Team Nominations NOW OPEN – 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup

Tony Crowe • August 17, 2026

🏉 Get your team together – nominations are officially open!

The 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup returns to Katherine on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, bringing young players, families and Rugby League communities together for another memorable Footy. Family. Fun. weekend.

📍 Katherine Sports Ground
📅 Friday 9 & Saturday 10 October 2026


The Top End Cup has developed into a unique regional Rugby League experience, with teams and participants from Katherine, Darwin, Alice Springs, Gove, Elcho Island and Kununurra coming together through our game.

In 2026, we want to continue building on that foundation and create an event centred on participation, development, inclusion, regional connection and memorable experiences for young players and their families.


🙌 Under 10 & Under 12 Team Nominations NOW OPEN

NRL NT is now accepting team nominations for our modified, non-competitive junior divisions:

🏉 Under 10 – Non-Competitive
🏉 Under 12 – Non-Competitive

Clubs, teams and communities interested in participating are encouraged to nominate early and start planning their trip to Katherine.

👉 Nominate your team for the 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wV4jrNZVtX

Alternatively, simply scan the QR code on our Team Nominations graphic.


Pictured here are the Kununurra teams from 2025



🏉 Under 14 RISE – Boys & Girls

An important part of the 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup will again be the inclusion of Under 14 RISE Boys and Girls, delivered as part of the NRL NT Pathways program.

The RISE component adds another important dimension to the weekend, complementing the participation-focused Under 10 and Under 12 carnival while providing young players with an opportunity to continue their development through the NRL NT Pathways environment.

Importantly, Under 14 RISE Boys and Girls will be coordinated separately through NRL NT Pathways and is not included in the Under 10 and Under 12 modified non-competitive team nomination process currently open.

Further information regarding participation in the Under 14 RISE Boys and Girls component will be communicated separately through NRL NT Pathways.


🏠 NRL NT Our House

The Tamboran Resources Top End Cup will continue to proudly reinforce NRL NT Our House and our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and positive Rugby League environment.

All teams will be recognised for demonstrating the NRL NT Our House values, with a strong emphasis on positive behaviour, respect, sportsmanship and inclusion from players, coaches, volunteers and spectators alike.

The Top End Cup is deliberately non-competitive across the Under 10 and Under 12 divisions. The experience we create for young players and the way we represent our teams, communities and game are more important than results on a scoreboard.

2025 Official Opening and Welcome


🌴 More Than Footy – Make a Weekend of It

The Top End Cup isn't simply about two days of Rugby League.

For travelling teams and families, it's an opportunity to experience Katherine and the surrounding region, spend time together and connect with Rugby League communities from across the Territory and beyond.

Katherine offers a range of accommodation, attractions and experiences for families to enjoy around the carnival, and we encourage travelling teams to plan early, stay locally and make a weekend of it.

Come for the footy. Stay for the experience.


🧢 Don’t Forget the Merch!

Official Tamboran Resources Top End Cup merchandise is now available to pre-order, including fishing shirts and this year's bucket hat.

Merchandise can be collected at the Top End Cup or from the NRL NT office.

Get Cup-ready and secure your merchandise early through the NRL NT online shop.


🏉 Footy. Family. Fun.

The Tamboran Resources Top End Cup is about bringing communities together through Rugby League and creating experiences that young players and their families will remember.

Get your team together, start planning the road trip and get ready for another unforgettable weekend in Katherine.

📍 Katherine Sports Ground
📅 9–10 October 2026
🏉 Under 10 | Under 12 | Under 14 RISE Boys & Girls

Under 10 & Under 12 team nominations are NOW OPEN.


We can't wait to welcome everyone to Katherine for the 2026 Tamboran Resources Top End Cup.

#TopEndCup #TamboranResources #NRLNT #OurHouse #NRLPathways #RISE #Katherine #JuniorRugbyLeague #CommunityRugbyLeague #FootyFamilyFun

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