The wait is finally over, with the 2026 Harrigan Cup season kicking off in style this Anzac weekend. A blockbuster Round 1 schedule sees last year’s Grand Finalists Wests and Collegians go head-to-head on Friday evening, while fairytale finalists Dapto and Corrimal renew their rivalry on Anzac Day.
Adding even more intrigue, competition newcomers the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates make their long-awaited debut against a refreshed Thirroul outfit on Sunday afternoon in the Shire.
With fresh storylines, renewed rivalries, and a new team entering the fold, Round 1 shapes as an unmissable start to the 2026 Illawarra Rugby League season.
Team Lists for Round 1 of the 2026 Harrigan Cup, brought to you by Elastoplast
Collegians v Wests
All eyes will be on this Grand Final rematch as Collegians look to go one better in 2026. Led by evergreen forward Blake Phillips, the side will be aiming to overcome the loss of attacking spark Callum Gromek at the back with Nic Hall shifting to fullback. Several new recruits including winger Max Flack and prop Khalil Rahme are named in the starting line-up.
Fresh from their second consecutive Interclub Challenge win over Group 7 premiers Kiama, the Devils enter the season with a settled and familiar lineup as they chase an incredible third straight premiership.
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Dapto v Corrimal
Two of last season’s best comeback stories square off in what promises to be one of the matches of the round. Both sides returned to Finals football in 2025 after lengthy absences and will be eager to build on that momentum.
Dapto, under the leadership of captain-coach Tom Freebairn and halfback recruit Braxton Wallace steering them around the park, will be looking to continue their upward trajectory, while the Cougars will be equally determined to prove their resurgence is no one-season wonder. The Cougars line up includes big off-season signing Ben Murdoch-Masila and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
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Sutherland-Loftus v Thirroul
A new chapter begins as the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates make their competition debut on home soil. While little is known about the new side, expect coach Paul Nakhle to have his squad fit and ready to compete from the outset.
They face a Thirroul team hungry to return to Finals contention under captain Tarje Whitford. The Butchers’ young core, now a year more experienced, combined with key signings Corey Allen at fullback and Brent Naden in the centres, will be looking to make an early statement and spoil the Pirates’ first outing.
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