'Absolute disgrace': Corey Parker left fuming after Raiders cop Magic Round snub in 2026 draw

Corey Parker has lashed the NRL after minor premiers Canberra were revealed as the team who would miss out on Magic Round next season.

With an odd number of teams again next year before the Perth Bears join the fray in 2027, there was always going to be a team not making the trip to Suncorp Stadium.

This time it will be the Raiders, who finished last season as JJ Giltinan Shield winners.

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The decision hasn't gone down well with Broncos great Parker, who took to SEN Radio on Thursday morning to label the Green Machine's absence as "ridiculous".

"I'm having a dig at the NRL," he said.

"Magic Round, one of the most carnival-like rounds for the NRL, a festival of stars come to Brisbane and descend on Suncorp Stadium and the minor premiers, the best team, the most consistent team throughout the course of the season last year, are not there.

"[It is] an absolute disgrace ... to not see the Raiders, who were the best team last year, and they're not a boring team to watch. They've got young superstars, like [Kaeo] Weekes, Ethan Strange, (Joe) Tapine and these players, why wouldn't they be on show?

"Look at the game they played this year, I think they played Melbourne on the last game in the Sunday night (game), it was an absolute epic.

"Why aren't we seeing the minor premiers this year, on the big stage here at Suncorp next year. I think it's ridiculous."

Two rivalry games have also been confirmed for next season, with a grand final rematch between the Broncos and Storm slated for round three.

The other key match-up confirmed will see the Tigers host the Bulldogs in round 13.

The league have also confirmed the women's Magic Round, which will be held in Wagga Wagga this season after a rain-affected edition at Newcastle this year.

Here's all the latest additions to the NRL's 2026 draw.

NRL Magic Round schedule 2026

Friday, May 15

• Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs
• South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins

Saturday, May 16

• Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles
• Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys
• Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm

Sunday, May 17

• Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights
• New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos
• Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons

NRL rivalry games 2026

• Friday, March 20: Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos (Round 3)
• Saturday, May 30: Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Round 13)

NRLW Magic Round schedule 2026

Saturday, August 1

• Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers
• St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters
• Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sunday, August 2

• Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
• New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans
• Parramatta Eels vs Newcastle Knights