Regional rugby league in the New England and North West regions of New South Wales (NSW) is about to kick off. Group 4 Rugby League is more than just a competition; it’s the sporting heart of the region. Following a historic 2025 season, the 2026 season promises high-stakes action, epic comebacks, and the quest to build a dynasty.
2026 Season Status: Key Dates
| Round | Date | Kick-off (Tentative) | Home Team | vs | Away Team | Key Projection Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Sat, April 25 | 3:00 PM | Moree Boars | vs | Gunnedah Bulldogs | Grand Final Rematch: Defending champions host 2025 runners-up. |
| Round 1 | Sat, April 25 | 3:00 PM | Narrabri Blues | vs | North Tamworth Bears | The Return: First official First Grade match for the Blues. |
| Round 1 | Sun, April 26 | 2:30 PM | Werris Creek Magpies | vs | Dungowan Cowboys | Local Derby: High-intensity clash at David Taylor Oval. |
| Round 1 | Sun, April 26 | 2:30 PM | Boggabri Roos | vs | Kootingal Roosters | Offensive Showcase: Battle between fast backlines. |
| Round 2 | Sat, May 2 | 3:00 PM | Gunnedah Bulldogs | vs | Narrabri Blues | Home Opener: Bulldogs look to establish dominance at home. |
| Round 2 | Sat, May 2 | 3:00 PM | North Tamworth Bears | vs | Moree Boars | Heavyweight Clash: Critical early-season test for contenders. |
| Round 2 | Sun, May 3 | 2:30 PM | Dungowan Cowboys | vs | Boggabri Roos | Tactical Duel: Focus on forward pack endurance. |
| Round 2 | Sun, May 3 | 2:30 PM | Kootingal Roosters | vs | Werris Creek Magpies | Defensive Test: Magpies defense vs Roosters playmaking. |
The 2026 Lineup: Teams & Players to Watch
To dominate Group 4, you need to know its eight key players. The 2025 pecking order is a good starting point, but in regional rugby, surprises come out of nowhere.
| Rank | Club | Key Player & 2025 Highlight Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1° | Defending Champion 🐗 Moree Boars |
Jake Tighe Grand Final MVP
Sealed the 2025 title with a hat-trick in the final. Alongside Brent McDonald, they remain the team to beat in 2026.
|
| 2° | 🐕 Gunnedah Bulldogs 2025 Runners-up |
Dylan Lake 18 Tries
The league’s top weapon in ’25. Gunnedah relies on Lake’s finishing speed to break their grand final drought.
|
| 3° | ⚫ Werris Creek Magpies |
Nash Porter & Cody Parry
“Natural footballers” who led the Magpies to a thrilling preliminary final. Hungry for redemption in 2026.
|
| 4° | 🦘 Boggabri Roos |
Ilaisa Kalokalodrau
A massive physical presence. Led the Roos to their best season in decades during the 2025 campaign.
|
| 5° | 🐻 North Tamworth Bears |
Senirusi Rauqe
The veteran leader of the Bears. Aiming to guide a rebuilding squad back into the top four this season.
|
| 6° | 🤠 Dungowan Cowboys |
Trent Taylor
The heartbeat of the Cowboys. His experience is vital for Dungowan’s stability in high-pressure matches.
|
| 7° | 🐓 Kootingal Roosters |
Gabriel Tuilovoni
The most explosive player in the Roosters’ lineup. A genuine “dark horse” for the 2026 season.
|
| RETURN | 🎵 Narrabri Blues The Great Comeback |
Hayden Bell Head Coach
After a hiatus in 2025, the Blues return in 2026. The biggest story of the year for the Group 4 community.
|
How to Watch: Live Results & Streaming
If you’re searching for “Group 4 rugby league results today live,” the best option is still the stands, but for everyone else:
BarTV Sports: Official live stream for home games.
Live Results: We’ll keep this page updated with the standings every Monday morning.
