Group 1 Northern Rivers Rugby League action during an NRRRL match

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.

NRRRL Group 1 State of Play: Latest Fixtures, Results & Ladders

Group 1 Northern Rivers – Fixtures, Ladders & Results

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NRRRL UPDATE: REPRESENTATIVE WEEKEND BYE

There are no regular NRRRL (Group 1) fixtures scheduled for May 16-17. The league is currently on a bye to support the NSWRL Country v City representative weekend.

Many Northern Rivers players will be in action across the state representing our region. This scheduled break also allows local grounds to recover after the recent wet weather postponements.

Next Round: Full club fixtures and results will resume next week. Stay tuned for Round 5 team lists.

Upcoming Fixtures: Round 5 (May 16 – 17)

Saturday / Sunday
Kyogle vs Tweed Heads
Saturday / Sunday
Evans Head vs Murwillumbah
Saturday / Sunday
Byron Bay vs Bilambil
Saturday / Sunday
Marist Brothers vs Tweed Coast
Saturday / Sunday
Cudgen vs Lower Clarence
Saturday / Sunday
Casino vs Mullumbimby
Feature Match
Northern United vs Ballina

2026 Results History

Select the round to view scores across all grades. Note: ‘Washout’ indicates matches abandoned due to wet weather.

Round 1 (April 11 – 12)

Home vs Away First Grade Reserve 18’s WRL Ladies League Tag (LLT)
Casino vs Evans Head Washout Washout No Game No Game
Kyogle vs Lower Clarence Washout Washout No Game No Game
Byron Bay vs Marist Brothers Washout Washout TBC TBC TBC
Ballina vs Northern United Washout Washout BYE TBC
Cudgen vs Mullumbimby Washout Washout TBC TBC
Tweed Heads vs Bilambil Washout Washout TBC TBC
Tweed Coast vs Murwillumbah Washout Washout TBC TBC

Round 2 (April 18 – 19)

Home vs Away First Grade 18’s Ladies League Tag (LLT)
Mullumbimby vs Tweed Coast Washout TBC TBC
Lower Clarence vs Byron Bay Washout BYE TBC

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.


Meet the 2026 NRRRL Group 1 Footy Clubs

BAL
Ballina
BIL
Bilambil
BYR
Byron Bay
CAS
Casino
CUD
Cudgen
EVA
Evans Head
KYO
Kyogle
LOW
Lower Clarence
MAR
Marist Brothers
MUL
Mullumbimby
MUR
Murwillumbah
NOR
Northern United
TWC
Tweed Coast
TWH
Tweed Heads

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).

NRRRL Group 1 Ladder: 2026 First Grade Standings

Pos Club P W D L B F A PD Pts
1Ballina000000000
2Bilambil000000000
3Byron Bay000000000
4Casino000000000
5Cudgen000000000
6Evans Head000000000
7Kyogle000000000
8Lower Clarence000000000
9Marist Brothers000000000
10Mullumbimby000000000
11Murwillumbah000000000
12Northern United000000000
13Tweed Coast000000000
14Tweed Heads000000000

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Group 1 Rugby League?

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.

What are the levels of Rugby League in Australia?

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.

What is the difference between 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. Stay tuned for weekly updates as the road to the Grand Final begins.

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