Group 1 Rugby League 2026: Draw, Teams and Full Season Guide
🏉 NRRRL Grand Final 2026 — Result
Last updated: 14 September 2026 · Grand final report via Independent NR, corroborated by the Battlers For Bush Footy statewide scoreboard
| Grand Final | Casino RSM Cougars 26 defeated Murwillumbah Mustangs 14 · Sunday 13 September · Casino are 2026 NRRRL first-grade premiers |
| Preliminary Final | Casino 48 defeated Lismore Marist 10 |
| Qualifying Final | Murwillumbah 22 defeated Casino 20 |
| Elimination Final | Lismore Marist 36 defeated Mullumbimby 32 |
Casino have ended a 36-year premiership drought. Beaten by Murwillumbah in the qualifying final, the Cougars went the long way round — thumping Lismore Marist 48–10 in the preliminary final — then turned the tables on the Mustangs to win the decider 26–14. Captain Jacob Mayer led them home.
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.
Please Note: This page covers the highly anticipated Senior fixtures and results (currently operating under the NRRRL structure, but traditionally known by fans as Group 1). If you are looking for the children’s and youth categories, those are managed independently by the Group 1 Junior Rugby League.
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.
Group 1 Northern Rivers NRRRL 2026
Every 2026 NSW country premiership is listed on our 2026 NSW country grand final results page — the Peter McDonald Premiership, Group 2, Group 4, Group 19, Group 21, Newcastle and the Woodbridge Cup, each with the score and venue. See also our Woodbridge Cup guide and Group 3 draw and 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.
NRRRL Group 1 Ladder: 2026 First Grade Standings
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | B | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murwillumbah Mustangs | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +287 | 24 |
| 2 | Marist Brothers Rams | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +104 | 22 |
| 3 | Lower Clarence Magpies | 15 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +170 | 20 |
| 4 | Cudgen Hornets | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 0 | +106 | 19 |
| 5 | Mullumbimby Giants | 15 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 | +31 | 19 |
| 6 | Tweed Heads Seagulls | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 0 | +105 | 18 |
| 7 | Casino RSM Cougars | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | +114 | 15 |
| 8 | Ballina Seagulls | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +112 | 14 |
| 9 | Bilambil Jets | 11 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 0 | +6 | 10 |
| 10 | Evans Head Bombers | 10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 0 | -62 | 7 |
| 11 | Kyogle Turkeys | 13 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 0 | -174 | 6 |
| 12 | Northern United Dirawongs | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 0 | -250 | 4 |
| 13 | Tweed Coast Raiders | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 0 | -171 | 3 |
| 14 | Byron Bay Red Devils | 14 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 | -362 | 1 |
Meet the 2026 NRRRL Group 1 Footy Clubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Group 1 Rugby League is located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It is a premier regional competition under the NRRRL.
The professional level is the NRL. Below that are state-based competitions like the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup, followed by regional leagues such as Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3.
These are different geographical zones of the New South Wales Country Rugby League. Group 1 covers the Northern Rivers, while Group 2 and Group 3 cover the Mid North Coast and surrounding areas.
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. The 2026 decider is Murwillumbah v Casino on Sunday 13 September at the Murwillumbah Leagues Club ground; the finals results are in the card at the top of this page.
