NRL boss Todd Greenberg announced the 2017 schedule on Thursday morning.

It includes a reduction in five day turnarounds, the introduction of a 6pm Friday game and matches in every mainland state.

The season will kick off with the Auckland Nines (February 4 and 5) and the popular All Stars game which will be held in Newcastle for the first time on February 10.

The World Club Series will feature the Sharks against the Wigan Warriors in the main game with the Broncos taking on the Warrington Wolves.

The NRL Premiership will be launched with a series of blockbuster games in Round One including the Cowboys v Raiders, Sea Eagles v Eels and the Rabbitohs v Tigers which will see Robbie Farah take on his former club.

The Bulldogs will take on the Storm in the first 6pm Friday match at Belmore Stadium.

Greenberg said the new time slot would give fans a full night of NRL on Fridays.

"Fans will be able to see two games live on Fridays and, while the early game may present some challenges in terms of attendances, we think it will be a big hit," he said.

"Certainly this is a much more family friendly time than the late-night Friday game that we had a couple of years ago."

The 2017 season will also feature:

A representative round from May 5-7 which will include a men's and women's Test and the final Country v City match at Mudgee

State of Origin matches on May 31 and 12 July (in Brisbane) and June 21 (Sydney)

A reduction in the number of five-day turnarounds - from 31 to 19

Matches being held in every mainland state with the Roosters taking a match to Adelaide for the first time when they play the Storm in Round 16

The Premiership Finals Series will begin on September 8 and culminate in the Grand Final on October 1.

"But the season won't end there," Greenberg added.

"The Rugby League World Cup will be held from October 26 to December 2, featuring the best talent from around the world."

"So it promises to be quite a season … and it all begins in just over two months' time!"

You can find the full 2017 NRL draw HERE