The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have confirmed the draw for the Premier Rugby season ahead of 2022.
The 18-round competition will kick off on April 23, with the finals set to begin in September before culminating with Grand Final weekend on September 17-18.
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Reigning champs UQ will open their campaign against Wests, with Norths facing Souths at Hugh Courtney Oval.
GPS will have to wait until Round Nine for the Grand Final rematch following their 29-14 defeat in September.
“We’ve worked closely with our clubs and broadcast partners to finalise the 2022 draw and we’re pleased to have this locked in," Queensland Rugby GM of Community Rugby Gaven Head said in a statement.
“We’ve been able to start the competition in April, which will see the competition run through to September, allowing for the clubs to have plenty of time to prepare in the new year before trial games kick-off in March."
The QRU also confirmed two themed rounds across the competition, with Indigenous Round slated for Round Six whilst Queensland Rugby's In Touch Mental Health Program will be celebrated Round Ten.
All games will be shown on Stan, with select games towards the end of the season shown on 9Gem.
“We look forward to hosting themed rounds across the competition in 2022, something that we’ve introduced slowly over the past two seasons. Round 6 will give the clubs and the competition the chance to celebrate and acknowledge the Indigenous people of Australia. Round 10 will provide the competition with the opportunity to promote QRU’s In Touch Mental Health program, headlined by the Rick Tyrrell Cup match between Sunnybank and Easts," Head added.
“2021 was a landmark year for the competition, with all four games each week brought to fans live via Stan Sport, as well as selected regular season matches, and the finals series broadcast live on free-to-air television via 9Gem.
“We look forward to continuing to grow and develop our relationship and broadcast offerings with both Stan and Nine Entertainment Corporation (NEC) in 2022, whilst aiming to deliver outcomes for nine Premier Rugby clubs”
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