LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NSWRL has unveiled its major competition schedules for 2026, marking an expansion largely fueled by the inclusion of the Melbourne Storm.
This season will see the Storm participating in almost every major competition run by the NSWRL, including the NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, Harold Matthews Cup, Lisa Fiaola Cup, and Tarsha Gale Cup.
Last year, they registered teams in the Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, and Harold Matthews competitions.
However, they will not participate in the women's premiership, though plans to establish a women's team could develop in the future.
With the Storm joining, the North Sydney Bears will not have a direct feeder team this year. Instead, they will form a partnership with the Perth Bears, while the NSW Cup will now feature 14 teams.
The SG Ball Cup will also see growth, expanding to 17 teams with the addition of the Central Coast Roosters.
North Sydney Oval is set to host the NSWRL's Magic Round festival, with six matches scheduled for Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. Additionally, a regional round will return to Tamworth from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28.