The 2026 Junior State Cup Southern Conference returned to Wagga Wagga in spectacular fashion, delivering a weekend that showcased not only elite junior talent but the strength and spirit of the NSW Touch community.
In the weeks leading into the tournament, soaring temperatures across the region had left many wondering how the playing surfaces would hold up. The heat had well and truly dried the grounds out but if you walked onto the fields on Friday morning, you wouldn’t have known.
Thanks to the tireless work of Wagga Wagga City Council staff, who worked behind the scenes to prepare, water and manage the surfaces, the fields presented in outstanding condition. Their commitment ensured our players could perform at their very best from the first whistle to the final siren.
Across the weekend, thousands of players, coaches, referees and supporters filled the precinct, bringing colour, energy and passion to every corner of the venue. From tightly contested pool matches to electric finals, the standard of competition once again highlighted the strength of our junior pathways. Every division delivered moments of brilliance, resilience and teamwork the true hallmarks of our sport.
To our parents and families THANK YOU. Your early mornings, long drives, sideline cheers and unwavering support are the heartbeat of Junior State Cup. The effort that goes into simply getting players to the field each week does not go unnoticed.
To our 200 referees, your professionalism and commitment across three huge days of competition was exceptional. Managing the pace, intensity and emotion of junior representative touch is no small task, and your contribution is deeply valued.
A heartfelt thank you to Wagga Wagga Touch and their dedicated volunteers. From set-up to pack-down and everything in between, your local knowledge and willingness to step in wherever needed played a crucial role in delivering another seamless event.
To Wagga Wagga City Council your partnership continues to be invaluable. From months of planning and preparation to assisting with logistical challenges throughout the weekend, including vehicle management during peak traffic periods, your support ensures this event continues to thrive in the Riverina.
And to our valued partners Inferno, Grip Star, Steeden, Budgy Smuggler and Guzman y Gomez thank you for backing our junior athletes and helping elevate the event experience. Your ongoing support plays an important role in the continued growth of Junior State Cup.
What we witnessed in Wagga was more than just a tournament. It was connection. It was community. It was the next generation of NSW Touch footballers creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Under 10 Boys McCall Cup
South Sydney Raptors 6 defeated Sharks 3
Player of the Final – Isaac Donnelly Raptors
Referees – Scarfo, Erickson, Fean
Under 10 Girls Tirado Cup
Sharks 9 defeated Canterbury 0
Player of the Final – Hazel Lewis Sharks
Referees – Gilmour, Heffernan, Henville
Under 12 Boys Zabiello Cup
Sharks 9 defeated Griffith 4
Player of the Final – Ashton Bridgemen Sharks
Referees – Halling, Lamont, Davies
Under 12 Girls Vassallo Cup
Sharks 17 defeated Parramatta 2
Player of the Final – Chloe May Sharks
Referees – Oflynn, Loring, Roache
Under 14 Boys Yiangou Cup
Sharks 7 defeated Hills 4
Player of the Final – Body Holbrooke Sharks
Referees – Thornburn, Moran, Rodgers
Under 14 Girls Taylor Cup
Sharks 9 defeated Hills 4
Player of the Final – Havana Anderson Sharks
Referees –Toparis, Wehrle, Hull
Under 16 Boys Wall Cup
Orange 10 defeated Wagga Wagga 9
Player of the Final – Alexander Paine
Referees – Bleasdale, Naumovski, Bowcock
Under 16 Girls Toohey Cup
Sharks 10 defeated Orange 7
Player of the Final – Charlie Moses Sharks
Referees – Baumgartner, Croft, V.Costigan
Under 18 Boys Galea Cup
Hills 15 defeated Orange 4
Player of the Final – James Fitzhenry Hills
Referees – Lane, Cheesley, Drapalski
Under 18 Girls Rose Cup
Wagga Wagga 5 defeated Balmain 2
Player of the Final – Maisy McCrone Wagga Wagga
Referees – Spear, Whiteside, Wearne
CLUB CHAMPIONS
Sharks – 155 points
Orange – 93 points
Hills – 91 points
Wagga Wagga – 74
Canterbury – 68