2026 Darwin Junior League Presentation Night
Celebrates the Best of Darwin Junior Rugby League
NRL NT celebrated another outstanding season of junior Rugby League at the 2026 Chemist Warehouse Darwin Junior League Presentation Night, bringing together players, families, volunteers, coaches, match officials, club representatives and special guests at Event Cinemas Palmerston.
The annual presentation night recognised achievements across the Darwin Junior League, while also celebrating the many people whose contribution throughout the season ensures young players can enjoy Rugby League in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.
The evening was attended by special guests including His Honour the Honourable David Connolly, Administrator of the Northern Territory, Member for Blain Matt Kerle MLA, NRL NT Life Members, club officials, players, volunteers and families.
Celebrating our 2026 Players of the Year
The major divisional awards recognised some of the standout performers of the 2026 season:
- Under 13 Girls Player of the Year: Ashleigh Blake – Palmerston Raiders
- Under 13 Boys Player of the Year: Eric Burarrwanga – Palmerston Raiders
- Under 14 Boys Player of the Year: Josh Roberts – Litchfield Bears
- Under 15 Girls Player of the Year: Madison Kulda – Darwin Brothers
- Under 16 Boys Player of the Year: Harrison Liddle – Palmerston Raiders
- Under 17 Girls Player of the Year: Brylee Akers – Litchfield Bears
Players were also recognised as their respective competition's Highest Try Scorers and Highest Points Scorers, highlighting the depth of emerging talent across the Darwin Junior League.
Recognising More Than What Happens on the Field
The evening also celebrated those making an important contribution to the development of the game.
Harrison Liddle was named the Aspiring Junior Referee of the Year, while Ellie Niki from Darwin Brothers Under 15 Girls received the 2026 Junior Coach of the Year award.
Lachlan Kiernan from the Litchfield Bears was recognised as Junior Volunteer of the Year, with Aaron Moss from the Palmerston Raiders named Junior Club Volunteer of the Year.
Litchfield Bears' Brylee Akers capped off a memorable evening by adding the 2026 Female Rising Star Award to her Under 17 Girls Player of the Year recognition.
The Under 13 Boys were recognised as the 2026 Junior Team of the Year, while the Litchfield Bears were crowned 2026 Junior Club Champions of the Year. ๏ปฟ
A Game in Good Shape
The presentation night comes at the end of another positive season for Rugby League in the Northern Territory, with participation continuing to grow despite relatively low population growth across the Territory.
A particularly exciting development in 2026 was the introduction of the Livingstone Jets to the Darwin Junior League, providing another opportunity for children and families to become part of the Rugby League community. The new club is already building towards further growth in 2027.
While awards provide an opportunity to recognise individual achievement, the night was also a reminder that junior Rugby League relies on an enormous collective effort.
As NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe reflected during his welcome:
“They say it takes a village to raise a child. In Rugby League, it takes a community to build a club.”
Every coach, committee member, team manager, sports trainer, match official, parent, canteen volunteer, sponsor and supporter plays a part in creating the environment that allows junior Rugby League to thrive.
NRL NT congratulates all 2026 nominees and award recipients and thanks every player, family, club and volunteer for their contribution to another successful Chemist Warehouse Darwin Junior League season.
NRL NT also acknowledges Chemist Warehouse for its ongoing support as naming rights partner of the Darwin Junior League and Event Cinemas Palmerston for once again providing a fun, family-friendly setting in which to celebrate the achievements of our junior Rugby League community and Adam from Knock on Media for all the amazing images.
