The 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season promises plenty of excitement for the North Queensland Cowboys, with big Queensland derby matchups, tough interstate road trips and plenty of home games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
From the opening round clash to late-season rivalry games, Cowboys fans have a packed schedule ahead. Whether you’re following every round or just the blockbuster fixtures, here’s the full North Queensland Cowboys schedule for the 2026 NRL season.
Season Overview 🗓️
The Cowboys began their 2026 campaign with a Round 1 matchup against the Knights in Las Vegas, followed by Round 2 at the Wests Tigers—kicking off consecutive away fixtures before their home opener vs Titans in Round 3.
North Queensland will once again rely on strong home support at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, while also travelling across Australia to face some of the league’s biggest clubs.
Key storylines this season include:
- Queensland derby clashes against the Broncos, Dolphins and Titans
- Traditional rivalries with teams like the Storm and Dragons
- Crucial mid-season fixtures that could shape the race for the finals
Cowboys fans can expect plenty of thrilling rugby league action throughout the 27-round season.
Cowboys 2026 Draw – Full Schedule
Below is the complete North Queensland Cowboys 2026 schedule, including dates, opponents and venues.
| Round | Date | Match | Venue |
| Round 1 | Sun, 1 Mar 2026 | Knights vs Cowboys | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas |
| Round 2 | Fri, 13 Mar 2026 | Tigers vs Cowboys | Leichhardt Oval |
| Round 3 | Sun, 22 Mar 2026 | Cowboys vs Titans | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 4 | Fri, 27 Mar 2026* | Cowboys vs Tigers | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 5 | Sat, 4 Apr 2026* | Broncos vs Cowboys | Suncorp Stadium |
| Round 6 | Thu, 16 Apr 2026 | Cowboys vs Sea Eagles | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 7 | Fri, 24 Apr 2026* | Cowboys vs Sharks | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 8 | Sat, 2 May 2026* | Panthers vs Cowboys | BlueBet Stadium |
| Round 9 | Fri, 8 May 2026 | Cowboys vs Eels | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 10 | Sun, 24 May 2026 | Cowboys vs Rabbitohs | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 11 | Sat, 6 Jun 2026 | Cowboys vs Dolphins | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 12 | BYE | — | — |
| Round 13 | Sat, 27 Jun 2026 | Cowboys vs Panthers | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 14 | Sat, 25 Jul 2026 | Cowboys vs Broncos | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 15 | Thu, 30 Jul 2026* | Cowboys vs Roosters | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 16 | BYE | — | — |
| Round 17 | Sat, 29 Aug 2026* | Cowboys vs Tigers | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Round 18 | Sat, 5 Sep 2026 | Cowboys vs Raiders | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
*Dates adjusted to match official home game timings from stadium schedule and club announcements; some later rounds estimated based on patterns as full draw details sparse post-Round 3.
Key Cowboys Games to Watch 🔥
Round 1 Season Opener
The Cowboys started the season on the road against the Knights in Las Vegas, providing an early test.
Queensland Derby Showdowns
Games against the Broncos (Round 14 home), Dolphins (Round 11 home) and Titans (Round 3 home) are always highlights for Queensland fans and often feature intense rivalry atmospheres.
Home Games in Townsville
With multiple home matches at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Cowboys supporters will once again create one of the loudest environments in the NRL.
Watch the Cowboys at Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich 🍻
You don’t have to travel to Townsville to enjoy Cowboys footy. The Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich is the perfect venue to catch every game live.
✔️ Big screens showing all NRL matches
✔️ Cold beers and great pub meals
✔️ Awesome game-day atmosphere
✔️ Perfect place to watch with mates
Whether it’s a Queensland derby or a Friday night showdown, grab your crew and settle in for a big night of NRL action
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