If you live anywhere between the Manning River and the shores of Port Macquarie, you already know: when the footy season kicks off, the whole region stops. Group 3 Rugby League isn’t just a competition—it’s the lifeblood of towns like Taree, Wingham, Forster and Port Macquarie.
And 2026? It’s shaping up to be an absolute belter. The Old Bar Beach Pirates sailed away with the 2025 crown, but the Port Macquarie Sharks are circling again, desperate to reclaim their territory. Throw in the Wingham Tigers (who treat their home ground like a fortress) , and you’ve got a recipe for six months of glorious chaos. Grab your jersey, pack the esky, and let’s get into everything you need to know.
Group 3 Rugby League 2026 Schedule & Draw
GROUP 3 RUGBY LEAGUE
2026 SEASON DRAW
| Date | Round | Home | Away | Venue | LT | 18’s | WT | RG | FG |
|---|
We know you’ve been searching Facebook for the 2026 Group 3 draw, so we’ve made it easy for you. Here is the official draw for the first round; these are the confirmed dates that will set the tone for the season.
Key Dates to Circle:
- Season Kick‑off: Saturday 18 April (put it in the calendar before the boss does)
- Grand Final: Saturday 22 August – venue TBC, but you can bet it’ll be packed.
We’ll update this table as soon as the full fixture is released. Bookmark this page if you don’t want to miss a single round.
The Teams: Who is playing in 2026?
Eight clubs. Six identities. All of them ready to give it their all on the court.
Group 3 Ladder & Results
Who’s on top? Who’s already making excuses about the referee? This is where you’ll find the live ladder and weekly results.
📊League table (updated every Monday evening)
Instead of digging through dusty Facebook posts or waiting for the local paper, we do the work for you. Every Sunday night after the final whistle, we’ll update the ladder right here. No delays, no outdated info—just the straight goods on who’s leading the race to final round.
How to Watch: Group 3 Rugby League Live Stream
Can’t make it to the ground? No worries. The live stream options for Group 3 are better than ever.
- BarTV Sports: Most games are streamed live through BarTV Sports. It’s the go‑to for armchair coaches who still reckon they could do a better job than the bloke with the clipboard.
- Facebook Live: Several clubs now stream their games directly on their official pages. Follow Port Macquarie Sharks, Old Bar Pirates, on Facebook to catch the action from the comfort of your lounge room.
Group 3 Junior Rugby League
The future of Group 3 runs around in the junior grades every Saturday morning—and more than 480 families each week know exactly how special that is.
From the Under 18s (where the next generation of first‑graders cut their teeth) down to the Under 16s, 14s and 12s, every club in Group 3 is built on the backs of these young players. Watching a junior Sharks team take on the young Tigers is a reminder that in this region, rugby is a family affair. Dust off the folding chairs and get down to your local ground—you’ll see the future before it even arrives.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Old Bar Beach Pirates. They sailed to victory in the 2025 Grand Final, and they’ll be flying the flag as the team to beat in 2026. Can anyone sink the Pirates? That’s the story we’ll all be watching.
Right here! We’ve got the confirmed first‑round matchups above, and we’ll add the full draw as soon as it’s released. Bookmark this page and check back—you won’t need to scroll through weeks of social media posts.
Group 3 covers the Manning and Lower Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The clubs stretch from Port Macquarie in the north, down through Taree, Wingham, Old Bar, and across to the twin towns of Forster‑Tuncurry. It’s a region united by passion, divided by fierce local rivalries.
So there you have it. The 2026 Group 3 season is locked and loaded. Whether you’re a Sharks diehard, a Pirates fan still buzzing from last year’s flag, or just someone who loves a good meat tray raffle at half‑time, this is your one‑stop shop for everything Group 3.
See you at the footy—and don’t forget to check back every Sunday night for the updated ladder.
Our Proud Community Sponsors Group 3 Rugby League
Thanks to the invaluable support of these key community pillars, Group 3 Rugby League flourishes. Their symbolic commitment represents a vital investment in local sporting talent, Mid North Coast cohesion, and the passion that drives rugby league forward. Together, we boost the game!
Taree West’s essential bowling hub. A family‑friendly atmosphere with Barefoot Bowls, the best regional bistro, functions, and live entertainment.
Proudly ‘The Hub of the Community’. Supporting sport and economy in Old Bar with a superb bistro, multiple bars, entertainment, and family activities.
Beachside 4‑star accommodation. A perfect base near the club and beach, providing temporary Club Old Bar membership for all guests during their stay.
hey do u know when the u14 boys 2026 will realese?
Hi Jamon, stay tuned to our website, we’re waiting for the official release! Thanks for commenting