NRL fans can see it, the date is edging closer, rugby league will finally return from its COVID-19 suspension on 28 May. The NRL released the long-awaited revised draw on 21 May, featuring 20 rounds in total and venue hubs through to the end of round 9 at this stage.

That takes the season through to mid-July, with the hope that normal stadium use may be possible from round 10 onwards.

As previously announced, Bankwest Stadium will host the Roosters, Eels, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Sharks. Campbelltown Stadium (Dragons, Tigers, Panthers, Raiders) and Central Coast Stadium (Knights, Warriors, Sea Eagles) are the other NSW venues. The Broncos, Cowboys and Storm will all use their home grounds, with the Titans also joining Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos and Eels kick things off at Suncorp Stadium at 7:50pm AEST on Thursday, 28 May. Roosters vs Rabbitohs and Sharks vs Tigers, both at Bankwest Stadium on 29 and 30 May respectively, are among the highlights of the season restart.

The format of one Thursday night game, two on Friday, three on Saturday and another two on Sunday will be used throughout the season, plus a one-off Monday afternoon game between the Bulldogs and Dragons in round 4 kicking off at 4:05pm AEST.

Dates had been locked in for State of Origin 2020, which will be played over 14 days from 4 November. Those venues haven't yet been confirmed, so it's still up in the air if Adelaide will get an Origin match.

NRL 2020 changes

When the NRL does return on 28 May, there will be a few changes. Most notable are current plans for an official to be missing from the middle, as the NRL is aiming to revert back to one referee. That has yet to be agreed upon by the Referees' Association.

Already keen to make sure you can watch the return of the 2020 NRL season? Take a look at all of your watch NRL options in this article. Prefer to watch online? Then be sure to read up on the five best ways to stream rugby league.

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NRL 2020 Draw

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