The 2026 NSW Senior Carnival brought Clontarf boys from across the state to Sydney for a week of rugby league, leadership opportunities and career-focused experiences.
The week began with tours of the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, giving boys the chance to experience two of the country’s most iconic sporting venues. A special highlight came when former NSW and Sydney Roosters great Brad Fittler presented jerseys inside the SCG dressing rooms.
Boys also had the opportunity to hear from current and former professional athletes including Jack Wighton, Connor Watson and Triston Reilly, who spoke openly about the dedication, discipline and mindset required to compete at the highest level.
A new addition to this year’s program was the Senior Carnival Gala Dinner at Randwick Racecourse, replacing the traditional Ross Kelly Cup Dinner format. The evening focused on networking and career conversations between academy members, staff and partners, creating more opportunities for boys to speak directly with guests about employment pathways and life beyond school.
The dinner featured a range of speakers and presentations, including Clontarf Founder and CEO Gerard Neesham, a Senior Carnival captains Q&A featuring representatives from all eight NSW regions, and insights from players involved in the 2025 NRL Premiership season. Narromine Academy alumnus Jordan Itoa served as emcee, while Matraville Academy member Alaray Breckenridge delivered an Acknowledgement of Country.
On the field, the carnival delivered a strong standard of rugby league across two competitive days of matches. Teams competed with intensity and pride, while several boys earned selection in Possibles and Probables squads for the annual NSW versus Queensland clash, later in the year.
The carnival concluded with a hard-fought Grand Final, with Mid North Coast defeating Central Coast to claim the 2026 NSW Senior Carnival title.
Across the week, boys represented their academies strongly, whether competing on the field, speaking in front of large crowds or building relationships with partners and staff from across the Clontarf network.
Congratulations to all who participated!
