Leading talent launch BMD Premiership season

BMD Premiership rivals came together at the picturesque South Bank Parklands today for the official launch of the 2026 season.

The opening round kicks off on Saturday with 2025 premiers the Brisbane Tigers at home to the Norths Devils, who will be guided by Queensland Maroons assistant Meg Ward in their quest for back-to-back finals appearances.

In the other Saturday games, Souths Logan Magpies travel to Cairns to play the Northern Pride, and Tweed Seagulls are home to the Western Clydesdales.

In Sunday’s fixtures, Burleigh Bears play the Sunshine Coast Falcons at UAA Park, the Ipswich Jets host the Mackay Cutters at Goodna, and Wynnum Manly Seagulls take on the Central Queensland Capras at BMD Kougari Oval.

Ward, a former Queensland and Australian representative, spoke about the strength of the QRL’s female pathways with host Peter Psaltis at today’s launch.

“It’s exciting times in the women’s space, I know we’re growing so much and we’re looking forward to a very competitive year,” Ward said.

Guests also heard from Brisbane Tigers captain Kelsey Parkin and QRL chair Brian Canavan, who spoke about the QRL’s commitment to building strong female community competitions to support further BMD premiership expansion.

Canavan also acknowledged the support of BMD, a valued QRL partner who have been backing the senior women’s competition since 2022.