Another NRL season is in the books, with Brisbane claiming the premiership after an absorbing contest against the Melbourne Storm.
However, the game moves quickly and attention will soon shift towards the new campaign that is now looming large on the horizon already.
Can the Broncos defend their title, or will the likes of Penrith and Cronulla manage to dethrone them?
MORE: Reece Walsh produces stunning display to help end Brisbane premoership drought
When does the 2026 NRL season start?
The NRL will usher in a new campaign in Las Vegas once again with a rugby league extravaganza at Allegiant Stadium.
The league started the tradition back in 2024 when Manly faced South Sydney in the historic first fixture in America, before the Sydney Roosters faced Brisbane in the second game of the program.
Canberra kicked off the season in 2025 when they eased to a comprehensive win over the New Zealand Warriors, while the Panthers battled to a win over the Sharks.
The third edition of the standalone weekend will serve as the curtain raiser in 2026 when the NRL takes centre stage on Sunday, March 1 for Australian viewers.
Canterbury and St George Illawarra will meet in Sin City, while Newcastle and North Queensland will also square off.
For the second consecutive year, the Super League will also play its part on the Glitter Strip, with Hull KR and Leeds locking horns.
However, the offering has been trimmed following last season's event as there will be no women's international rugby league match included on the slate.
When does the NRL season begin in Australia in 2026?
After the opening two games in the US are hosted on Saturday, February 28 (local time), attention will then turn to Australian shores where the rest of the competition will get underway later in the week to complete the first round.
However, except for the two games in America, the draw has yet to be released by the NRL.
It is highly likely a match will be played on Thursday, March 5 to kick off the 2026 campaign Down Under.