After one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory—capped by the Wests Devils securing their second consecutive title and solidifying their reputation as the region’s benchmark club—anticipation is already building for another fiercely contested Harrigan Cup.
Last season set a lofty standard, with runner’s up Collegians falling just short in an extra-time grand final—despite dropping only one game throughout the regular season.
Corrimal and Dapto’s long-awaited returns to the finals underscored the depth and unpredictability of the competition.
Thirroul embarked on a rebuilding phase, blooding several stars from their 2024 U18 premiership side and notching impressive wins over top contenders.
This season, the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates join the fray, taking the place of De La Salle.
Backed by the Cronulla Sharks and Newtown Jets, the Pirates inject new intrigue into one of the region’s most competitive leagues.
With every club meticulously dissecting last year’s highs and lows in pursuit of a flying start, here’s how each team is shaping up for the 2026 campaign.
McCleod Sets Focus on Consistency as Premiers Begin Title Defence
The defending premiers will return to the field in 2026 with a familiar look, but coach Peter McCleod says improvement — not past success — is driving the group as preparations begin.
The squad only resumed training recently, with McCleod pleased by the stability across the playing group after several strong seasons.
“We’ve been lucky with how things have gone over the last couple of years, but you still have to get back to basics and set standards again,” McCleod said.
Continuity remains a key strength, with the majority of last season’s squad retained. The only major change comes with the retirement of long-serving first grader Zac Clay, while work commitments are expected to limit Dylan Lauri’s availability.
“We’ve basically kept the core of the squad together, which gives us a really good platform to work from,” McCleod said.
Fountain Of Youth
Rather than looking externally, the premiers will again rely on youth coming through the club’s development pathways, particularly from Justin King’s successful reserve grade side.
“A lot of guys who played four or five games last year will play more this season and take those spots,” he said.
McCleod expects the competition to be tighter than ever, pointing to the emergence of sides such as Corrimal, who defeated the premiers twice last season.
“Every team in the competition can beat anyone on their day,” he said. “You don’t get easy wins — you have to be good every week.”
For McCleod, the priority in 2026 is consistency, an area he believes the side must improve despite recent premiership success.
“Our best footy is really good, but our worst hasn’t been good enough,” he said.
“If we can be more consistent, we won’t put so much pressure on ourselves at the back end of the season.”
Young players returning from representative commitments are again expected to have an impact as the season progresses, continuing a pattern that has strengthened the squad in recent years.
“When those kids come back into our side, like Clay Baldock (pictured below) and CJ (Meafou) last year, they tend to lift us in the middle part of the season,” McCleod said.
With expectations high and the competition closing in, McCleod is clear on the mindset heading into the new campaign.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but nothing’s given — we have to earn it again.
Gains: nil
Losses: Zac Blay (retirement)
Stepping Up: Clay Baldock on the run last season
Grehan’s Collies Eye Another Big Year After Breakout Season
The minor premiers will be looking to build on last year’s outstanding campaign, with first-year coach Jimmy Grehan leading a new-look Collies side that clicked from round one.
Despite narrowly missing a premiership in 2025, expectations remain high as Grehan shapes a squad designed to challenge again.
Key departures will test the side early, with electric fullback Callum Gromek a major loss after providing plenty of spark from the back.
The Grant brothers will also be reduced to two, with Duke sidelined through injury, leaving Blair and Dextar (pictured below) to carry the family name this season.
Still, Grehan is confident the club has recruited strongly and added depth across the park.
“We’ve added a lot of good young talent from the country and some locally,” Grehan said.
“Khalil Rahme is a strong front-rower, and Ryan Dodson and Max Flack have come in from Goulburn and will add real quality.”
Flack arrives with strong credentials, having been named the 2025 Winger of the Year in the Canberra competition, and is expected to complement Collies’ attacking style.
“We went close last year,” Grehan said. “The goal now is to take that next step.”
Gains: Khalil Rahme (Newton Jets), Ryan Dodson (Goulburn, Cronulla Sharks junior) and Max Flack (Goulburn).
Losses: Callum Gromek (Burleigh Bears) and Duke Grant (Injury).
Crafty: Collies Dextar Grant provides speed and creativity from dummy half
Learning on the Run: A New Chapter for Captain-Coach
Stepping into a captain-coach role is never simple — and it’s even rarer in modern rugby league. At just 30, the club’s new leader Tom Freebairn is embracing the challenge with a clear focus on people, preparation and development.
Having grown up alongside long-time mentor Blake Wallace, who has taken on a coaching role with the NRL Dragons, the foundations were laid early. “He’d even refer to me as a coach on the field at times,” Freebairn says.
“The biggest thing I learned from him was how to deal with different personalities. Everyone’s motivated differently and understanding that is crucial.”
That appreciation has only deepened since moving into coaching. Like many players, Freebairn admits he once underestimated how much work goes on behind the scenes.
“You forget how much planning goes into training until you’re actually doing it yourself. It gives you a whole new respect for coaches and support staff once you’re in the hot seat.”
Continuity has been the cornerstone of the squad’s build following last season’s grand final run.
Retaining the bulk of the playing group was a priority, particularly the juniors who returned last year and helped drive the team’s success.
“We were fortunate to keep most of the squad together and build on what we achieved,” he says.
There have been some smart additions, including Braxton Wallace from Shellharbour and Logan Dillon (Cougars), a familiar face for Freebairn from their earlier playing days together. But the emphasis remains firmly on development rather than wholesale change.
“A lot of our players experienced finals footy last year, and that’s invaluable,” he says.
“Guys like Harrison Chater, Jayden Foye and Callum Leikvoll were thrown in the deep end and really stepped up. With another pre-season under their belts, we’re expecting them to take another big step — not just on the field, but as leaders.”
Key Figure
One of last year’s standout performers, Paul McGregor Medallist Josh Daley (pictured below), remains a key figure despite suffering an ACL injury in the semi-final.
A close friend and trusted voice, Daley continues to play an important role around the group as he works his way back. “He’s incredibly professional and gives me a lot of support, especially with the balance of playing and coaching,” he says.
That balance is something the captain-coach has approached with honesty and humility. Early meetings with staff set the tone. “I was upfront — this is my first time coaching, and I know I’ll make mistakes. That’s why having strong people around me is so important.”
Those people include experienced figures such as Paul McGregor, Adam Blake and a group of former players now involved in coaching roles. “They give me the freedom to coach in my own way, but they’re always there when I need guidance.”
For all the tactical talk, the driving motivation is simple: helping players reach the next level. “I’m passionate about developing blokes and giving them opportunities. If I can help someone take that next step by giving them the right tools and advice, that’s what it’s all about.”
Still young, still learning, and already leading from the front, the captain-coach is embracing the challenge — and writing a new chapter for the club in the process.
Gains: Braxton Wallace (Shellharbour), Logan Dylan (Corrimal)
Losses: Josh Daley (ACL, indefinite)
Calling the shots: New captain coach Tom Freebairn takes full command
Cougars Aim Higher After Fairytale 2025 Season
The Corrimal Cougars were the surprise story of 2025, transforming from perennial underdogs with just two wins in the previous two seasons into a side that captured the imagination.
First-year coach Sean Tabet oversaw the rebuild, blending new recruits with promising local juniors. Now entering the next stage, Tabet is determined the results match the progress.
“I think we are in the forward part of the rebuild now, and we’ve just got to get the results to reflect that,” Tabet said.
“The more time and games these 18- and 19-year-olds get under their belt, the better they’ll be. I hope some of them are in the NRL, not coming back to my side!”
Experience The Key
The Cougars have retained all but one player from last season and added experience with former NRL stars Ben Murdoch-Masila and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
“Murdoch-Masila has had a pretty instant impact,” Tabet said. “Someone as respected as he is, and what he has achieved in the game, I have no doubt he will live up to expectation.”
Tabet has also learned from the highs and lows of his first Harrigan Cup season.
“It’s such an enjoyable competition. We conceded 120 points in Rounds 2 and 3, but it taught me resilience. Every week’s a battle — there’s no easy games in this comp.”
“You’ve just got to be up for it as much as you can. This comp really has you on your toes because every team is just so smart.”
With a solid core and an experienced spine, the Cougars are ready to turn last year’s fairytale into sustained success.
Gains: Ben Murdoch Masila (STGI Dragons), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (STGI Dragons), Kye Wright (STGI Dragons), Lachlan Woodger (De La Salle), Reuben Porter (Wests Tigers)
Losses: Logan Dylan (Dapto)
Young Gun: Corrimal junior Braith Plecas ploughs through the Wests Defence
Butchers Add Firepower After Close Calls in 2025
Thirroul Butchers are ready to turn near-misses into victories in 2026 after losing key experience but adding strike to their spine.
Butchers favourite and grand-final winning captain Hayden Crosland has retired and hooker Brad Dietz has returned to the Shire, but former NRL players Brent Naden and Corey Allen bring proven class to the squad.
“Hayden and Brad will both be hard to replace, there is no doubt about that,” coach Jarrod Costello explains.
“We’re really pleased to add players with the experience Brent and Corey bring. They’ve been excellent at training so far.”
The additions come after a season where four losses were by four points or less, highlighting the need for experience in one-on-one attack and defence.
“Brent, Corey and Luke Maddaford fit that bill nicely,” Costello said.
“New players Luke Maddaford, Harrison Hood, Jordan McGrath, and Logan Clinch have all impressed during pre-season. They’re hard trainers and fitting in well with the returning squad.”
Several standouts from the premiership-winning 2024 U18s, including Jye Nightingale and Jackson Smith, are also ready to step up.
“A full season in first grade will no doubt help them, and they’re noticeably stronger physically than last season.”
With experience, talent, and youth in the mix, the Butchers are poised to make their 2026 campaign count.
Gains: Brent Naden (Wests Tigers), Corey Allan (STGI Dragons), Luke Maddaford (Ipswich Jets QRL Hostplus Cup), Logan Clinch (Sharks Jersey Flegg), Harrison Hood (De La Salle), Jordan McGrath (St Johns Bosco), Ramses Munro (Sea Eagles Jersey Flegg), Andrew Fiagatusa (Rugby Union)
Loses: Hayden Crosland (retired), Kaleb Hocking, Brad Deitz, Aaymon Fitzgibbon (NRL Bulldogs), Zane Bijorac
Leader: Thirroul junior Jackson Smith gained valuable experience last season
Nakhle Embraces Challenge as Pirates Prepare To Set Sail
The Sutherland-Loftus Pirates are the newest entrants to the Harrigan Cup, taking over from fellow Shire side De La Salle in what promises to be an exciting debut season.
With access to NSW Cup-level players from the Newtown Jets and the backing of NRL powerhouse Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Pirates are poised to be contenders from day one.
Newly appointed Head Coach Paul Nakhle steps into the role with nearly three decades of coaching behind him.
Nakhle’s journey began in 1999 in the St George Junior League, where he spent many years at Arncliffe Scots coaching teams from under-9s through to senior grades.
More recently, he spent four seasons in the St George junior representative pathway system as an assistant with the Harold Matthews squad before moving into senior ranks as an assistant coach with the Newtown Jets.
Along the way, Nakhle has worked under and alongside some highly respected figures in the game.
“I’ve had some great mentors across those systems,” Nakhle said. “Guys like Frankie Pritchard, Cole Stanley and Willie Talau at the Dragons, and more recently George Ndaira, Greg Matterson and the other assistants at the Jets.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to attend some of the Sharks NRL sessions over the past couple of years and learn from Craig Fitzgibbon and his staff.
“All of that experience has helped build me to this point.”
Ready For The Challenge
Now handed the reins at the Pirates, Nakhle understands the significance of the club’s inaugural Harrigan Cup campaign.
“I’m obviously excited for the opportunity,” he said. “It’s a big role and I understand the importance of it. The Harrigan Cup is a tough, high-standard competition and every week is a challenge.”
Having analysed the competition closely last season while working with Jets players who were aligned with De La Salle, Nakhle has a clear understanding of what lies ahead.
“I was watching all those games and cutting up video for the boys, so I’ve got a really good feel for the competition,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent spread across it. The games are tough every week and it’s a very tribal comp. The clubs and supporters are passionate about their teams, and I can’t wait to get involved in that environment.”
The Pirates’ squad will largely draw from established systems, with the majority of players coming from the Jets’ NSW Cup squad and the Sharks’ Jersey Flegg program, along with opportunities for local A-Grade players in the Sharks competition.
“The team will predominantly be made up of Jets and Sharks players,” Nakhle explained. “They’re coming out of strong systems, they’ve all completed full pre-seasons in NSW Cup or Jersey Flegg, so they’ll be fit and ready to go. We’ve got no excuses in that department.”
Role Players
Given the nature of the alignment, weekly team selection will present its own challenge, with player availability dependent on higher-grade commitments.
“The toughest challenge for us will be managing the make-up of the team week to week,” he said. “Communication from my end is paramount. The players need clear goals and expectations so they understand their role whenever they come in. If you can build some consistency around your spine and key positions and move a few pieces around that, you can manage it.”
While some familiar faces from last year’s De La Salle outfit may feature, Nakhle is allowing players every opportunity to cement their places in higher grades before finalising his squad.
“There’ll probably be a few familiar faces, but at this stage I’ll respectfully give those boys the chance to push for spots at the Jets first,” he said. “With trials coming up, we won’t really know the full picture until that’s all sorted.”
With strong development pathways feeding into the Pirates and an experienced head coach at the helm, the club’s entry into the Harrigan Cup shapes as an exciting new chapter — one built on preparation, professionalism and a clear understanding of the challenge ahead.
The Harrigan Cup Kicks Off in April.