If you live anywhere in the Riverina—especially around Griffith, Leeton, or the small towns that bleed red, white and blue—you already know: NSW Group 20 Rugby League isn’t just a competition. It’s a way of life
And 2026? It’s set to be a cracker. The Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters are the defending premiers after a memorable 2025 campaign, but the ghosts of Griffith Waratah Tigers (with their 13 titles) are always lurking, and clubs like Leeton Greens, Yenda Blue Heelers and West Wyalong Mallee Men are desperate to knock the Roosters off their perch. Grab your jersey, fill the thermos, and let’s get you up to speed.
Group 20 Rugby League 2026: Magic Round, Draw & Live Match Centre
Whether you’re tracking the defending premiers, the Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters, or following the long-awaited return of the Narrandera Lizards, this is your ultimate hub for the 2026 season. From blockbuster local derbies to the road to the Grand Final in September, we provide the most up-to-date Group 20 draw, live results, and official ladder standings.
Overview of the Group 20 Competition
Group 20 is the heartbeat of rugby league in the Riverina. Centred on Griffith, the competition draws from towns like Leeton, Yenda, West Wyalong, and Darlington Point, with a fierce pride that runs deeper than the Murrumbidgee.
Why Group 20 Rugby League is Unique: The Four-Grade Structure
From elite athletes to rising stars, the Group 20 Rugby League fields four premier grades every weekend, creating a vital pathway for talent and a high-stakes feast for rugby fans across NSW.
| Category | Cup Name | The Essence |
|---|---|---|
| First Grade | Great Northern Premiership | The crown jewel of Group 20. This is the highest tier of rugby league in the region, where raw physical power meets elite strategy. It is the premier competition that defines local club pride. |
| Reserve Grade | Toby Blunt Cup | Often called the engine room of the club. This highly competitive grade serves as a vital bridge for rising talent and seasoned veterans, showcasing the depth and resilience of each team’s roster. |
| League Tag | League Tag | A fast-paced, non-contact discipline centered on agility and speed. It has exploded in popularity thanks to its frantic tempo and technical skill, highlighting tactical brilliance and fair play. |
| Under 18s | Harold Eckley Cup | The breeding ground for future legends. This cup focuses on nurturing elite youth talent before they transition to senior ranks. Expect high-energy play and the first look at the sport’s next leaders. |
| Juniors & Development | A comprehensive Group 20 Junior Rugby League overview is maintained for the Under 16s and Youth ranks, focusing on grassroots growth and future pathways. | |
Key Dates:
- Rivalry Rounds: Usually held in May and June—keep an eye out for those local derbies that stop traffic.
- Grand Final: Sunday 6 September (venue TBC, but you can bet it’ll be packed)
Live Stream: Most first‑grade games are streamed live via BarTV Sports, so if you can’t make the trip to the ground, you can still shout at your telly like you’re the coach.
The Teams: Who is Competing in 2026?
Group 20 boasts 10 clubs, with 9 fielding First Grade sides. Each one brings its own flavour to the competition.
Every weekend we’ll bring you the scores and an updated ladder. No more scrolling through scattered Facebook posts—we’ll have the official table ready for you by Sunday evening.
How to read the ladder: The top five teams at the end of the regular season advance to the finals. Points are awarded as usual (two for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss), and for‑and‑against can make all the difference. We’ll break it down week by week as the race tightens.
Representative Football: Group 20 Stars
Group 20 isn’t just about club pride. It’s also a breeding ground for representative honours. Each year, the best players from the competition pull on the jersey of the Bidgee Bulls to take on other regional sides in the Country Championships.
Now go sharpen the esky, charge the phone for the live stream, and get ready for another year of country rugby league at its best. See you at the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Group 20 is a semi‑professional rugby league competition based in the Riverina region of New South Wales, centred around Griffith. It features clubs from towns including Leeton, Yenda, Darlington Point, West Wyalong, and Hay. The competition runs from April to September, with six grades from Under 16s through to First Grade.
The Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters took out the 2025 premiership, cementing their place as the current kings of Group 20.
The competition covers a large swath of the Riverina, with games held in towns across the region: Griffith, Leeton, Yenda, Darlington Point, West Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo, Hay, and Yanco. It’s a true country competition where travel is part of the deal.
