NRL champions Brisbane are planning to start their premiership defence against the North Queensland Cowboys in an opening-round blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium in March next season.
With all 16 clubs preparing to submit their draw requests for season 2007, the Broncos and Cowboys have informed the NRL of their desire to stick with the round one clash, which has become traditional since 2005.
It is a move which is likely to pour cold water on a plan by new kids on the block Gold Coast who had been hoping to play neighbouring rivals Brisbane in the inaugural NRL match in March next season.
However, North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr has been given assurances from Broncos boss Bruno Cullen the premiers wished to continue their traditional round-one clash against the Cowboys.
"Bruno and I have indicated to the NRL we want to continue with what's developing into a really good tradition," Parr said.
"We've indicated that to both the NRL and the Gold Coast.
"We'd be very disappointed if the NRL didn't adhere to what we'd like to continue."
The Cowboys and Broncos have contested opening-round blockbusters since 2005, with both matches attracting crowds of over 43,000.
The Broncos proved too classy with a 29-16 victory in 2005 before the Cowboys ran riot in a 36-4 romp last season.
The other two main draw requests to be submitted by the Cowboys are to receive their one bye for the year directly before State of Origin III and to be granted an away game on the Townsville Cup weekend in order to avoid a clash.
Although the inclusion of the Gold Coast next season means byes will not be necessary in determining the draw, the NRL will give each club a bye throughout the year on four designated bye weekends which coincide with representative fixtures.
The NRL has already released its pools for next year which determine how many times teams play each other during the 24-game season.
The Cowboys will play the Broncos, Bulldogs, St George Illawarra, Canberra, New Zealand, Wests Tigers, Roosters, Souths and Penrith home and away but will play the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Manly, Parramatta and Cronulla just once.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still to discuss Graham Murray's future as New South Wales coach, with Murray and chairman Laurence Lancini both currently out of Townsville.
"That's something we want to address in the near future but at the moment Muzz and Laurence are away," Parr said.
The ARL is waiting on confirmation about Murray's availability, which is up in the air as a result of the Cowboys' form slump before and after the State of Origin period.
The combined involvement of Murray, assistant Neil Henry and trainer Billy Johnstone for Queensland, and seven players coincided with the Cowboys' fall from grace this season.
