The NRL will launch the season on Thursday night March 3 with a colossal showdown between superstar Parramatta Eels signing Kieran Foran and the Broncos’ Anthony Milford.

The match will kick-off at 8pm at Pirtek Stadium and be shown live on Channel Nine.

Original plans to do a traditional season launch with the premiers have been scrapped at the request of the Cowboys who asked to keep their more fan friendly Saturday night timeslot.

The NRL draw is expected to be released this week, three weeks earlier than last season. The Broncos-Eels blockbuster will attract a full house at Pirtek Stadium.

Supercoach: Players set to dominate in 2016

2016 teams: How does your club shape up?

media_camera Anthony Milford of the Broncos will get his season started against the Eels

TOM SANGSTER”S predicted Broncos and Eels teams for 2016:

BRONCOS

Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jack Reed (set to miss opening month due to shoulder injury), Jordan Kahu, Dale Copley, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matthew Gillett, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Adam Blair, Jarrod Wallace, Joe Ofahengaue, Kodi Nikorima

Jordan Kahu slots into the right centre spot of Justin Hodges (retired), with Dale Copley coming onto the wing. Josh McGuire, who missed the back half of the season with a ruptured Achilles, is the only other addition to the losing grand final side.

EELS

Michael Gordon, Semi Radradra, Clinton Gutherson (assuming Will Hopoate leaves club), Brad Takairangi, Ryan Morgan, Corey Norman, Kieran Foran, Tim Mannah (c), Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo, Beau Scott, Manu Ma’u, Anthony Watmough. Interchange: Danny Wicks, David Gower, Tepai Moeroa, Isaac De Gois

The Eels will trot out a barely-recognisable backline. Star recruit Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles) will play halfback. Will Hopoate is highly unlikely to be at the club next year, with recruit Clinton Gutherson (Sea Eagles) slotting in at centre. Former Cronulla star Michael Gordon has been earmarked for the fullback role, with Reece Robinson (rugby union) having left. Ryan Morgan is gunning for the remaining wing spot with Bureta Faraimo and John Folau. Test forward Beau Scott (Knights) is a key addition to the pack.