The Knights and Raiders will play the first Thursday night game of the 2024 season despite Channel 9 reportedly asking the NRL for a last-minute draw change. It was first reported by News Corp last week that Nine had voiced concerns with the NRL about the prospect of Newcastle and Canberra playing the Thursday night game, with the free-to-air broadcast partner seeking a switch to a more TV-friendly fixture.
Nine reportedly requested the match be changed to Canterbury v Parramatta. The Round 1 Thursday night clash will be the first game of the season on home soil, with the opening two fixtures to be played in Las Vegas.