Corey Parker has had a go at the NRL fixture following the Canberra Raiders being snubbed from the Magic Round fixture.

Despite having finished as the minor premiers and having been the most successful team at the event with a 5-1 record in the six editions of the event.

But in the first year of the NRL using AI to create the fixture, it will see the Raiders stay in the nation’s capital, whilst all the other 16 teams head to the Sunshine State.  

Following the news dropping, Parker took umbrage with the NRL following their decision not to have minor premiers in the event.

“I’m having a dig at the NRL,” Parker declared on SENQ Breakfast.

“We’re getting drip-fed the rounds next year and the draw, and what all that looks like.

“Magic Round, one of the most carnival-like rounds for the NRL, a festival of stars come to Brisbane and descend on Suncorp Stadium.

“The Minor Premiers, the best team, the most consistent team throughout the course of the season last year, are not there.

“(It’s) 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.”  

In the eight matches which will be played between May 14 to 17, Cronulla and Canterbury will kick off proceedings before being followed by Dolphins taking on South Sydney on the Friday.

Broncos fans will have to wait until Sunday to see the reigning premiers in action as they take on the Warriors in a 2023 preliminary final rematch.

MAGIC ROUND:

ALL TIMES IN AEDT

Thursday: Queensland vs New South Wales (Game 2 of the Women's State of Origin)

Friday

• Sharks v Bulldogs (6pm)
• Rabbitohs v Dolphins (8pm)

Saturday

• Tigers v Sea-Eagles (3pm)
• Roosters v Cowboys (5:30pm)
• Eels v Storm (7:45pm)

Sunday

• Titans v Knights (2pm)
• Warriors v Broncos (4pm)
• Panthers v Dragons (6:45pm)

And after being played in Newcastle this year, the NRLW Magic Round will be on the road with that se to feature in Wagga Wagga between August 1-2.

The first round of the 2026 NRL season is locked in, thanks to AI.

The robots have identified the big grudge in the league as the NRL trials the artificial intelligence success for the first time.

After the four clubs travelling to Vegas have kick started things state-side, Jonah Pezet will return to his former club to get round one started with the Storm hosting the Eels.

The Panthers will be out for revenge with their first match a 2023 Grand Final replay against the Broncos.

NRL In Vegas (February 28)

Bulldogs vs Dragons; Knights vs Cowboys

Round 1 (Australia + NZ)

Thursday: Storm vs Eels @ AAMI Park

Friday: Warriors vs Roosters @ Go Media Stadium

Friday: Broncos vs Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium

Saturday: Sharks vs Titans @ Shark Stadium

Saturday: Sea Eagles vs Raiders @ 4Pines Stadium

Sunday: Dolphins vs Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium

Bye: Tigers