Northern NSW Football has conducted draws for preliminary rounds one, two and three of the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup.
The draw was broadcast live on Tuesday afternoon, with 45 community teams involved in the draw, representing all seven NNSWF member zones.
The competition has again been split between a Northern Conference and Southern Conference. The Northern Conference features 17 clubs representing Football Far North Coast, North Coast Football, Football Mid North Coast and NNSWF – Northern Inland member zones.
The Southern Conference is made up of 28 community clubs from Hunter Valley Football, Macquarie Football and Newcastle Football member zones.
A slight amendment to the Northern Conference draw this year saw all competing UNE Regional Super League teams seeded directly into round three.
To eliminate the bye in the draw going forward, in round two of the Northern Conference only two clubs were drawn out and the remaining 10 clubs received a bye into round three. All remaining Northern Conference teams were drawn out in round three.
In the Southern Conference, all 28 clubs entered from Zone Football League and community competitions were involved in the round two draw, with 14 matches to decide who will progress to round three.
The 10 HIT106.9 Northern League One clubs enter the competition in round three while the 12 NPL Men’s NNSW clubs will enter in round four.
NNSWF General Manager Liam Bentley said he looked forward to another thrilling year of the competition.
“The Hahn Australia Cup plays a vital role in the national football calendar and it’s fantastic to once again see such strong commitment from clubs across northern NSW,” Bentley said.
“Over the years we’ve witnessed some outstanding moments, from local rivalries to our teams testing themselves against the best in the country on the national stage.
“With the Newcastle Jets as the holders of the Australia Cup, it’s a great reflection of the strength of football in northern NSW and adds even more significance to the competition for our region.”
Northern Conference – Round Two
Southern United FC v Casino RSM Cobras
Northern Conference – Round Three
Moore Creek FC v Lake Cathie FC
Pottsville Beach FC v Inverell FC
North Companions FC v Demon Knights FC
Westlawn Tigers FC v Southern United FC/Casino RSM Cobras
Coffs City United v Yamba FC
Boambee FC v Northern Storm
East Armidale United v Oxley Vale Attunga
Tamworth FC v Armidale City Westside
Southern Conference – Round Three
Bellbird Junior FC v Mayfield United Senior
Minmi FC v Barnsley United
Fletcher FC v Kurri Kurri FC
Greta Branxton FC v Muswellbrook Eagles
Newcastle Suns v Rutherford FC
Charlestown Junior FC v Nelson Bay FC
Westlakes Wildcats FC v Stockton Sharks
Thornton Redbacks v Kotara South FC
Northumberland FC v Cardiff City FC
Lambton Jaffas Juniors v North United Wolves
Bolwarra Lorn Junior v Garden Suburb
Southern Lakes United v Merewether United
Warners Bay FC v Maitland Junior FC
University of Newcastle FC v South Maitland FC