos vs Roosters
Friday 6.00pm Panthers vs Warriors
Friday 7.55pm Storm vs Rabbitohs
Saturday 5.30pm Eels vs Sea Eagles
Saturday 7.35pm Cowboys vs Sharks
Sunday 4.05pm Raiders vs Knights
Sunday 6.30pm Titans vs Tigers
Monday 4.05pm Bulldogs vs Dragons