The NRL confirmed the dates for the Panthers, Dragons and Raiders games in Bathurst, Mudgee and Wagga Wagga respectively, with all to fall in the first 10 rounds of the competition.

Three games were also played in NSW regional centres last year, up by two on previous years following the City-Country fixture being scrapped.

A fourth game is still likely to be announced, with at least the Wests Tigers still likely to take one of their remaining home games to the bush, after playing Newcastle in Tamworth last year.

"Our commitment to playing matches in regional locations will continue in the 2019 schedule," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

"We saw some amazing scenes in some of our regional matches in 2018 and I see no reason why we won't see many more highlights in 2019."

It comes after the NSW government offered $75,000 to regional councils to help subsidise hosting NRL matches, with discussions continuing with other country venues to host more games for future seasons.

"We're in discussions with the NRL and also a number of other councils across regional NSW about other opportunities to take more games out in successive seasons," NSW tourism minister Adam Marshall said.

Penrith will play in Bathurst on March 30, the Raiders in Wagga Wagga on May 4 and the Dragons in Mudgee on May 19 with opponents to be announced when the NRL draw is released next week.

Meanwhile the Saints also confirmed next year's pre-season Charity Shield clash with South Sydney would be played in Mudgee, on Saturday March 2.

Australian Associated Press