The 2026 Coal Australia Girls League Tag season has reached the business end, with teams now shifting their focus from the regular season to the finals series after another year of strong growth for female rugby league across the Illawarra.
Participation continues to trend in the right direction across both the Tackle and Tag versions of the game, highlighting the growing opportunities available for girls and women to play rugby league throughout the region.
Overall female participation increased by 3 per cent in 2026, rising from 1,598 registered players in 2025 to 1,646 players this season. The 13-15 years age group continues to lead the way with 491 participants, followed by the 10-12 years category with 369 players, while the senior game remains strong with 326 Open Age participants.
The growth has also been reflected across clubs. Collegians recorded the largest increase in female player registrations, climbing from 80 players in 2025 to 124 in 2026, while Port Kembla also enjoyed a significant rise from 40 to 63 players.
Behind the scenes, female leadership continues to strengthen the game. The number of female coaches and volunteers increased by almost 14 per cent, rising from 160 to 182, with the largest growth occurring in the 37-48 years age group.
With participation reaching record levels, the quality and depth of the Coal Australia League Tag competitions has been evident throughout the season across every age group.
Under 14 Division 1
Corrimal enters the finals as the minor premiers after finishing the regular season with a 10-1-1 record and 23 competition points. Collegians finished just two points behind in second, with Thirroul and Helensburgh completing a highly competitive top four after an entertaining fourteen-round campaign.
Under 14 Division 2
One of the closest competitions of the year saw Corrimal Red and Collegians Red finish level on 22 competition points with identical 11-2 records, before Corrimal claimed the minor premiership on points differential. Collegians Black and Woonona White also secured finals berths after consistent seasons.
Under 16 Division 1
Wests head into the finals as the team to beat after completing an outstanding undefeated regular season. The Devils finished with a perfect 13-0 record and an imposing +326 points differential. Thirroul, Collegians and Dapto will all be looking to challenge the minor premiers when the knockout matches begin.
Under 16 Division 2
The race for top spot could hardly have been tighter, with Thirroul Blue, Woonona and Corrimal all finishing on 22 competition points. Superior points differential handed Thirroul Blue the minor premiership after an outstanding attacking season, while Thirroul White secured the fourth finals position.
Open Ladies Division 1
Collegians completed an unbeaten regular season to claim the minor premiership with ten wins and two draws. Avondale finished second ahead of Thirroul, while Figtree secured the final finals position after edging out Corrimal for fourth.
Open Ladies Division 2
Corrimal produced one of the most dominant campaigns of the year, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record to secure the minor premiership. Woonona, Windang and Norths round out a talented finals field that promises several closely contested matches over the coming weeks.
As the finals series begins, the continued growth in participation across players, coaches and volunteers demonstrates the health of female rugby league in the Illawarra. With record involvement, expanding club participation and another highly competitive season across every age group, the Coal Australia Girls League Tag competitions continue to provide a strong pathway for girls and women while showcasing the depth of talent emerging throughout the region.
Weekend Fixtures
Words: Harrison Mellare
Photo Credit: Denis ivaneza