2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup
Celebrates Community & Connection
The 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup has once again brought communities together in Katherine, celebrating grassroots Rugby League, regional participation and the opportunities sport creates for young people and families across Northern Australia.
Held on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October at Katherine Sports Ground, the carnival welcomed players, coaches, match officials, volunteers, families and supporters from across the Northern Territory and neighbouring regions for two days of football, friendship and community spirit.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 carnival continued to strengthen its reputation as an important regional sporting event, bringing together communities from Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Elcho Island and Kununurra.
With junior Rugby League, representative pathway opportunities and the introduction of Touch Football, this year's event represented another positive step in the continued development of the Top End Cup.
Pictured above Under 10's Captains receiving teams' participation medals
Celebrating Junior Rugby League
At the heart of the carnival were the Under 10 and Under 12 junior competitions, providing young players with the opportunity to enjoy Rugby League in a positive, inclusive and supportive environment.
Delivered through modified, non-competitive formats, these age groups placed an emphasis on participation, skill development, teamwork and enjoyment rather than results.
The carnival also recognised the importance of sportsmanship, respect and positive behaviour through its Spirit of the Game awards.
Congratulations to Alice Springs Brothers (Under 10) and Palmerston Raiders (Under 12), who were recognised for demonstrating the values that make community Rugby League so special.
These awards celebrate more than what happens on the field. They acknowledge the attitudes, behaviours and contributions that help create safe, welcoming and enjoyable sporting experiences for everyone.
Pictured below Under 12's Captains receiving teams participation medals
Under 14 RISE Pathways on Show
The Top End Cup also provided an opportunity for emerging players to showcase their development through the Under 14 RISE Boys and Girls competitions.
The RISE program supports the development of young Rugby League players through quality coaching, competitive opportunities and exposure to representative pathway environments.
Congratulations to Darwin City RISE, who were crowned champions in both the Under 14 Boys and Under 14 Girls divisions.
Importantly, the involvement of regional teams continues to demonstrate the value of providing meaningful playing and development opportunities closer to home, while strengthening connections between Rugby League communities across Northern Australia.
Touch Football Joins the Top End Cup
A significant milestone for the 2026 carnival was the introduction of Touch Football, further supporting NRL NT's vision of creating participation opportunities through Touch, Tag and Tackle.
Working collaboratively with Touch Football NT and the Katherine Touch Football Association, the carnival expanded its sporting program and created additional opportunities for players and communities to participate.
The inclusion of Touch Football reflects a broader commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable and flexible participation options for people of different ages, abilities and sporting backgrounds.
It also created valuable conversations about future collaboration between the Katherine and Kununurra sporting communities.
NRL NT, together with the Northern Territory Rugby League Referees Association and regional stakeholders, is keen to explore opportunities that strengthen these connections through coordinated activities, workforce development and safe, sustainable program delivery.
Recognising the People Behind the Game
Community sport relies on the commitment of people who generously contribute their time, knowledge and energy to create opportunities for others.
The 2026 Top End Cup recognised two individuals whose contributions helped make the carnival a success.
Kodie Woods – Referee of the Carnival
Congratulations to Kodie Woods, recognised for their contribution to officiating throughout the carnival.
Match officials play an essential role in creating safe, fair and enjoyable sporting environments, and their development remains an important priority for Rugby League across the Territory.
Kallum Peckham-McKenzie – Volunteer of the Carnival
Congratulations to Katherine Rugby League's Kallum Peckham-McKenzie, recognised for his outstanding volunteer contribution.
Kallum's efforts reflect the commitment and community spirit that underpin regional Rugby League.
NRL NT also acknowledges the many volunteers, club representatives, administrators, coaches, match officials and families whose collective efforts helped deliver the event.
Nature's Symphony
Beyond Boundaries
Sands of Time
Supporting Katherine and Regional Communities
Beyond the football field, the Tamboran Resources Top End Cup continues to provide an opportunity to bring people together and support regional communities.
The carnival encourages families and visitors to travel, connect with local communities and experience what Katherine has to offer.
NRL NT remains committed to developing the Top End Cup as a sustainable regional sporting event that delivers positive outcomes for participants, clubs, local businesses and the broader community.
The continued involvement of teams from across the Territory and neighbouring Western Australia highlights the opportunity to strengthen regional sporting connections and attract additional participation from across Northern Australia in future years.
Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters
The successful delivery of the 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup would not have been possible without the support of our valued partners and the many organisations and individuals involved.
NRL NT extends its sincere appreciation to Tamboran Resources, our naming rights partner, for its continued commitment to supporting regional Rugby League and community participation.
We also acknowledge the valuable contributions of Kennards Hire, Top End Print and Under Armour, whose support assisted in delivering the carnival.
A special thank you to Katherine Rugby League Club, Touch Football NT, the Katherine Touch Football Association, the Northern Territory Rugby League Referees Association, participating clubs and teams, volunteers and everyone who contributed to another successful event.
More Than Just a Game
NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said the Top End Cup continued to demonstrate the important role sport plays in connecting people and creating opportunities.
"The Top End Cup is about much more than what happens on the football field. It's about bringing families and communities together, creating opportunities for young people and building relationships that extend well beyond the final whistle.
Seeing teams travel from across the Territory and neighbouring regions, the introduction of Touch Football and the commitment of our volunteers and match officials reinforces why events like this are so important.
We have a genuine opportunity to continue building the Top End Cup into something special for regional communities across Northern Australia.
As I often say, it takes a village to raise a child. In Rugby League, it takes a community to build a club."
The 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup has once again demonstrated the strength of community sport and the opportunities that can be created through collaboration, shared commitment and a passion for participation.
Footy. Family. Fun.
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
