The 2026 Junior Regionals delivered everything you could ask for and then some.
After the Sydney Scorpions bounced back in 2025 to reclaim the title, all eyes turned to whether they could go back-to-back… but the Hunter Western Hornets had other plans.
In one of the closest finishes in Junior Regionals history, the Hornets have claimed the Regional Championship by just one point and it all came down to the final game of the weekend.
The Girls 18s Grand Final had everything. Skill, pressure, and moments that could swing either way before heading into a heart-stopping 3-on-3 drop-off. With the championship on the line, the Hornets held their nerve when it mattered most, sealing the win and with it, the overall Regional Championship title.
Set against the stunning surrounds of the Central Coast Sporting Complex, the event opened under ideal conditions, with blue skies and a buzzing stadium setting the tone for a huge weekend of Touch Football. As the finals rolled in, so did the intensity — every game carrying weight, every point proving crucial in what ultimately became a one-point finish.
Across the weekend, Junior Regionals once again showcased the very best of emerging talent in the state. Speed, skill, resilience, and regional pride were on full display, with players leaving everything out on the field. The contribution of referees, coaches, volunteers, and supporters ensured the event maintained its high standard both on and off the field.
A special thank you to Central Coast Council for their ongoing support in delivering a first-class venue, and to BarTV Sports for bringing the action to fans near and far, capturing every big moment across the weekend.
Congratulations to all regions for an outstanding display of competition and sportsmanship.
And to the Hunter Western Hornets CONGRATULATIONS clutch, composed, and champions once again.
Final Results
12 Girls: Sydney Scorpions 3 defeated Southern Rebels 1
Referees: V Naumovski, E Pearson, M Beaven
Player of the Final: Mahlia Kennedy Sydney Scorpions
12 Boys: Southern Rebels 3 defeated Sydney Mets 1
Referees: N Altin, M Perry, C Clemente
Player of the Final: Ashton Bridgman Southern Rebels
14 Girls: Sydney Scorpions 5 defeated Hunter Western Hornets 0
Referees: K Laughton, E Werhle, L Hanson
Player of the Final: Taylor Smith Sydney Scorpions
14 Boys: Southern Rebels 6 defeated Hunter Western Hornets 5
Referees: B Baum, T Bradley, C Sherry
Player of the Final: Sonny Gilder Southern Rebels
16 Girls: Southern Rebels 5 defeated Hunter Western Hornets 4
Referees: A Crowley, A Holliday, T Draper
Player of the Final: Scarlett Turner Southern Rebels
16 Boys: Hunter Western Hornet 10 defeated West South Wests Suns 6
Referees: C Lane, P George, R Wake
Player of the Final: Jai Donnelly Hunter Western Hornets
18 Girls: Hunter Western Hornets 7 defeated Sydney Mets 6
Referee: T Spear, S Naumovski, H Brownlow
Player of the Final: Anika McCarthy Hunter Western Hornets
18 Boys: Sydney Scorpions 4 defeated Hunter Western Hornets 3
Referees: A Clark, D Kustec, H Drapalski
Player of the Final: Taiaroa Lowe Sydney Scorpions
Regional Championships
1st Hunter Western Hornets 84pts
2nd Southern Rebels 83pts
3rd Sydney Scorpions 80pts