Round 1 of the 2026 season delivered a strong opening statement across both the Men’s Fortescue Premier Grade and Women’s Challenge Cup, headlined by a thrilling semi-final rematch broadcast live on STAN Sport.
All eyes were on Nedlands and Wanneroo in a blockbuster repeat of last year’s semi-final, with the reigning premiers picking up right where they left off in 2025. Wanneroo dominated the opening half with standout play from their fullback and hooker. In a gripping contest, Wanneroo edged out Nedlands 38-35 in a high-quality encounter.
Wanneroo built pressure across the match, with Callan scoring two tries, while Lloyd, Roux, and Davis also crossed to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Their ability to convert proved crucial, with consistent kicking from Ale and a penalty goal from Grattan ultimately proving decisive. Late in the match, Wanneroo regained control to close out the result.
Nedlands responded strongly in the second half, with the momentum swing driven by better ball retention and repeated success down the right edge, where their outside backs proved dangerous. Sangiorgi scored two tries, while Dobson, De Lange, and Drummond added further tries to bring the margin back within reach. Despite their strong second-half surge and reliable kicking from Innes, Nedlands fell short in this standout match.
The match also carried emotional significance, with Joseph “Peanut” Ritchie leading Nedlands players out ahead of kick‑off after suffering a serious spinal injury last season – a moment warmly acknowledged by players and supporters.
Elsewhere, Wests Scarborough opened their season with a hard-fought 24-19 win over Joondalup Brothers. Hulme’s crossed twice, with a try from Moody and a late effort from Hutton sealing the result. Joondalup Brothers saw accurate kicking from Tarawa and a try from Hemi, while also pausing for a moment’s silence to honour the late Charlie “Chuckles” Budwee.
Kalamunda and Southern Lions played out a tight 21-21 draw, with three tries apiece in an evenly contested battle. Kalamunda scored through Rawiri and Kamizona Heke, with Jordan making three conversions. Southern Lions answered with tries from Tacikalou Naisiroki and Thomas, while Lamatoa was flawless from the tee.
Cottesloe made a statement with a commanding 45–10 win over Palmyra in another semi‑final rematch. A hat trick from Greatwood, alongside tries from Gallagher, O’Callaghan, Robinson, and Winters, and five conversions from Taylor, proved too much. Palmyra scored tries through Alatini, Eden, and Du Toit, with McCabe adding two conversions.
UWA edged out Associates 28-25 in a nail-biter match with tries from Iose, Merritt, Mitchell, and Williams, with Young and Hondros adding the conversions. Associates remained competitive throughout, led by a try from Ashdown and two tries from Goudon, but were unable to regain the lead late on.
The Women’s Challenge Cup also kicked off with Wanneroo taking a 34-7 win over Perth Bayswater. Petia starred with a hat trick, supported by tries from Monk, Heather, and Ah Sam, with Ah Sam and Te Tana adding the conversions. Perth Bayswater found the line through Waideman, with Munro adding the conversion, but Wanneroo’s attacking depth proved too strong.
Kalamunda held off Southern Lions 27-24, scoring through Stannett, with Heke and Stevenson each scoring two tries, and Walters adding the lone conversion. Southern Lions remained in the fight through a try from O’Shea and two tries from Wilson, but Kalamunda held firm to secure a tight victory.
A strong opening round has set the tone for the 2026 season. Round 2 kicks off this weekend, with Cottesloe vs. Nedlands streaming live on STAN Sport.
Women’s and Junior’s Round 1 is kicking off on 2nd May. Register here to be part of the season!
Men’s Fortescue Premier Grade - Round 1 Results
Joondalup Brothers (19) l. Wests Scarborough (24)
Kalamunda (21) d. Southern Lions (21)
Palmyra (19) l. Cottesloe (45)
Nedlands (35) l. Wanneroo (38)
UWA (28) d. Associates (25)
Women’s Challenge Cup – Round 1 Results
Wanneroo (34) d. Perth Bayswater (7)
Kalamunda (27) d. Southern Lions (24)
