Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh to kickstart 2027 Magic Round

November 16, 2026 — 10:00amNathan Cleary and Reece Walsh will kickstart Magic Round in 2027, with the NRL confirming on Monday the schedule for next year’s annual rugby league marathon in Brisbane.The Penrith Panthers and hometown heroes the Brisbane Broncos will meet on the Thursday night in the first of nine games at Suncorp Stadium.Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh will headline the Magic Round opener for 2027.NRLNRL newcomers the Perth Bears will play Parramatta on Saturday afternoon, while premiers the Sydney Roosters do battle with the Dolphins on Friday night.St George Illawarra will chase their first win at Magic Round when they face the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday afternoon, in what could double as a showdown for Dragons’ recruit and playmaker Luke Metcalf against his former club.The NRL will release its full draw for next season on Thursday.NRL Magic Round schedule for 2027Thursday, 13 May 2027 Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos 7.50pm Friday, 14 May 2027 Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders 6pm  Sydney Roosters v Dolphins 8pm Saturday, 15 May 2027 Perth Bears v Parramatta Eels 3pm  South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys 5.30pm  Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm 7.35pm Sunday, 16 May 2027 Gold Coast Titans v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 2pm  Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons 4.05pm  Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights 6.15pmMore to comeMore:NRL 2027Brisbane BroncosPenrith PanthersNathan ClearyReece WalshPerth BearsFrom our partners