A 20-man Newcastle Rebels squad has been confirmed ahead of this year’s NSW Rugby League Country Championships, with players drawn from right across the Newcastle and Hunter landscape.
The line-up features strong representation from Western Suburbs, Maitland and Cessnock, alongside inclusions from South Newcastle, Kurri Kurri and the Northern Hawks, highlighting the depth of talent throughout the region.
Northern Hawks recruit Noah Ryan will make his representative debut for the Rebels after signing locally following a season in the Hostplus Cup with the Central Queensland Capras.
Maitland’s premiership-winning centre Matt Soper-Lawler has been appointed captain.
And, he’ll lead a group that blends established performers with emerging talent as preparations begin for the March tournament under former Gold Coast Titans head coach Garth Brennan.
NEWCASTLE REBELS
- Matt Soper-Lawler (c) – Maitland
- Isaac Blackhall – Maitland
- Callan Burgess – Maitland
- Luke Knight – Maitland
- Pat Achurch – Western Suburbs
- Jake Goodwin – Western Suburbs
- Kevin Naiqama – Western Suburbs
- Tyrone Nean – Western Suburbs
- Lachlan O’Brien – Western Suburbs
- Liam Wilkinson – Western Suburbs
- Liam Wiscombe – Western Suburbs
- Angus Ernst – Cessnock
- Luke Huth – Cessnock Goannas
- Lewis Young – Cessnock
- Justin Afflick – South Newcastle
- Ryan Glanville – South Newcastle
- Reid Alchin – Kurri Kurri
- Zac Montgomery – Kurri Kurri
- Connor Cromarty – Northern Hawks
- Noah Ryan – Northern Hawks
“I’m excited for guys likes Lewis Young and Angus Ernst to gain selection,” Brennan said.
“Obviously, with the retirements from representative football of Chad O’Donnell (Maitland) and Central Newcastle’s Cameron Anderson, they’re going to fill those positions.
“But, there’s also a changing of the guard.
“Some of the younger blokes like Connor Cromarty and Noah (Ryan) will get an opportunity, too.”
Brennan added Soper-Lawler was an easy choice to take over the reins from O’Donnell as skipper.
“Matt’s a natural captain, given everything he’s achieved in the game,” he said.
“His demeanour with the players and his leadership were a big standout.
“So, he was the logical pick to have the ‘C’ next to his name.
“I’m also delighted to have Luke Huth back in the No. 9 jumper, too.
“He’s all class.”
Selectors have indicated that while 20 players have been named initially, a small number of others may be invited to the upcoming trial match, with up to four further squad places still potentially available.
THE BIG WINNERS
It’s great to see Justin Afflick rewarded after being one of the most consistent middle forwards in the competition, despite South Newcastle missing the finals series. Callan Burgess has also forced his way into the squad following a breakout 2025 season for Maitland.
THE ENTERTAINERS
The inclusion of Lewis Young, Luke Knight and Tyrone Nean gives the Rebels a backline loaded with speed, skill and unpredictability. On paper, it shapes as one of the most dynamic Rebel backlines in recent memory.
THE OLD GUARD
When it comes to toughness and reliability, you can’t go past Kurri Kurri’s Reid Alchin and South Newcastle’s Ryan Glanville — proven performers who know how to get the job done on the big stage. Add in Luke Huth, widely-regarded as the best country hooker in NSW, and the Rebels head into the Country Championships as clear favourites to defend their title.
GAME TIME
The Rebels will play a trial match against Ron Massey Cup side Glebe Dirty Reds on Saturday 21 February, providing players with the opportunity to push their claims ahead of final selections. Newcastle enters the tournament as reigning champions after last season’s grand final victory over Monaro at GIO Stadium.
COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS OPENER
The Rebels’ Country Championships campaign will begin on Saturday 7 March, with their opening match scheduled for Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan, the original home of the Canberra Raiders. Kick-off time and opponent are yet to be confirmed.
The Newcastle Weekly will provide full coverage of the Rebels’ progress throughout the 2026 Country Championships.
For more sports stories:
- Knights superstar confident fans will flock to Origin showdown in Newcastle
- Singleton breaks decade-long drought to claim JBS crown
- Holbrook names 28-man squad for Knights’ first hit-out
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
