Overview

• ARLC chairman Peter V’landys confirmed at the grand final breakfast that an AI-driven program will compile the 2026 schedule.
• The system is designed to balance broadcaster and club selections alongside Magic Round, the Las Vegas fixtures and State of Origin requirements.
• Night grand finals remain locked at a 7:30pm kickoff for the next two years under the existing broadcast contract.
• A return to a Sunday afternoon decider will be put to broadcasters in the next rights cycle, with 7NEWS reporting the earliest change could be 2028.
• The NRL is monitoring the proposed Rugby 360 competition, which V’landys said lacks a credible business model, as clubs urge enforcement on player contract security.