The Corrimal Cougars have secured their first Harrigan Cup minor premiership in 37 years, capping a dramatic final round of the regular season with a hard-fought 20–16 victory over Sutherland-Loftus on Sunday afternoon.
Corrimal entered the final game of Round 15 knowing victory would be enough to take top spot after defending premiers Wests opened the door with a 16–8 upset of fellow minor premiership contenders Thirroul on Saturday.
The Cougars made the most of the opportunity, holding off a determined Pirates outfit to finish the regular season on top of the ladder and claim their first minor premiership since 1989.
There was another tight finish between Collegians and Dapto, with Collies prevailing 30–26 to build some timely momentum heading into the playoffs.
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Cougars On Top With Harrigan Cup Finals Picture Locked In
With the regular season complete, attention now turns to the Harrigan Cup Finals Series, brought to you by i98.
Corrimal’s top-of-the-table finish earns the Cougars a valuable opening-week bye and direct passage through to Week 2 of the Finals Series.
The opening weekend will feature two intriguing match-ups, with Wests taking on Dapto in the Elimination Final, where the loser’s season will come to an end.
Thirroul and Collegians will meet in the Qualifying Final, with the winner advancing to face Corrimal in Week 2 and the loser receiving another opportunity to keep their premiership hopes alive.
After a regular season in which little separated the leading teams, the stage is set for an intriguing Harrigan Cup Finals Series.
Saturday 29th August 2026 – Parrish Park
- Harrigan Cup – Thirroul Vs Collegians – Qualifying Final – 12:00pm
- Harrigan Cup – Wests Vs Dapto – Elimination Final – 2:00pm
- U18 Gold – Thirroul Vs Penshurst RSL – Southern Corridor Grand Final –10:30am
Butchers Underline Minor Premiership As Harrigan Plate Finals Take Shape
Thirroul underlined their status as Harrigan Plate minor premiers with an 8–0 victory over Wests in the final round of the regular season.
Helensburgh will also head into the playoffs with confidence after upsetting second-placed Corrimal 22–16, providing the Tigers with valuable momentum at the right time of the year.
The result sets up an absorbing opening weekend of the Finals Series, with Corrimal to face defending premiers Wests in the Qualifying Final.
Helensburgh will meet Collegians in an Elimination Final, with the loser bowing out of the premiership race.
Minor premiers Thirroul have earned the opening weekend off and will return in Week 2 of the Finals Series.
Saturday 29th August 2026 – Collegians Sporting Complex
- Harrigan Plate – Collegians Vs Helensburgh – Elimination Final – 2:30 PM
- Harrigan Plate – Corrimal Vs Wests – Qualifying Final – 4:00 PM
Final Round Shake Up Sets Stage For Harrigan Shield Finals
Norths celebrated their Harrigan Shield minor premiership in style, recording a convincing 40–16 victory over Mt Kembla in the Lowries’ final game of the season.
The battle for positions behind Norths produced a significant final-round shake-up, with Avondale Greyhounds defeating Berkeley 28–18 to leapfrog the Eagles and secure an all-important top three finish.
Avondale Wombats also finished the regular season strongly with a 32–6 victory over Figtree, while Windang defeated Corrimal 28–8 in the final game of the season for both clubs, with neither qualifying for the playoffs.
The results have set up an all-Avondale Qualifying Final between the Greyhounds and Wombats, with the winner advancing to meet minor premiers Norths in the Major Semi Final in Week 2.
Meanwhile, Berkeley and Figtree will meet in the Elimination Final, where there will be no second chance for the loser.
With Norths waiting in Week 2 and the two Avondale sides fighting for the right to face them, the Harrigan Shield Finals Series is set for an exciting opening weekend.
Saturday 29th August 2026 – Collegians Sporting Complex
- Harrigan Shield – Berkeley Vs Figtree – Elimination Final – 11:30 AM
- Harrigan Shield – Avondale Wombats Vs Avondale Greyhounds – Qualifying Final – 1:00 PM
File Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza