2026 XXXX Chair's Challenge
The XXXX Chair’s Challenge returns in 2026, bringing together the best men’s and women’s players from Queensland’s Southeast region for a weekend of representative rugby league and regional pride on the Gold Coast.
QRL Southeast Region Area Manager Katie McAllister said the carnival will once again highlight the strength of community rugby league and the representative pathways on offer.
“This carnival is incredibly important because it gives players the opportunity to represent their region at a high level,” McAllister said.
“Hosting it on the Gold Coast helps promote our local competitions and highlights the pathway from grassroots football to higher honours.”
QRL Southeast Region manager Scott Dunshea highlights the importance of community in holding a rugby league carnival.
“The success of the Chair’s Challenge is built on strong community support — from volunteers, clubs, families and host venues who all play a part in delivering the carnival. Events like this highlight the strength of rugby league in South East Queensland and what can be achieved when the community comes together.”
Scott Dunshea QRL Southeast Region Manager
When asked who to watch over the carnival weekend, McAllister said fans can expect high-quality performances across the board.
“Aston Bai has been very solid in the middle this year, scoring a couple of tries, which front-rowers don’t always get. Jackson Moule has led his players around the park extremely well for Tugun, so we’re keen to see him in action.”
“For the women, it’s a relatively young Gold Coast team with a sprinkling of experience,” she said.
“The Bettridge sisters will feature heavily and have come through the junior female system at Burleigh Juniors. Jaime Phillips played a key role in Currumbin Eagles’ premiership campaign last year and will feature strongly for us.”
Fans can expect fast-paced, fiercely contested matches across the weekend as regions go head-to-head for Chair’s Challenge honours and representative bragging rights. In 2025, the Ipswich Diggers claimed the women’s title, while Brisbane Red secured the men’s championship, highlighting the depth of talent across all competing regions.
Beyond the on-field action, the carnival is underpinned by the volunteers, officials, coaches and families who continue to support the game at a community level, ensuring the Chair’s Challenge remains one of Queensland rugby league’s most respected representative competitions.
Everything You Need to Know – 2026 XXXX Chair’s Challenge
When: 1 - 3 May
Where: UAA Park, 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami
Broadcast: QPlus.TV - Weekend Pass, $5.99
Team Lists:
Men's:
Gold Coast Vikings
Bailey Simpson, Walter Lauenstein, Casey Harding, Malachi Morgan, Flynn Groth, Blake Goodman, Jackson Moule, Dan Shannon, Brock Ashton, Aston Bai, Tom McGrath, Eris Kane, Alailima Maafu, Bailey Bartley, Campbell Pirihi, Sam McIntyre, Zeb Misios, Coen Rankmore
Ipswich Diggers
Jack Smith, Lesayne Tuiasau, Tre Fotu, Nicholas Short, Chris Kuridrani, George Tavita, Henri Stocks, Heath Wilson, Nathan Fraser, Justin Fai, Presley Sau, Oliver Trenchard-Smith, Pat Samatua, Dylan Martin, Denman Ah You, Kelepi Faukafa, Eddie Fa’amausili, Samson Sauaso
Brisbane Red
William Parslow, Maanaima Amosa, Trevor Monaei, Samuela Vakadula, Fruean Easthope, Kylem Vunipola, Noah Natapu, Ethan Malt, Savaan Tahere, Sylvester Namo, Braith Major, Sherwin Tanabi, Nathan Kegg-King, Riley Frame, Richie Holani, Jake Fowler, Connor Brebner, Tahj Amone
Brisbane White
Kyle Van Klaveren, Jack Rampton, Keenan Yorston, Prinston Esera, Joe Waqalevu, Patick Hoult, Eddie Markopoulos, Ethan Saisoa’a, Jackson Chang, Madison Beckett, Levi Wilson, Izaac Skyring, Toni Tupouniua, Drew Timms, John Schwalger, Lupe Tivalu, Nigel Iro, Epafasi Fehoko
Womens:
Gold Coast Vikings
Natalia Vaeau, Jamie Phillips, Ava Kinikinlau, Mia Byrnes, Genisis Tupai, Matisse Bettridge, Zali Bettridge, Liantre Simon-Anderson, Jamie Lee Anarau, Ebony Laing, Sade Schaumkel, Maia Nguamo, Grace King, Nivea Wynne, Mercedez Lisone-Siaea, Tamika Smith, Salaina Taunuu, Mikalah Teale
Ipswich Diggers
Lima Soe, Imogene Davidson, Ellecana Potoru-Moala, Daktoa Taputoa, Emily Jackwitz, Kirra Muggeridge, Shianneh Sayer, Peta Fetu, Gemma Walker, Ula Peliua, Harmony Seumanutafa, Lyla Duffy, Sineva Ah Ki, Annabelle Cobbin, Ashley Marzhew, Liahona Theodore, Alayna Poasa, Eden Utatao
Brisbane Poinsettias
Madison Morris, Talon Robinson-Bartlett, Felice Quinian, Sheteyah Han, Taitiana (Ana) Smith, Kaia Skeen, Ash Cotter, Memphis Tanielu, Diantae Savage, Haraliza Ilau, Tarneaka Malone, Kheley Marie, Elaina Saluni, Dallas Taupau, April Stevens, Easter Taualai, Gabrielle Lolohea, Natalea Elias
Note: Team lists are subject to change before 1 May.
