Five clubs will embark on their Hostplus Cup campaigns with new coaches leading their premiership charge when the 2026 season kicks off in March.
One of the more fascinating Round 1 match ups will take place in Toowoomba, where the new-look Western Clydesdales host the Brisbane Tigers on Sunday, March 8.
The Clydesdales take the field with high hopes following the appointment of innovative co-coaches Ben and Shane Walker, who return to their home city confident of success after previously leading Ipswich to state and national titles.
The Walkers go up against a Tigers outfit that will also have new voice in 2026 following the appointment of Jimmy Lenihan.
Lenihan has a Hostplus Cup title to his name with the Burleigh Bears, as well as numerous years of NRL coaching experience with the Gold Coast Titans.
Former Norths Devils premiership-winning coach Dave Elliott dons the red and white when he guides the Redcliffe Dolphins in Round 1 against the Burleigh Bears.
The opening week of the season will also see former Northern Pride coach Joe O’Callaghan take charge of the Tweed Seagulls in their opening round clash against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Newly-appointed Pride coach Sam Williams and his team have the Round 1 bye, meaning they won’t get the opportunity to press for their first points until O’Callaghan’s Tweed team arrives in Cairns in Round 2.
QRL competitions manager David Maiden said the coaching appointments would add an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 season.
“The depth of coaching within the Hostplus Cup is outstanding,” Maiden said.
“It reflects the quality of the competition and the significant role the Hostplus Cup plays in producing the next crop of NRL players, coaches, referees and administrators.
“I’ve got no doubt that the return of a number of experienced premiership-winning coaches is going to raise the bar, not only at their respective clubs, but right across the Hostplus Cup.”
While the new coaches and their teams will grab some of the limelight in the opening round, few should underestimate perennial heavyweights Burleigh and Norths.
Burleigh are the reigning champions after beating Norths in the 2025 grand final, and with Luke Burt (Bears) and Rohan Smith (Devils) back for another year, both clubs are well positioned to push deep into September.
Norths begin their campaign with a home match against the Mackay Cutters, who have a solid platform to build on under head coach Adam Cuthbertson after winning seven games this year.
The Hostplus Cup grand final re-match will take place at Burleigh when the Bears host the Devils in Round 6.
The competition heats up over the weekend of March 21-22 when XXXX Rivalry Round gets the adrenaline surging courtesy of some classic match ups.
The ever popular Country Week, presented by Ford, is pencilled in for Round 19 with the host venues to be confirmed in the new year.
Fans can catch every game of the 2026 Hostplus Cup live and on-demand on QPlus.tv, the streaming home of Queensland Rugby League.
Season Pass subscriptions will be available for purchase starting Monday, February 2, 2026.
Round 1:
Saturday, March 7:
Redcliffe Dolphins v Burleigh Bears, Kayo Stadium
Norths Devils v Mackay Cutters, Bishop Park
Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Souths Logan Magpies, BMD Kougari Oval
Tweed Seagulls v Sunshine Coast Falcons, Seagulls Sporting Complex
Sunday, March 8:
Western Clydesdales v Brisbane Tigers, Toowoomba Sports Ground
Ipswich Jets v Townsville Blackhawks, TBC
PNG Hunters v Central Queensland Capras, Santos National Football Stadium
