Defending double winners Broadmeadow Magic will start their 2026 NPL Men’s NNSW title defences against Edgeworth Eagles when the season kicks off in February.
Northern NSW Football announced the draw for its 2026 premier competitions on Friday, including its top tier men’s competition which will showcase the game with four days of matches to open the NPL Men’s NNSW season.
Magic, who downed Lambton Jaffas in a thrilling grand final, will travel to Jack McLaughlan Oval to start the new campaign against the Eagles on Friday 20 February.
NPL Men’s NNSW newest club Kahibah FC, who were promoted as premiers of HIT106.9 Northern League One, will host the season opener against Lambton Jaffas at Harold Knight Sports Complex on Thursday 19 February.
Elsewhere in round one, Cooks Hill United will host Maitland FC at Fearnley Dawes Athletics Field, Belmont Swansea United will travel to Croudace Bay Complex to face Valentine FC and Weston Bears will host Newcastle Olympic on Saturday 21 February. Charlestown Azzurri and Adamstown Rosebud close out the opening round when they go head-to-head at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday 22 February.
Promotion and relegation remains after being reintroduced for the 2024 season. At the end of the 2026 season, the team that finishes 12th in NPL Men’s NNSW will be relegated to HIT106.9 Northern League One, while the team that finishes first in HIT106.9 Northern League One will be promoted to NPL Men’s NNSW.
The team that finishes 11th in NPL Men’s NNSW will join teams that finish second, third and fourth in HIT106.9 Northern League One in a Promotion/Relegation Play-Off series to determine the final team in NPL Men’s NNSW in 2026.
The third HMRI Charity Shield will see the reigning premiers and champions Broadmeadow Magic up against Men’s State Cup winners Cooks Hill United with the match to be played on the weekend of 13-15 February. Match details such as venue and kick-off time will be confirmed at a later date, with proceeds to go to the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
The match will be played as a double header alongside the clash between NPL Women’s NNSW premiers and champions Charlestown Azzurri and Maitland FC.
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said the 2026 campaign promised to be a gripping one in the NPL Men’s NNSW competition.
“2026 will be another incredible year of football,” Bentley said.
“Belmont Swansea United’s strong return to the top flight in 2025 and Valentine FC narrowly escaping relegation showcased the power of promotion and relegation. We’re excited to see Kahibah FC in our top tier men’s competition after an outstanding season in HIT106.9 Northern League One.
“Broadmeadow Magic continued to set the benchmark in 2025 after securing the double-double but there are so many well-built clubs across the competition now which is great for football in northern NSW.
“We are pleased to spread matches for each league throughout the weekend again this season. With Friday night football and multiple timeslots on Saturdays and Sundays, it will be easier for everyone to get to or watch more games than ever before.
“We wish everyone all the best for the 2026 season.”
There will also be special commemorative rounds including:
- Female Football Week from 8 to 17 May
- Pride Round from 19 to 21 June
- Indigenous Round from 17 to 19 July
- Mental Health Week from 7 to 9 August.
NPL Men’s NNSW match days will feature first and reserve grade matches only, with the youth component of NPL Men’s NNSW moving to the Premier Youth League Boys competition in 2023.
The full 2026 NPL Men’s NNSW fixture list is available HERE.
For help on how to download Squadi and find your team click HERE.
All matches will be broadcast live and free on NNSWF’s YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to NNSWF so you never miss a match.
2026 NPL Men’s NNSW Round One Fixtures
Kahibah FC v Lambton Jaffas – Harold Knight Sports Complex – Thursday 19 February – 8pm
Edgeworth Eagles v Broadmeadow Magic – Jack McLaughlan Oval – Friday 20 February – 8pm
Cooks Hill United v Maitland FC – Fearnley Dawes Athletics Field – Saturday 21 February – 5pm
Valentine FC v Belmont Swansea United – Croudace Bay Complex – Saturday 21 February – 5pm
Weston Bears v Newcastle Olympic – Saturday 21 February – 7pm
Charlestown Azzurri v Adamstown Rosebud – Lisle Carr Oval – Sunday 22 February - 5pm
All fixtures are subject to change.