The season started in New Zealand with the annual Auckland Nines, and was followed by the All Stars Match, which was played at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle,[1] and the World Club Series.

It marked the last time that the Anzac Test and City vs. Country representative matches were played.

The 2017 pre-season featured the fourth edition of the Auckland Nines competition, held over a weekend at Auckland's Eden Park in which the Sydney Roosters defeated the Penrith Panthers in the final.

The All Stars match was held on February 10 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

The 2017 World Club Series took place in England with the Super League champions Wigan Warriors defeating the NRL premiers Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the World Club Challenge match.