NRL scheduling will force Brisbane Broncos fans to wait an extra week to see their team in action, with Brisbane Roar taking residence at Suncorp Stadium when the 2012 NRL season starts.

There should be 50,000 league fans packing the stadium on Friday night, March 2, to celebrate the new rugby league season.

But the NRL's late decision to push their season forward a week means there will instead be 10,000 Roar diehards watching their side taking on Melbourne Heart.

WANT MORE SPORT? GET YOUR COURIER-MAIL PRINT EDITION

It is the first time the Broncos have not played their round 1 clash at home, usually against the North Queensland Cowboys, since Suncorp Stadium was redeveloped.

They will now play the Cowboys at home in round 2 on a Friday night.

Their round 1 match will be against a Sydney club in Sydney.

Broncos commercial operations manager Terry Reader said the club was actually happy with the unique draw.

"It will give us another week to sell tickets and the match will still be a blockbuster as it's our first home game," Reader said.

"The round 2 match will be special. Considering our form last year and the Cowboys making the finals we expect a big crowd, 45,000-plus."

The odd scheduling was a result of the NRL introducing a bye week to coincide with the trans-Tasman Test next year.

That meant the season kick-off was moved forward a week to Thursday night, March 1.

The NRL made that decision late in the season and by then the Roar had already booked Friday night, March 2, for their clash against the Heart.

Frustrated stadium management said they did all they could to ensure Broncos fans an opening night blockbuster.

"We held the normal round 1 date for the Broncos, but without consulting us the NRL moved the entire season forward a week," a stadium spokesman said.

"We may have been able to do something but we weren't contacted.

"We always hold that weekend for the Broncos. It's not the venue's fault.

"Thankfully the Broncos are OK with it and the round 2 game against the Cowboys should be a beauty."

NRL director of football operations Nathan McGuirk said it was unfortunate the Broncos could not open the season.

"There was not a lot we could do about it. The introduction of the bye week for the Anzac Test happened late and by then Suncorp Stadium was booked for that Friday night," he said.

"By moving the season and starting a week earlier, it effectively provides a third bye to all clubs."

Reader said missing out on round 1 hype did not bother the club.

"The fans will see us put in a good performance in the first round and that will get them excited about seeing us play at home," he said.

The NRL draw will be released on Sunday.

Reader said the Broncos' major request for 2012 was to have their home games spaced out.

"We had several back-to-back games last year and it's unfair to expect fans to back up each week," he said.

Originally published as Blunder leaves Broncos homeless