Magic Round Kick-off & The Lizards' Return: 2026 Group 20 Draw Revealed

In Short

• Historic Season Opener: The season kicks off with an inaugural Magic Round at Leeton No.1 Oval on April 11–12, featuring all 10 teams in one location.

• The Lizards Are Back: After a 22-year hiatus, the Narrandera Lizards return to Group 20 senior football, hosting a marquee Anzac Day fixture in Round 4.

• Grand Final Rematch: Mark your calendars for May 24 (Round 7), when the Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters face the Hay Magpies in a heavyweight rematch.

A blockbuster opening round, fan-friendly derby matches and an Anzac Day game are among the highlights from the 2026 Group 20 Rugby League draw obtained by The Riverine Grazier this week.

Magic Round Kicks Off the Season

As revealed by Battlers For Bush Footy and Back Country Bulletin on Monday, the league will kick off its first 10-team competition this century with a Magic Round set to be staged at the Leeton No.1 Oval on the weekend of April 11 and 12.

In a historic first for the region, the season will launch with an inaugural Magic Round staged at Leeton No.1 Oval on the weekend of April 11–12. The opening weekend is set to be headlined by a clash between the Griffith Black & Whites and last year’s standout performers, the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks.

The Return of the Lizards

Perhaps the most significant milestone of the 2026 season is the return of Narrandera to Group 20 senior football after a 22-year absence. The Lizards will make their long-awaited comeback in a reserve grade showdown against home-side Leeton during the opening round.

The club is also set to host the competition's only scheduled Anzac Day fixture in Round 4 at the Narrandera Sportsground. This special event will feature a pre-game ceremony to honour local servicemen and women, organized in partnership with their new major sponsor, the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Key Rivalries and Rematches

The 2026 schedule has been designed with fans in mind, featuring several high-stakes matchups:

• Grand Final Rematch: The heavyweight clash between the Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters and the Hay Magpies is set for Round 7 on May 24.

• Derby Saturdays: The Leeton Shire derbies between Yanco-Wamoon and Leeton have been strategically placed on Saturdays in Rounds 5 and 14 to maximize attendance.

• Griffith Derbies: Arch-rivals the Waratahs and Black & Whites will face off in Rounds 7 and 17, aligning with the Grand Final rematch weekends.

The home-and-away season will culminate in late August, followed by a traditional four-week finals series. The quest for the premiership will conclude with the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday, September 20, in Griffith.

For the full detailed 2026 draw, visit The Riverine Grazier or Battlers For Bush Footy.