The NRL ANZAC Round 2026 is one of the most meaningful weekends in the rugby league calendar, combining elite competition with a powerful national tribute to the ANZAC spirit of courage, mateship and sacrifice.
Played across Round 8 (April 23–26), this special round features blockbuster matchups across Australia and New Zealand, with every game carrying extra emotion and significance.
From traditional ANZAC Day rivalries to trans-Tasman clashes, this is one of the most respected and anticipated weekends of the NRL season.
Whether you’re watching at home or catching every match live at the Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich, here’s your official NRL ANZAC Round 2026 schedule.
What is ANZAC Round? 🕊️
ANZAC Round is a dedicated round of the NRL season that commemorates ANZAC Day (April 25) and honours Australian and New Zealand service men and women.
Across the round, fans can expect:
- 🕯️ Pre-game ANZAC ceremonies and moments of silence
- 🎖️ The Last Post performed before kickoff
- 🇦🇺🇳🇿 Commemorative jerseys and tributes
- 🏉 Rivalries played with heightened intensity and respect
It remains one of the most emotional and meaningful rounds in rugby league.
NRL ANZAC Round 2026 Fixtures (Round 8) — OFFICIAL
All times listed in AEST.
| Day | Date | Match | Venue | Time |
| Thursday | Apr 23 | Wests Tigers vs Raiders | Leichhardt Oval | 7:50 PM |
| Friday | Apr 24 | Cowboys vs Sharks | Queensland Country Bank Stadium | 6:00 PM |
| Friday | Apr 24 | Broncos vs Bulldogs | Suncorp Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | Apr 25 (ANZAC Day) | Dragons vs Roosters | Allianz Stadium | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Apr 25 | Warriors vs Dolphins | Hnry Stadium (Wellington) | 6:05 PM |
| Saturday | Apr 25 | Storm vs Rabbitohs | AAMI Park | 8:10 PM |
| Sunday | Apr 26 | Knights vs Panthers | McDonald Jones Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Apr 26 | Sea Eagles vs Eels | 4 Pines Park | 4:05 PM |
| — | — | Bye: Titans | — | — |
Key ANZAC Round Matches to Watch 🔥
Dragons vs Roosters – The ANZAC Day Tradition
The centrepiece of ANZAC Day remains the iconic clash between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Played at Allianz Stadium, this fixture features one of the most powerful pre-game ceremonies in Australian sport, including the Last Post, wreath laying and a full stadium moment of reflection.
Storm vs Rabbitohs – Saturday Night Blockbuster
A huge ANZAC Day night clash at AAMI Park sees two of the competition’s most successful clubs go head-to-head in a high-intensity showdown.
Warriors vs Dolphins – Trans-Tasman Tribute
Played in Wellington at Hnry Stadium, this matchup highlights the ANZAC connection between Australia and New Zealand, adding extra meaning to an already significant fixture.
Cowboys vs Sharks – Friday Night Footy in Townsville
The Cowboys kick off ANZAC Round action at home under lights, bringing a strong crowd atmosphere to Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Broncos vs Bulldogs – Suncorp Stadium Clash
Friday night football in Brisbane delivers another blockbuster, with the Broncos hosting the Bulldogs in one of the biggest crowd pullers of the round.
Why ANZAC Round Matters 🕊️
ANZAC Round is more than just rugby league — it is a national moment of remembrance.
It represents:
- 🇦🇺🇳🇿 The shared history of Australia and New Zealand
- 🕯️ A time of reflection and respect
- 🏉 Some of the most intense matches of the season
- ❤️ The deep connection between community and sport
It remains one of the most meaningful weekends on the sporting calendar.
Watch ANZAC Round 2026 at Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich 🍻
There’s no better place in Ipswich to experience ANZAC Round than the Prince of Wales Hotel.
✔️ NRL matches live on the big screen
✔️ Cold beers and classic pub meals
✔️ Great atmosphere for footy fans
✔️ Perfect spot for game-day catchups
Since ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, it’s all about making the most of Saturday footy — with no Queensland public holiday on the Monday, it’s the perfect excuse to settle in for a huge day of rugby league right from the first kick-off.
Plan Your ANZAC Weekend 📅
With four days of top-tier rugby league, ANZAC Round is perfect for:
- Watching multiple matches back-to-back
- Honouring one of the most important days in sport
- Enjoying elite footy with added meaning
- Spending Saturday night soaking up the atmosphere at your local
It’s one of the standout weekends of the entire NRL season.
Leave a Reply