Mid-Season Snapshot: DABSCO Premiership
The Race Intensifies After Nine Rounds

With the opening nine rounds complete, the 2026 DABSCO Premiership is shaping into one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
As clubs prepare for the run towards finals, the ladder remains alive with plenty still to play for. From established premiership contenders to emerging challengers, every side has shown moments of quality, ensuring the second half of the season promises plenty of excitement.
Brothers Continue to Set the Standard
Darwin Brothers remain the benchmark of the competition, sitting atop the ladder on 18 competition points with an impressive +318 points differential.
Their consistency on both sides of the ball has been a defining feature of the opening half of the season, with the defending premiers once again proving difficult to beat.
Sharks Make Their Move
Northern Sharks have continued to build throughout the season and currently occupy second position on 14 competition points.
With a balanced squad and growing confidence, the Sharks have firmly established themselves as genuine premiership contenders heading into the business end of the season.
Bears and Dragons Remain in the Hunt
Litchfield Bears hold third position on 10 competition points, maintaining their place inside the top three after nine rounds.
Nightcliff Dragons remain within striking distance in fourth and have demonstrated throughout the season they are capable of challenging any side on their day.
Raiders Embrace the "Next Man Up" Mentality
While results haven't always fallen their way, Palmerston Raiders continue to display outstanding resilience.
Throughout the season the Raiders have overcome injuries and player availability challenges by embracing a genuine "next man up" mentality, with experienced campaigners and emerging young talent stepping into key roles whenever called upon.
That resilience continues to define their season and keeps them firmly in the fight.
Rabbitohs Continue to Build
South Darwin Rabbitohs have shown determination and commitment every week despite a challenging first half of the season.
Their continued development and willingness to compete underline the strength of the competition, with every club contributing to an entertaining 2026 season.
Race for Individual Honours
The race for the competition's leading individual honours is equally compelling.
Darwin Brothers' Dallas Caulton leads the DABSCO Premiership point-scoring charts with 92 points, while Nightcliff Dragons' Stylianos Vrontos sits atop the try-scoring leaderboard with nine tries after just six appearances.
With several rounds still remaining, both leaderboards remain well within reach for a number of players across the competition.
Plenty Still to Play For
With finals approaching, every competition point becomes increasingly valuable.
Whether it's the race for the minor premiership, securing a finals berth, or chasing individual honours, the second half of the 2026 DABSCO Premiership season promises high-quality rugby league every weekend.
The race is well and truly on.
Current Ladder (After Round 9)
- Darwin Brothers – 18 pts (+318)
- Northern Sharks – 14 pts (+36)
- Litchfield Bears – 10 pts (-3)
- Nightcliff Dragons – 6 pts (0)
- Palmerston Raiders – 4 pts (-67)
- South Darwin Rabbitohs – 2 pts (-284)
Current Leaders
Top Point Scorer
- Dallas Caulton (Darwin Brothers) – 92 points
Top Try Scorer
- Stylianos Vrontos (Nightcliff Dragons) – 9 tries




















