New look NRLQ to kick off on April 2

The NRLQ series will return in 2026 with an expanded format after a successful maiden season of the Queensland-based Under 21s competition.

In partnership with the Queensland Rugby League and NRL, this year’s fixture will feature a 12-round home-and-away round robin competition between the Cowboys, Broncos, Dolphins and Titans; before the top two teams face off in a grand final.

Introduced in 2025, the series aims to enhance elite development pathways by addressing the current void for Queensland-based NRL clubs beyond the conclusion of the QRL’s junior representative competitions, including the Mal Meninga Cup Under 19s competition and related representative games.

North Queensland begins its season with a clash against The Dolphins at Kayo Stadium on Thursday, April 2.

Three of the Cowboys' NRLQ games will be played as curtain raisers to NRL games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Names Cowboys fans can expect to see in the NRLQ include Maddox Goodwin and Fanafou Seve who are currently playing QLD Cup with the Blackhawks and Pride respectively, as well as Mal Meninga Cup standouts Archie Mesritz, Tyson Walker, Taj Lateo and Taylan To'a.