Hostplus Cup marks 30-year milestone ahead of 2026 season opener

The 2026 Hostplus Cup season was officially launched in Brisbane yesterday, with Queensland Rugby League celebrating three decades of fierce competition and player development across the state.

Rival players and coaches gathered at the State Library of Queensland, where historical memorabilia – including newspaper clippings, match-day programs and jerseys from the inaugural 1996 statewide grand final – were displayed to honour the competition’s legacy.

 Hostplus Cup marks 30-year milestone ahead of 2026 season opener [Photo credit : QRL Media]

Queensland Rugby League chief executive officer Ben Ikin acknowledged the ongoing support of naming rights partner Hostplus and the statewide clubs as the competition enters what he described as a milestone year.

“The 2026 Hostplus Cup marks a milestone moment for rugby league in Queensland, as we proudly celebrate 30 years of a competition built on fierce rivalry, community spirit and genuine pathways for emerging talent,” Ikin said.

He said the competition had demonstrated the strength of the game from coastal regions through to Far North Queensland, and in recent years had expanded its reach with the inclusion of the Papua New Guinea Hunters.

Hostplus chief executive officer David Elia said the fund was proud to continue its partnership with the QRL as the competition celebrates its 30th anniversary.

“Hostplus is proud to continue its support of the QRL this season as it marks 30 years of competition,” Elia said. “The QRL Hostplus Cup provides a powerful platform to grow our brand at scale and connect with members across Queensland, underpinned by a shared focus on sustained performance and long-term success.”

The launch also confirmed the continuation of the QRL’s longstanding partnership with XXXX, which reaffirmed its backing of rugby league across the Queensland pathway, from grassroots competitions to the state’s elite Maroons programs.

The opening round of the 2026 season will be played on March 7-8, headlined by a clash between the Western Clydesdales and Brisbane Tigers in Toowoomba. New coaching appointments across several clubs are set to add intrigue, with Ben and Shane Walker taking charge of the Clydesdales, Jimmy Lenihan leading the Tigers, Dave Elliott guiding the Redcliffe Dolphins against the Burleigh Bears, and Joe O’Callaghan steering the Tweed Seagulls in their season opener.

Fans will be able to watch every match of the 2026 Hostplus Cup live and on demand via QPlus.tv, the official streaming platform of Queensland Rugby League.