If you’ve made it here, you already know: Group 18 Junior Rugby League isn’t just “weekend footy”. It is arguably one of the most vital nurseries for talent in Rugby League Northern Rivers. This is where the stars of tomorrow find their feet, and where the community of the Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers comes together every Saturday morning.
Whether you are a parent looking for a club, a coach preparing for the upcoming matches, or a die-hard local fan, this guide provides everything you need to navigate the world of Group 18 (Northern Rivers).
What is Group 18 Junior Rugby League?
As a dedicated regional body, Group 18 governs junior competitions across the Tweed Coast and surrounding hinterlands. It provides a structured, safe, and competitive environment for boys and girls to develop their skills.
In the broader context of Rugby League Northern Rivers, Group 18 serves as a crucial bridge between grassroots participation and elite pathways. It’s not just about the scoreline; it’s about fostering discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the greatest game of all.
Safety First: The SafePlay Code
In Group 18 (Northern Rivers), player welfare is the top priority. All matches are played under the strict National SafePlay Code, which ensures that contact is introduced gradually and safely. This code is designed to match the physical and emotional development of children, ensuring that “junior league” remains a fun and low-risk environment for all ages.
Participating Clubs and Teams
To maintain the highest professional standards, we recognise all clubs by their full, official names. These clubs represent the heartbeat of our local community:
| Club Name | Home Ground | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ballina Seagulls Junior Rugby League | Kingsford Smith Park | Ballina, NSW |
| Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League | Bilambil Sports Complex | Bilambil, NSW |
| Byron Bay Red Devils Junior Rugby League | Red Devil Park | Byron Bay, NSW |
| Cudgen Hornets Junior Rugby League | Ned Byrne Field | Kingscliff, NSW |
| Mullumbimby Giants Junior Rugby League | Les Donnelly Field | Mullumbimby, NSW |
| Murwillumbah Colts Junior Rugby League | Stan Sercombe Oval | Murwillumbah, NSW |
| South Tweed Bears Junior Rugby League | Dave Burns Field | South Tweed, NSW |
| Tweed Coast Raiders Junior Rugby League | Les Burger Fields | Cabarita Beach, NSW |
| Tweed Heads Seagulls Junior Rugby League | Piggabeen Sports Complex | Tweed Heads, NSW |
2026 Season: Simulated Ladder and Fixtures
Based on the high-performance levels of previous seasons, we have projected the current standings and upcoming highlights for the 2026 competition. Keep this page bookmarked for your weekly footy schedule and performance updates.
2026 Projected Ladder (Under 15s Boys)
| Pos | Team Name | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tweed Heads Seagulls Junior Rugby League | 12 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 345 | 110 | 22 |
| 2 | Cudgen Hornets Junior Rugby League (Green) | 12 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 250 | 140 | 18 |
| 3 | Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 210 | 185 | 17 |
| 4 | Murwillumbah Colts Junior Rugby League | 12 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 195 | 205 | 12 |
| 5 | Byron Bay Red Devils Junior Rugby League | 12 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 170 | 230 | 8 |
| 6 | Mullumbimby Giants Junior Rugby League | 12 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 140 | 280 | 5 |
Upcoming Fixtures: Round Highlights
Always confirm final kick-off times with your specific club coordinators as venues in the Northern Rivers are subject to weather conditions.
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Byron Bay Red Devils Junior Rugby LeagueVSTweed Heads Seagulls Junior Rugby League
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Cudgen Hornets Junior Rugby LeagueVSMurwillumbah Colts Junior Rugby League
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South Tweed Bears Junior Rugby LeagueVSBilambil Jets Junior Rugby League
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Ballina Seagulls Junior Rugby LeagueVSTweed Coast Raiders Junior Rugby League
Registration: How to Join
Getting involved in the Group 18 Junior Rugby League is a simple digital process. Ensure you follow these steps to secure your spot for the season:
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1
Identify Your Club
Choose your local team from our comprehensive list above.
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2
Online Profile
Log in to your national league player profile to update your details.
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3
Active Kids Voucher
Residents of NSW should apply their Active Kids vouchers during the checkout process to reduce registration fees.
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4
Gear Requirements
Players are required to have their own football boots and a professionally fitted mouthguard. Club-specific shorts and socks are usually available for purchase directly from the club canteen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Competitions generally cater to players from Under 6 through to Under 18, following the progression from Mini Footy to International Rules.
It is the regional district responsible for managing junior development and competitions within the Tweed and Northern Rivers areas.
Finals venues and dates are determined towards the end of the regular season. We will update our fixtures section as soon as the matches are confirmed.
The Verdict: Why Group 18?
At the end of the day, Rugby League Northern Rivers is about more than just winning trophies. It’s about the smell of the grass at Stan Sercombe Oval, the roar of the crowd at Piggabeen, and the lifelong friendships made in the sheds.
The Group 18 Junior Rugby League season is set to be a cracker. Keep this page bookmarked for all your local updates.
