NRL fast-tracks launch of junior league in Queensland in major step towards revival of NYC under-20s

In a major step toward the revival of the National Youth Competition, the NRL has welcomed back an under-20s league in Queensland and is set to fast-track its launch.

The NRL has taken the next step towards reviving its controversial under-20s NYC competition – and it is starting now.

Queensland will become the first state to welcome back an NRL-aligned junior league for the first time since the National Youth Competition died in 2017.

The Broncos, Dolphins, Titans and Cowboys will compile their best under-20s talent into teams for a six-week round robin style competition labelled the NRLQ Series.

The NRL-backed league has been fast-tracked and will start this weekend under the administration of the Queensland Rugby League.

The competition is being relaunched with a view to a 17-team national under-20s or 21s league aligned to NRL clubs returning from 2026.

The return of the NYC has support in some quarters, particularly in Queensland, but has faced opposition from Sydney clubs who already have the Jersey Flegg.

North Queensland football chief Micheal Luck said the Cowboys supported the return of an NRL-aligned junior competition.

Pat Carrigan for the Broncos' NYC team in 2017. Picture: NRL Photos

“We’ve been pushing pretty hard and this is the first step towards getting back some competitive equity into development pathways,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how this goes. We’re hoping it’s a trial run for next year with competition structures, travel and those things.

“We’re not here to win it. Our top young players are playing Queensland Cup but after the Mal Meninga Cup is finished they don’t get any decent footy if they’re not playing Q-Cup.

“We want to get them a good level of football. It’s an opportunity for the young guys to stay engaged and play a high level of football.”

The Titans and Dolphins will be the first teams to feature in the NRLQ when they play at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the Titans-Storm NRL game.

Kalyn Ponga representing the Cowboys in the NYC. Picture: Evan Morgan

Later that afternoon in Townsville, the Broncos and Cowboys will face off in the lead-up to the Cowboys-Tigers NRL game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The NRL last year commissioned a nine-person working group, including QRL CEO Ben Ikin and Roosters coach Trent Robinson, to investigate reviving the NYC.

The NYC ran from 2008-17, introducing a host of current NRL stars like Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, Kalyn Ponga and Pat Carrigan to first grade.

But it was also controversial given a lack of defensive focus, blowout scores, player welfare issues and the cost of administering a national junior league.

The NRLQ appears to be the first step towards the return of the NYC if it can raise more support from NRL clubs.

Titans pathways manager Paul Stephenson said it’s a great opportunity for the club’s youngsters.

“This is a great chance for our pathways players to test themselves against some of Queensland’s best talent as they continue developing in their quest to join our full-time program in the future,” he said.

“A fantastic initiative among all four Queensland-based NRL clubs, I know our players are super excited and immensely proud to wear the Titans colours and I only feel that will be the same for the other teams as well.

“It’ll also be a great occasion for our players to run out at Cbus Super Stadium before this weekend’s NRL clash, and important for both our affiliates Tweed and Ipswich to host games and showcase the next generation of Gold Coast talent who are part of our pathways programs.”

Originally published as NRL fast-tracks launch of junior league in Queensland in major step towards revival of NYC under-20s