Group 1 Rugby League is a premier regional rugby league competition based in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. Currently operating within the NRRRL (Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League) structure, it serves as the heartbeat of country footy for local communities.
If you are looking for the verified 2026 draw, team lists, and match-day venues, this is the most comprehensive guide to the season.
What is Group 1 (Northern Rivers) Rugby League?
The Group 1 (Northern Rivers) competition is steeped in history, representing a territory that stretches from the Tweed border down to the Clarence Valley. While the senior competition is managed under the NRRRL Seniors banner, the “Group 1” identity remains a powerful symbol for both junior development and regional pride.
This competition is a vital feeder system for the NSW Cup and, ultimately, the NRL, showcasing the raw talent and grit of Northern Rivers athletes.
2026 NRRRL & Group 1 Season Draw & Results
The following fixtures are transcribed directly from the official 2026 season release. Please check local club social media for late kick-off changes due to weather.
ROUND 1 | 11–12 April (Click to collapse)
| Match & Venue | Date | Grades Played & Byes | 1st Grade Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino RSM vs Evans Head Casino Sports Complex | 11 Apr |
First Res 18’s (vs Kyogle) LLT/WRL: No Game
|
[ – ] |
| Kyogle Turkeys vs Lower Clarence New Park, Kyogle | 12 Apr |
First Res 18’s: No Game WRL: No Game
|
[ – ] |
| Byron Bay vs Marist Brothers Red Devil Park | 12 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL (vs Murwillumbah) LLT
|
[ – ] |
| Ballina Seagulls vs Northern United Kingsford Smith Park | 12 Apr |
First Res WRL 18’s: BYE
|
[ – ] |
| Cudgen Hornets vs Mullumbimby Ned Byrne Fields | 12 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT
|
[ – ] |
| Tweed Heads vs Bilambil Jets Piggabeen Sports Complex | 12 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL
|
[ – ] |
| Tweed Coast vs Murwillumbah Les Burger Field | 12 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT
|
[ – ] |
ROUND 2 | 18–19 April (Click to expand)
| Match & Venue | Date | Grades Played & Byes | 1st Grade Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullumbimby vs Tweed Coast Mullumbimby Leagues Club | 18 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT
|
[ – ] |
| Northern United vs Casino Crozier Oval, Lismore | 18 Apr |
First Res WRL 18’s (Casino v Marist)
|
[ – ] |
| Ballina vs Byron Bay (WRL) Williams Reserve, Lennox Head | 18 Apr |
WRL Only First/Res: Diff Venue
|
N/A |
| Tweed Heads vs Murwillumbah Piggabeen Sports Complex | 19 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL LLT
|
[ – ] |
| Bilambil Jets vs Kyogle Turkeys Bilambil Sports Complex | 19 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL
|
[ – ] |
| Marist Brothers vs Evans Head Crozier Oval, Lismore | 19 Apr |
First Res LLT 18’s: NO GAME
|
[ – ] |
| Lower Clarence vs Byron Bay Yamba Sport Complex | 19 Apr |
First Res LLT 18’s: Byron Bay Bye
|
[ – ] |
| Ballina Seagulls vs Cudgen Hornets Kingsford Smith Park | 19 Apr |
First Res 18’s
|
[ – ] |
ROUND 3 | 24–26 April (Click to expand)
| Match & Venue | Date | Grades Played & Byes | 1st Grade Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Clarence vs Evans Head Yamba Sports Complex | 24 Apr |
First Res LLT 18’s: NO GAME
|
[ – ] |
| Kyogle Turkeys vs Marist Brothers New Park, Kyogle | 24 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT/WRL: NO GAME
|
[ – ] |
| Northern United vs Cudgen Hornets Crozier Oval, Lismore | 24 Apr |
First Res 18’s: Cudgen Bye WRL: Played Later
|
[ – ] |
| Casino RSM vs Tweed Heads Casino Junior Fields | 26 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL
|
[ – ] |
| Tweed Coast vs Ballina Seagulls Les Burger Field | 26 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT/WRL: NO GAME
|
[ – ] |
| Byron Bay vs Mullumbimby Red Devil Park | 26 Apr |
First Res 18’s LLT
|
[ – ] |
| Murwillumbah vs Bilambil Jets Murwillumbah Leagues Club | 26 Apr |
First Res 18’s WRL
|
[ – ] |
Next on the Draw: Group 1 Rugby League Round 4
Venues & Grounds Guide
In Northern Rivers footy, the ground is the “14th player.” Understanding the local venues is key for fans and players alike:
Crozier Oval (Lismore)
A historic stadium that often provides a “heavy track” after rain. It’s a ground that rewards a strong set-piece and tactical kicking.
Red Devil Park (Byron Bay)
Often a fast, dry surface that suits expansive, attacking footy.
New Park (Kyogle)
Known for its intense local atmosphere; the “Turkeys” are notoriously difficult to beat in the Kyogle hinterland.
Piggabeen Sports Complex
A coastal fortress where the wind coming off the water can drastically change the game in the second half.
Grades and Categories
Every match day is a full-day event. Beyond First Grade, the competition includes:
- Reserve Grade: Essential for squad depth and player transition.
- Under 18’s: The primary pathway for the region’s elite youth.
- Ladies League Tag (LLT): A fast-growing, tactical non-contact format.
- Women’s Rugby League (WRL): The premier full-contact female competition in the region.
Group 1 Rugby League Ladder & Standings
The 2026 ladder is updated weekly. To maintain transparency and accuracy, standings are calculated based on competition points, win percentages, and points differentials.
Editor’s Note: For real-time score updates and detailed player stats, we recommend following theNSWRL regional news portalor checking our internal [2026 Live Scores Hub] (Link to your own results page).
Frequently Asked Questions
The competition spans across the Northern Rivers region of NSW, including the major hubs of Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino, and the Tweed Coast.
While Group 1 is the historical regional designation, the NRRRL (Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League) is the current governing body managing the senior competitions for the area.
Major regional outlets like ABC North Coast Sport provide coverage of significant milestones and community impact stories within the league.
Final Take
The Group 1 (Northern Rivers) 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With a structured draw and a high standard across all grades, it remains a pillar of Australian country rugby league. Stay tuned for weekly updates as the road to the Grand Final begins.
