Region of Origin 2026
This year we have some exciting changes to the Region of Origin program for the 2026 season.
The competition will move to a new carnival-style format, with all matches to be played across one weekend on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026. In addition to the Auckland regions competing, invitations will also be extended to selected districts outside of Auckland to participate in this year’s event.
These changes have been made to better align the program with player development outcomes, while also recognising and catering to the increasingly busy rugby league calendar for players, clubs, and families. The updated format aims to continue providing meaningful representative opportunities in a way that supports player wellbeing, development, and participation across the wider season.
The Region of Origin program continues to focus on providing emerging players with an introduction to representative rugby league and supporting their ongoing development within the game.
The 2026 Region of Origin program will include the following grades:
- U13 Girls
- U14 Girls
- U13 Boys
- U14 Boys
Each grade will consist of 4 regional based teams where we allocated clubs in each grade to each region of Auckland whilst trying to keep the best possible split between clubs.
Please see below for a full breakdown of club allocations across each region and grade.
Please note:
- Staff can be appointed from teams outside of specific club area. Our aim is to appoint the right coaches who are wanting to add value to the program and for player development.
- Players who are currently playing age grades above are still eligible to participate providing they fit the correct age for the competition in the 2026 season.
U13 Girls
Blaze | Guardians | Surge | Cyclones |
Richmond Rovers | Otara Scorpions | Manurewa Marlins | New Lynn Stags |
Waitemata Seagulls | Papatoetoe Panthers | Mangere East Hawks |
|
U14 Girls
Blaze | Guardians | Surge | Cyclones |
Richmond Rovers | Ellerslie Eagles | Manurewa Marlins | New Lynn Stags |
Te Atatu Roosters | Mangere East Hawks | Papakura Sea Eagles |
|
U13 Boys
Blaze | Guardians | Surge | Cyclones |
Glenfield Greyhounds | Ellerslie Eagles | Mangere East Hawks | Glenora Bears |
Marist Saints | Otahuhu Leopards | Manurewa Marlins | Te Atatu Roosters |
Northcote Tigers | Otara Scorpions | Papakura Sea Eagles | Waitemata Seagulls |
Richmond Rovers | Pakuranga Jaguars |
|
|
Mt Albert Lions | Papatoetoe Panthers |
|
|
U14 Boys
Blaze | Guardians | Surge | Cyclones |
Northcote Tigers | Ellerslie Eagles | Mangere East Hawks | Glenora Bears |
Richmond Rovers | Manukau Magpies | Manurewa Marlins | Te Atatu Roosters |
| Otahuhu Leopards | Papakura Sea Eagles | Waitemata Seagulls |
| Otara Scorpions |
|
|
As part of the updated format, appointed staff will now deliver:
- Two development days during June and July
- A trial process in August – post club grand finals
- Team preparation leading into the September carnival weekend
Please note that all successful staff applicants will be expected to be available for all key program dates.
Please see the attached link for any staff members within your club who may wish to express their interest in one of the available roles. Applications will close on 31st May 2026, with appointments to follow in early June.
Region of Origin - 2026 Staff Expressions of Interest
As part of the appointment process, Auckland Rugby League will engage with club executives regarding potential successful applicants to gather feedback around their involvement, conduct, and contribution within their club environments. This process is an important part of ensuring we appoint the right people to positively support and lead our junior pathway teams.
For any questions regarding the 2026 Region of Origin program or staffing appointments, please contact:
TJ Ashford | tj.a@aucklandleague.co.nz
Auckland Rugby League appreciates the ongoing support of our clubs and looks forward to another successful Region of Origin campaign in 2026.
