Parramatta will kick off its 2024 campaign with three straight rivalry matches in a mouth-watering schedule for fans.
The NRL has released next year’s schedule this morning, with Parramatta’s first game of the year to be against Canterbury on Saturday, March 9 at 5.30pm at CommBank Stadium.
The Eels will then take on Penrith at BlueBet Stadium on Friday, March 15 before returning home for a Sunday afternoon showdown with Manly.
Parramatta will be desperate for a good start to the season and they’ll have the best possible opportunity with three of their first four games at home.
The Eels have drawn Melbourne in Magic Round – with the match to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, May 19 at 4.05pm.
Brad Arthur’s side will becoming the king of Friday night footy next year with 10 of their matches scheduled for either the 6pm or late timeslot.
No team will have more than three five-day turnarounds and total five-day turnarounds have been reduced from 30 in 2023 to 26 in 2024.
“We have so much to look forward to in Season 2024,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“For the first time ever, we also announce next season’s NRLW schedule alongside the NRL competition, empowering fans to plan for an entire season of witnessing their favourite teams, both male and female, in thrilling, unmissable on-field action.
“The Premiership kicks off a weekend early in Las Vegas giving fans an extra week of football and an enormous opportunity to launch the biggest season of Rugby League. The 2024 Premiership will be 32 weekends of football, packed with themed rounds, rivalries, excitement, and anticipation.
“The opening and closing rounds will have fans on the edge of their seats with big rivalry derbies and blockbuster match ups throughout.
“I’d like to thank our broadcast partners Channel Nine, Fox Sports, Sky Sports New Zealand and naming rights partner Telstra for their investment and support of the game.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.