O'Neill steps into first grade role as Magpies unveil coaching line-up for 2026

Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has unveiled its coaching staff for the 2026 Group 20 season. After successfully leading the 2025 reserve grade side to the grand final, Zac O'Neill will step up into the first grade coaching spot. Despite taking Hay to the first grand final since entering the Group 20 competition, last year's first grade coach Chris Stewart did not re-apply for the position. O'Neill was instrumental in the success of the 2025 reserve grade team, stringing together a roster that focused on fitness, teamwork and commitment.

The Magpies reserve grade team worked their way to the minor premiership, topping the ladder for the majority of the season. They met Griffith Waratahs in the final game, a clash between the two leading teams of the year. The sides played an 18-all first half, and as the full time siren sounded, the scoreboard read 22-all. The Waratahs attempted a field goal, however the ball hit the uprights, and was regathered by the 'Tahs, who scored. Offside appeals made to the referee by the Magpies were ignored, and the try was awarded, handing Griffith Waratahs back-to-back reserve grade premierships. The sting of this loss is sure to spur O'Neill into action this season, with his efforts in Hay's top grade. After enjoying a solid season in reserve grade, powerful forward Luke James will lead the reserve grade side as a playing coach.

"This is my first opportunity as a coach and I'm really excited about the challenge," James told The Riverine Grazier.

"I'm keen to lead the boys from the front, build on the strong foundations from last season, and continue the culture and standards that have already been set." The rookie coach became a popular and integral part of O'Neill's 2025 reserve grade line-up, and both coaches should work effectively together, to manage players across the two teams. James was awarded both reserve grade best and fairest and most improved. Jessie Carter has been confirmed as the coach of both the women's league tag and tackle teams. Carter has a big year to fulfil, after nabbing back to back premierships in the Group 20 inaugural years of the women's tackle game in the region.

Hay won both the 2024 and 2025 grand finals in the compressed competition.

"I'm super excited for another year," Carter said. "

We know it's going be a tough one after coming off back-to-back (premierships), so we're coming into this year perfecting the basics and eventually training stronger than ever." Carter said she is overwhelmed with the numbers at pre-season training.

"Teams will need to be selected at this point, a great problem to have though!" Neil-John Nisbet will continue in his mentorship role, lending his experience to strength training and tackling skills, which Carter said she welcomed. "I am glad to have NJ on board again beside me," she said. The Group 20 season will expand in 2026 to accommodate the return of the Narrandera Lizards, who will move from the ProTen Community Cup competition, back into Group 20. The Lizards have announced plans to compete in the reserve grade, women's league tag, women's tackle and under 18 competitions, with a plan to return to first grade in the near future.

Pre-season training is underway with sessions starting tomorrow (January 8), on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6pm at Hay Park for men's squads. The women's sides will resume training on January 13, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6pm at Hay Lions Park.