2026 QRL Major Competitions

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The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) will run seven major competitions in 2026, covering men’s and women’s senior levels plus five age-based leagues. These competitions feed into the National Rugby League (NRL) system. The Queensland Cup, known as the Hostplus Cup for sponsorship, is the premier men’s competition in Queensland and sits at a second-tier level nationally.

Queensland Cup (Hostplus Cup)
- Duration: 7 March – 26/27 September 2026
- Teams: 15
- Broadcast: Free-to-air Channel 9 (1 match per week); Fox League (1 match per week); Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches); 9Now (1 match per week); Kayo Sports (1 match per week)

Queensland Women’s Premiership (BMD Premiership)
- Duration: 6 June – 26/27 September 2026
- Teams: 12
- Broadcast: Free-to-air Channel 9 (1 match per week); Fox League (1 match per week); Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches); 9Now (1 match per week); Kayo (1 match per week)

NRLQ Series (Under-20s)
- Duration: To be announced for 2026
- Teams: To be announced
- Broadcast: Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches)

Mal Meninga Cup (Under-19s)
- Duration: 14 February – 9/10 May 2026
- Teams: 14
- Broadcast: Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches)

QRL Under-19s Women’s Premiership
- Duration: 14 February – 11/12 April 2026
- Teams: 14
- Broadcast: Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches)

Cyril Connell Cup (Under-17s)
- Duration: 7 February – 11/12 April 2026
- Teams: 15
- Broadcast: Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches)

QRL Under-17s Women’s Premiership
- Duration: 7 February – 11/12 April 2026
- Teams: 15
- Broadcast: Streaming via QPlus TV (All Matches)

Key changes for 2026
- Melbourne Storm ends Queensland-based partnerships to field their own NSW Cup team; affects Queensland affiliations and pathways.
- Brisbane Tigers form a new pathway with Perth Bears.
- Sunshine Coast Falcons join the Brisbane Broncos pathway.
- Townsville Blackhawks switch affiliation from South Sydney Rabbitohs to North Queensland Cowboys.
- Tweed Heads Seagulls’ home venue is renamed Seagulls Sporting Complex.
- Central Queensland Capras return to Browne Park after renovations in 2025.
- Several coaching changes across clubs (examples): Brisbane Tigers appoint Jim Lenihan as head coach; Northern Pride appoint Sam Williams; Tweed Heads Seagulls appoint Joe O’Callaghan; Redcliffe Dolphins appoint Dave Elliott; Western Clydesdales appoint Shane and Ben Walker as joint head coaches.

These competitions continue to serve as the talent pipeline feeding into the NRL and its state-based pathways, with a mix of live broadcast and streaming options to reach fans across Queensland and beyond.