The next generation of Dolphins talent is set to take centre stage, with the 2026 NRLQ draw officially released and this year’s season is bigger than last.
Following a successful inaugural season in 2025, the NRLQ Series returns with an expanded format, providing even greater development opportunities for Queensland’s emerging stars.
Launched through a partnership between the NRL and the Queensland Rugby League, the competition brings together Under 21s squads from the Dolphins, Broncos, Titans and Cowboys in a home-and-away, round-robin tournament.
Designed to bridge the gap following the QRL’s junior representative season including the Mal Meninga Cup (Under 19s) the NRLQ ensures young players continue their progression in a high-performance environment aligned with NRL systems.
The Dolphins enter the 2026 season as the benchmark side after a dominant debut campaign.
In 2025, the club went undefeated across six matches before claiming the inaugural NRLQ premiership with a 32–26 Grand Final victory over the Broncos.
That success laid a strong foundation for the club’s development pathway and now, with the competition expanding to a 12-round season, the opportunity for growth is even greater.
This year’s competition will feature a full 12-round home-and-away format, doubling the number of games from the inaugural season. The top two teams will progress to the Grand Final.
The NRLQ will again align closely with NRL fixtures, with several matches scheduled alongside Telstra Premiership games further integrating the pathway between development and the top grade.
The Dolphins will kick off their 2026 campaign at home, hosting the Cowboys at Kayo Stadium on Thursday, April 2.
Match: Dolphins v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Cowboys
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
The match will form part of a double-header, played ahead of the Dolphins’ NRL clash, offering fans an early glimpse at the club’s future stars.
With all matches available live and on demand via Qplus.tv, supporters will have the chance to follow the journey of the Dolphins’ next wave of talent throughout the season.
Round 1
Dolphins v Cowboys
Thursday 2nd April, 4:15pm - Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Round 2
Dolphins v Titans
Saturday 11th April, 7:00pm - Premiers' Park, Brisbane
Round 3
Dolphins v Broncos
Saturday 18th April, 5:00pm - Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Round 4
Cowboys v Dolphins
Saturday 16th May, TBC - Queensland Country Bank Stadium,Townsville
Round 5
Dolphins v Titans
Sunday 24th May, 4:10pm - Premiers' Park, Brisbane
Round 6
Broncos v Dolphins
Saturday 30th May, 1:10pm - BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane
Round 7
Cowboys v Dolphins
Saturday 6th June, 2:20pm - Queensland Country Bank, Townsville
Round 8
Titans v Dolphins
Friday 26th June, 3:35pm - Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Round 9
Dolphins v Broncos
Saturday 18th July, TBC - Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Round 10
Dolphins v Cowboys
Saturday 25th July, TBC - Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Round 11
Titans v Dolphins
Saturday 1st August, 12:10pm - Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast
Round 12
Broncos v Dolphins
Sunday 9th August, 11:30am - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
