Country Week returns to regional Queensland in 2026
A full round of Hostplus Cup fixtures will once again head to rural and regional Queensland, with the Queensland Rugby League and Queensland Government today unveiling the 2026 Country Week schedule.
Backed by the Queensland Government and presented by Ford, the long‑standing initiative will see all Round 19 Hostplus Cup matches played across regional centres.
Games will be hosted by local clubs and leagues in Ayr, Blackwater, Clermont, Gympie, Innisfail, Roma and Warwick across the weekend of July 25-26.
Country Week has a proud tradition of taking the game’s emerging NRL and State of Origin stars to the bush.
Current Maroons captain Cameron Munster featured for the Tigers in their 34-12 win over the Capras in Emerald in 2014, a match that also included South Sydney Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker.
Fellow Maroon and seasoned back‑rower Kurt Capewell lined up for the Ipswich Jets in Charters Towers the following year.
Acting Sports Minister Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was proud to continue its support of Country Week.
“Queensland is the home of Australian sport and rugby league plays a huge role in our communities across regional Queensland,” Minister Powell said.
“The economic benefits of Country Week are enormous, but the greatest impact will be the chance for local rugby league participants and fans to come together and get up close to future NRL and Maroons stars in their own backyard.
“These kinds of opportunities inspire the next generation to get involved in sport.”
QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden acknowledged the strong backing of the Queensland Government, Ford and the Hostplus Cup clubs.
“Regional people are going to witness genuine blockbuster contests – the kind of games that show exactly why this competition is so highly regarded,” Maiden said.
“Country Week has always been about more than the 80 minutes on the field. These visits leave a real legacy.
“Children get to meet players they’ve only ever watched on screens, and our players gain a deeper appreciation of the passion and commitment that keeps footy alive in the bush.
“It’s an experience that stays with everyone involved.”
Following matches that were played in Augathella and Gayndah for the first time last year, 63 towns have now hosted Country Week fixtures.
The 2026 host communities – Ayr, Blackwater, Clermont, Gympie, Innisfail, Roma and Warwick – will now begin preparations to welcome teams, officials and supporters with Queensland’s renowned country hospitality.
Country Week, presented by Ford
Innisfail: Northern Pride v Souths Logan Magpies - Saturday, July 25, 3.30pm
Ayr: Townsville Blackhawks v Burleigh Bears - Saturday, July 25, 6pm
Clermont: Mackay Cutters v Redcliffe Dolphins - Saturday, July 25, 5pm
Blackwater: CQ Capras v Brisbane Tigers - Saturday, July 25, 3.40pm
Gympie: Sunshine Coast Falcons v Norths Devils - Saturday, July 25, 3.30pm
Roma: Western Clydesdales v Ipswich Jets - Saturday, July 25, 3pm
Warwick: Tweed Seagulls v Wynnum Seagulls - Sunday July, 26 @ 2.10pm
Sunday’s feature match, presented by National Storage, will be broadcast live and free across Qplus.tv, Kayo and 9Now. All matches available on Qplus.tv
