The National Rugby League will play matches on Thursday nights during the first four rounds of next season.
The move is a part of the new broadcasting deal with Channel Nine.
The announcement came a day after Channel Nine staved off administration.
The NRL season began this year with a Thursday night fixture between Newcastle and St George Illawarra.
The decision means rugby league will be broadcast on television five days a week for the opening four rounds.
The official NRL draw, including a schedule of days and times of each match for the first 20 rounds, will be finalised by mid-November.
