A revamped NRLQ Series kicked off last week, with the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans taking part in the expanded Queensland-based Under 21s competition.
Following a successful inaugural season last year launched by the NRL in partnership with the Queensland Rugby League, this year, the format has been expanded to be a 12-round home-and-away round robin competition.
Players like Gold Coast Titans and PNG Kumuls forward Cooper Bai and Dolphins flyer Tevita Naufahu were some of the young talents who featured in the 2025 NRLQ competition before getting their opportunity in the NRL.
In another development, the top two teams will face off in a grand final, while there has been more alignment with the NRL Telstra Premiership draw, with eight matches locked in as double-headers.
The first round of the NRLQ saw the North Queensland Cowboys steal a late 28-26 win over the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium ahead of the NRL match between the Dolphins and Manly, with 2026 Indigenous All Stars representative Kaiden Lahrs impressing.
In the closing game of the round, the Broncos defeated the Titans 26-18 in their double-header game held prior to the NRL match at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, with Zane Ford crossing for a double.
The NRLQ Series was introduced in 2025 to enhance elite development pathways by addressing the current void for Queensland-based NRL clubs beyond the conclusion of the QRL’s male junior representative competitions (such as the Mal Meninga Cup Under 19s competition).
Dolphins Head of Recruitment and Pathways Kurt Richards was a supporter of the competition and said it could play a key role in helping prepare players for the next level.
“The NRLQ 21’s series provides an elite competition for players to continue to develop in a professional environment,” Richards said. “This competition provides an important stepping stone in a player’s development ...
"Very few players jump straight into the NRL, and not all are ready for the week-in, week-out physical demands of the Hostplus Cup ... we see real benefits in building confidence and developing leadership qualities when having a stint back in their own age group.”
Broncos' Academy Manager Michael Kennedy agreed the extended format would play an important role in accelerating player development.
“We are making sure the boys are ready to play Queensland Cup with the men and accelerate their development by doing so,” Kennedy said.
This season's draw can be found on the QRL website: NRLQ Series - 2026 draw
Interested viewers can watch the NRLQ competition by subscribing to QPlus TV via a Monthly Pass ($10.99 recurring subscription) or a the seven-day Round Pass ($5.99 non-recurring subscription).
