Narrandera Lizards have been approved by Group 20 to re-join the competition in 2026

In Short:

• The Narrandera Lizards Senior Rugby League Club has been officially approved to re-join the Group 20 competition for the 2026 season.
• The move ends the club's successful seven-year run in the ProTen Community Cup, which included back-to-back Men’s Premierships in 2022 and 2023.
• Narrandera plans to field teams across all major grades in Group 20, including Reserve Grade, Women’s Tackle, U18s, and U16s

Narrandera Lizards Senior Rugby League Club confirmed yesterday that their application to re-join the Group 20 competition.

"This is a huge step forward for our club, a chance to grow, take on new challenges, and continue building the next generation of Lizards talent," a spokesperson said.

"As we move into this exciting new chapter, we’d love to see more people get involved and be part of our journey."

The application was approved by Group 20 executives at the annual general meeting, with the Lizards set to join next season.

The moves ends the seven-year stint in the ProTen Community Cup, and the sentiment from the Narrandera club and fans is clear: the Lizards are excited to return to their original competition.

In Group 20, the Lizards have previously won three first-grade competitions in 1986, 1991, and 1999.

"After talk that the Lizards were intending to return to Group 20 pervaded the 2025 season, there were rumours that they may go one more year in the Proten Cup after the controversial end to the 2025 finals series," ProTen's Jamie Parson said.

"But those rumours have been put to bed with the Lizards confirming they are excited to return to their original competition."

The Narrandera Club thanked ProTen administration and local volunteers for their support.

"We want to take this moment to thank Proten and Group 17 (ProTen) for all their support over the years, and also every single person who’s been involved with our club. You’ve all played a massive part in getting us to where we are today."

The Lizards confirmed plans to field sides in reserve grade, women’s tackle, U18s and U16s in the 2026 Group 20 season. 

The End of the Proten Cup Era

The move puts to rest the speculation that followed the controversial ending to Narrandera’s 2025 season, which saw their Minor Semi-Final win overturned due to running on an unqualified player.

The Lizards’ time in the Proten Cup, which began in 2018 after being excluded from Group 20 in 2004, was marked by significant success. Narrandera went on a run of form, achieving back-to-back Men’s Premierships in 2022 and 2023.

Narrandera Proten Cup Results, supplied by ProTen's Jamie Parsons

Men’s

2018 – 4th, Semi-Finals

2019 – 2nd, Runners-up

2021 – 6th

2022 – 2nd, Premiers

2023 – 1st, Premiers

2024 – 1st, Runners-up

2025 – 4th, Minor Semi

Total – Played 51, Won 29, Lost 21, Drew 1

Women’s

2021 – 5th

2022 – 2nd, Premiers

2023 – 4th , Preliminary Final

2024 – 3rd, Preliminary Final

2025 – No team 

Total – Played 29, Won 14, Lost 13, Drew 1