Australia's Top 50 Local Rugby League Clubs of 2026
Which grassroots rugby league clubs had the most successful seasons in Australia in 2026? Mad Monday ranks 50 standout clubs based on premiership success across men's, women's and emerging grades.
From the rugby league heartlands of country New South Wales to the tropical grounds of Far North Queensland, the 2026 season delivered unforgettable grand finals, historic premiership droughts ending and remarkable achievements across Australian community rugby league.
But which clubs had the most successful seasons?
Mad Monday has examined premiership results across local rugby league competitions to compile our Top 50 Local Rugby League Clubs of 2026.
Unlike rankings that focus exclusively on first grade, ours recognises achievements across the entire football club.
That includes reserve grade, women's tackle, league tag, blues tag, under 18s, under 19s and under 20s.
Because whether your club wins the A Grade grand final or the women's reserve grade premiership, bringing home a trophy is something worth celebrating.
How We Ranked Australia's Best Local Rugby League Clubs
Our ranking system is based primarily on one thing: the number of premierships won during the 2026 season.
Every eligible premiership carries equal weight.
We include men's first grade, A Grade, reserve grade, third grade, C Grade, women's tackle, women's league tag, blues tag and under 18 to under 21 competitions.
A club winning three premierships ranks ahead of a club winning two.
When clubs finish with the same number of premierships, we consider undefeated premiership campaigns, competition strength and other achievements to help determine their position.
Minor premierships and grand final appearances do not count as additional premierships.
This approach recognises clubs with successful football programs across multiple grades, rather than focusing solely on their first grade team.
Australia's Top 50 Local Rugby League Clubs of 2026: Full Rankings
The table below lists each club's position, state, reported number of premierships and winning grades.
The National Top 50 Leaderboard
| Rank | Club and winning grades | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mackay Brothers, QLD. A Grade, reserves, U20 | 3 |
| 2 | Caloundra Sharks, QLD. A Grade, reserves, U19 | 3 |
| 3 | Normanton Stingers, QLD. A Grade, women's | 2 |
| 4 | Gunnedah Bulldogs, NSW. First grade, women's tackle | 2 |
| 5 | Goodna Eagles, QLD. Women's premier grade, women's reserves | 2 |
| 6 | Emu Park, QLD. A Grade, reserves | 2 |
| 7 | Norths Ipswich, QLD. A Grade, reserves | 2 |
| 8 | Emerald Tigers, QLD. A Grade, women's | 2 |
| 9 | Western Lions, QLD. Reserves, women's | 2 |
| 10 | Inglewood Roosters, QLD. A Grade, women's | 2 |
| 11 | Hervey Bay Seagulls, QLD. Reserves, U18 | 2 |
| 12 | Shellharbour Sharks, NSW. Reserves, women's tackle 9s | 2 |
| 13 | Brighton Roosters, QLD. Reserves, U19 | 2 |
| 14 | Uralla Tigers, NSW. First grade, reserves | 2 |
| 15 | Cairns Brothers, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 16 | Townsville Souths, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 17 | Warwick Cowboys, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 18 | Redcliffe, QLD. Brisbane A Grade | 1 |
| 19 | Mounties, NSW. Women's premiership | 1 |
| 20 | Souths Logan Magpies, QLD. BMD women's | 1 |
| 21 | South Newcastle Lions, NSW. First grade | 1 |
| 22 | Gundagai Tigers, NSW. Group 9 first grade | 1 |
| 23 | Collegians, NSW. Illawarra first grade | 1 |
| 24 | Forbes Magpies, NSW. Peter McDonald Premiership | 1 |
| 25 | Kiama Knights, NSW. Group 7 first grade | 1 |
| 26 | Casino Cougars, NSW. Northern Rivers first grade | 1 |
| 27 | Wingham Tigers, NSW. Group 3 first grade | 1 |
| 28 | Macksville Sea Eagles, NSW. Group 2 first grade | 1 |
| 29 | Wyong Roos, NSW. Central Coast first grade | 1 |
| 30 | Scone Thoroughbreds, NSW. Group 21 first grade | 1 |
| 31 | Tathra Sea Eagles, NSW. Group 16 first grade | 1 |
| 32 | Oberon Tigers, NSW. Woodbridge Cup | 1 |
| 33 | Tullibigeal Lakes United, NSW. Group 20 first grade | 1 |
| 34 | Past Brothers Bundaberg, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 35 | Isis Devils, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 36 | Kingaroy Red Ants, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 37 | Biggenden Warriors, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 38 | Barcaldine, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 39 | Townies Mount Isa, QLD. A Grade | 1 |
| 40 | Bulldogs United, QLD. Western Cape A Grade | 1 |
| 41 | Cairns Kangaroos, QLD. Women's | 1 |
| 42 | Caboolture Snakes, QLD. Women's | 1 |
| 43 | Rockhampton Brothers, QLD. Women's | 1 |
| 44 | Bega Chicks, NSW. Women's tackle | 1 |
| 45 | Bombala High Heelers, NSW. Blues tag | 1 |
| 46 | Southern Suburbs Cairns, QLD. Reserves | 1 |
| 47 | Dalby Diehards, QLD. Reserves | 1 |
| 48 | Ivanhoes Cairns, QLD. U19 | 1 |
| 49 | Moruya Sharks, NSW. U18 | 1 |
| 50 | Stingrays Shellharbour, NSW. U18 | 1 |
Mad Monday's provisional editorial rankings, November 2026. Premiership counts are based on reported results and are not an exhaustive national audit. Clubs with equal totals have been separated using editorial criteria. Additional competition results may change the final order.
The Top 10 Rugby League Clubs of 2026
1. Mackay Brothers, Queensland
2026 premierships: A Grade, reserve grade and under 20s
Mackay Brothers produced one of the most impressive club performances of the 2026 rugby league season.
The club swept all three men's competitions in Rugby League Mackay and District, claiming the A Grade, reserve grade and under 20 premierships.
Brothers defeated Moranbah 16 to 12 in the A Grade grand final, while their reserve grade side completed an undefeated campaign with a commanding 44 to 6 victory over Magpies.
Their under 20s also secured premiership glory with a 22 to 12 victory over Moranbah.
Three premierships across three grades, including an undefeated reserve grade season, put Mackay Brothers at the top of our rankings.
2. Caloundra Sharks, Queensland
2026 premierships: A Grade, reserve grade and under 19s
Caloundra Sharks completed an extraordinary Sunshine Coast rugby league season, winning three premierships on the same grand final day.
The Sharks claimed the A Grade, reserve grade and under 19 titles, with their under 19 team completing an undefeated season.
Their first grade triumph was particularly memorable.
Just a fortnight before the grand final, Coolum had defeated Caloundra 62 to nil in the major semifinal.
The Sharks responded when it mattered most, completing an incredible turnaround to claim the premiership.
With three trophies, Caloundra shares the highest reported premiership count in our national rankings.
3. Normanton Stingers, Queensland
2026 premierships: Men's A Grade and women's
Normanton Stingers enjoyed an outstanding season in the Battle of the Gulf competition.
The men's side completed an undefeated campaign, defeating Doomadgee Dragons 30 to 20 in the grand final.
The women's team also made history, securing its first premiership with a dominant 44 to 4 victory over Moungibi.
Winning both men's and women's competitions made Normanton one of the standout clubs in regional Australian rugby league.
4. Gunnedah Bulldogs, New South Wales
2026 premierships: Men's first grade and women's tackle
Gunnedah Bulldogs delivered one of the most memorable seasons in country NSW rugby league.
The men's side ended a 28 year premiership drought, defeating Moree Boars 28 to 12 in the Group 4 grand final.
The women's tackle team also celebrated premiership success, defeating its opposition 14 to 10.
Two premierships on the same grand final day gave the Gunnedah community plenty to celebrate.
5. Goodna Eagles, Queensland
2026 premierships: Women's premier grade and women's reserve grade
Goodna Eagles demonstrated the strength of their women's rugby league program by winning both South East Queensland women's competitions.
The Eagles claimed the premier grade and reserve grade premierships, completing an impressive double.
With women's rugby league continuing to grow across Australia, Goodna's achievements represent an outstanding club performance.
6. Emu Park, Queensland
2026 premierships: A Grade and reserve grade
Emu Park dominated the Rockhampton senior men's grand finals, defeating Rockhampton Brothers in both A Grade and reserve grade.
The A Grade side secured a 30 to 16 victory, while the reserve grade team also celebrated premiership glory.
The club's women's team reached the grand final but was defeated by Rockhampton Brothers.
Winning two senior men's premierships secured Emu Park a place among Australia's leading local rugby league clubs.
7. Norths Ipswich, Queensland
2026 premierships: A Grade and reserve grade
Norths Ipswich enjoyed a remarkable season, winning both senior men's premierships in the Ipswich competition.
The Tigers claimed the A Grade title after a thrilling 17 to 16 victory over Fassifern.
Their reserve grade side also secured the premiership, defeating Redbank Plains.
Norths nearly completed a club treble, but its under 18 team finished runner up to West End.
8. Emerald Tigers, Queensland
2026 premierships: Men's A Grade and women's
Emerald Tigers completed the Central Highlands senior double.
The men's team broke a decade long premiership drought with a 24 to 20 victory over Clermont.
The women's side continued its remarkable success, securing a fourth consecutive premiership with a 34 to 26 win over Dysart.
Success across both competitions made Emerald one of Queensland's standout rugby league clubs.
9. Western Lions, Queensland
2026 premierships: Reserve grade and women's
Western Lions enjoyed a memorable season in Townsville rugby league.
The women's side defeated Centrals 26 to 12 to claim the premiership, while the men's reserve grade team also secured silverware.
The club's A Grade team reached the preliminary final, further demonstrating the depth of its playing roster.
10. Inglewood Roosters, Queensland
2026 premierships: Men's A Grade and women's
Inglewood celebrated a remarkable double in the Border Rugby League competition.
The women's side completed an undefeated premiership campaign, defeating Tenterfield 18 to nil.
The men's team then produced a major grand final upset, defeating favourites Tenterfield 30 to 22.
Two premierships across men's and women's rugby league made Inglewood one of the most successful clubs of 2026.
More Standout Premiership Winning Clubs
Hervey Bay Seagulls, Queensland
Hervey Bay collected two premierships in Bundaberg Rugby League, winning reserve grade and under 18s.
The Seagulls defeated Waves in the reserve grade grand final and Easts Bundaberg in the under 18 decider.
Shellharbour Sharks, New South Wales
Shellharbour Sharks secured two Group 7 premierships, winning reserve grade and women's tackle 9s.
The reserve grade team defeated Albion Park Oak Flats 28 to 12, while the women's team defeated Stingrays Shellharbour 10 to 4.
Brighton Roosters, Queensland
Brighton celebrated reserve grade and under 19 premiership success in Brisbane Rugby League.
The double demonstrated the club's depth across experienced players and emerging talent.
Uralla Tigers, New South Wales
Uralla enjoyed a memorable Group 19 season, with reported premiership success in first grade and reserve grade.
The first grade team secured a dramatic 25 to 24 grand final victory over Inverell.
NSW Rugby League Premiership Winners of 2026
New South Wales delivered some of the most memorable moments of the 2026 grassroots rugby league season.
From Newcastle to the Northern Rivers, clubs celebrated long awaited premierships, dramatic grand finals and success across multiple grades.
South Newcastle Lions End Maitland's Premiership Run
South Newcastle produced one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating Maitland Pickers 18 to 16 after extra time.
The victory ended Maitland's run of four consecutive Newcastle Rugby League premierships.
Casino Cougars Break a 36 Year Drought
Casino Cougars delivered one of country rugby league's great stories.
The Cougars defeated Murwillumbah 26 to 14 to claim their first Northern Rivers first grade premiership in 36 years.
For the players, volunteers and supporters, it was a moment decades in the making.
Kiama Knights Continue Their Group 7 Success
Kiama secured consecutive Group 7 first grade premierships with a commanding 40 to 10 victory over Albion Park Oak Flats.
The Knights' success continued an impressive period for the South Coast club.
Forbes Magpies Claim the Peter McDonald Premiership
Forbes celebrated a memorable premiership on home soil, defeating Dubbo Macquarie 36 to 16.
The Magpies' victory was one of the standout achievements in Central West rugby league.
Macksville Sea Eagles Celebrate Group 2 Glory
Macksville claimed the Group 2 premiership with a 24 to 14 grand final victory over Woolgoolga.
The Sea Eagles delivered when it mattered most to finish the season as premiers.
Group 16 Celebrates Five Different Premiership Winners
The Far South Coast competition produced premiership success across five different clubs.
Tathra Sea Eagles won first grade, Merimbula Pambula secured reserve grade, Bega Chicks claimed women's tackle, Moruya Sharks won under 18s and Bombala High Heelers celebrated the blues tag premiership.
These results demonstrate why every grade deserves recognition in a national club ranking.
Women's Rugby League Premiership Winners Deserve Recognition
Women's rugby league played a major role in the 2026 season.
Across Queensland and New South Wales, women's teams delivered undefeated campaigns, historic first premierships and remarkable grand final performances.
Souths Logan Magpies secured the BMD Women's Premiership with a thrilling 31 to 30 victory over Burleigh.
Mounties claimed the NSW Women's Premiership with a 22 to 6 victory over Newcastle.
Cairns Kangaroos completed an undefeated women's premiership campaign, while Caboolture Snakes also enjoyed an undefeated season on the Sunshine Coast.
Rockhampton Brothers won their women's premiership after defeating Emu Park 30 to 22.
These achievements deserve recognition alongside the biggest men's first grade victories.
A premiership is a premiership, regardless of whether it is won by a men's or women's team.
Why Reserve Grade and Under 18 Premierships Count
Some of the most impressive achievements in local rugby league happen outside first grade.
Reserve grade provides opportunities for experienced players, emerging talent and teammates who continue representing their clubs year after year.
Under 18, under 19 and under 20 competitions help develop the next generation of senior footballers.
Clubs such as Mackay Brothers, Caloundra Sharks, Hervey Bay Seagulls, Brighton Roosters and Stingrays Shellharbour all celebrated success in emerging grades during 2026.
These titles are an important part of a club's overall achievement.
A successful football club is built on more than one team.
Which State Had the Best Local Rugby League Clubs in 2026?
Queensland features prominently in our rankings, particularly among clubs that secured multiple premierships.
Mackay Brothers and Caloundra Sharks each collected three titles, while Normanton, Goodna, Emu Park, Norths Ipswich, Emerald, Western Lions and Inglewood celebrated premiership doubles.
New South Wales also delivered outstanding performances, with Gunnedah Bulldogs, Shellharbour Sharks and Uralla Tigers among the clubs credited with multiple premierships.
However, this is not a complete national census of every rugby league competition. The current research is strongest across Queensland and NSW, so the number of clubs represented from each state should not be interpreted as a definitive measure of statewide rugby league strength.
The People Behind Australia's Local Rugby League Clubs
Behind every premiership winning team are the people who keep grassroots rugby league alive.
The coaches who give up their evenings.
The volunteers who prepare the grounds.
The committee members who organise the season.
The families and supporters who travel hundreds of kilometres to watch their teams play.
From remote Queensland communities to regional NSW towns, local rugby league remains an important part of Australian sporting culture.
Mad Monday congratulates every premiership winning club and everyone involved in grassroots rugby league throughout 2026.
Planning Your Rugby League 2027 Footy Trip?
The 2026 rugby league season might be finished, but there's always another reason to get the team together.
Mad Monday specialises in organising end of season Footy Trips for men's and women's rugby league clubs across Australia.
Whether your team is celebrating a premiership or organising a weekend away with teammates, we can help put together a trip to suit your group.
Our destinations include Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide, Airlie Beach, Darwin and plenty more.
Depending on your package, your club can enjoy:
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Accommodation options to suit your budget
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FREE custom Footy Trip singlets
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FREE hats and stubby holders
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Best On, Worst On and Sin Bin award singlets
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VIP nightclub passes
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Party buses and pub crawls
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Group activities and events
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Digital itineraries and destination guides
We organise trips for both men's and women's sporting groups, with options ranging from affordable accommodation to premium four star stays.
From small country clubs to large metropolitan sporting organisations, Mad Monday can tailor a trip to suit your team.
Get your teammates together and let Mad Monday organise your 2027 Footy Trip.
GET YOUR FREE AND QUICK QUOTE TODAY!
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Australia's most successful local rugby league clubs in 2026?
Mackay Brothers and Caloundra Sharks lead Mad Monday's provisional rankings with three premierships each. Both clubs won titles across first grade, reserve grade and an emerging age competition.
Which NSW rugby league clubs won premierships in 2026?
Notable NSW winners included Gunnedah Bulldogs, South Newcastle Lions, Casino Cougars, Kiama Knights, Forbes Magpies, Macksville Sea Eagles, Shellharbour Sharks and Tathra Sea Eagles, among others.
Do women's rugby league premierships count in the rankings?
Yes. Women's tackle, league tag and blues tag premierships receive equal recognition alongside men's premierships.
Are under 18 and reserve grade premierships included?
Yes. The rankings include reserve grade, lower senior grades and under 18 to under 21 premierships.
How can our rugby league club organise an end of season trip?
Mad Monday organises group Footy Trips across Australia, with accommodation, merchandise, activities and other inclusions available depending on the package selected. Clubs can request a free quote for their preferred destination and travel dates.