Following the implementation of the new National Community Rugby League (NCRL) structure, the North West Men’s League (NWML) has now reached the midpoint of the 2026 season.
Mid-season overview:
Having secured promotion from NWML Division 1 through their Grand Final victory in 2025, Hindley Stags have made an outstanding start in the Premier Division, recording eight wins from eight matches. Folly Lane and Shevington Sharks currently occupy second and third place, respectively. Elsewhere, two of the additional promoted clubs have experienced a more challenging start in the lower reaches of the table, while Wigan St Judes NWML and Waterhead Warriors A will be seeking improved performances during the second half of the season.
Division 1 remains highly competitive, with Salford City Roosters, Garswood Stags, and Newton Storm all level on 14 points, while Golborne Parkside remains close behind in fourth position. Spring View, winners of last season’s Division 3 Grand Final, have adapted well to Division 1 and currently sit in fifth place. Bank Quay Bulls and Leigh Miners Rangers A have faced a more difficult opening to the season, but both clubs will be aiming for stronger results in the weeks ahead.
Thatto Heath Crusaders Academy are another club to have maintained a perfect record and currently lead Division 2. Saddleworth Rangers A, returning to the North West Men’s League after several seasons in the Yorkshire Men’s League, sit in second place, with Portico Vine in third and a number of teams competing closely for fourth.
Clubs operating outside the main league structure are also able to participate in the Entry Division and Merit Division. These divisions are intended for clubs that have withdrawn, encountered difficulties completing fixtures in the previous season, or are new to the competition. Through a combination of scheduled fixtures and self-arranged matches, they provide valuable playing opportunities and offer clubs a pathway into the main structure for the following season. At present, Cadishead Rhinos, Woolston Rovers A, Salford City Roosters A, Westhoughton Lions A, and Widnes St Maries are among the clubs benefiting from this flexible format.
Although some one-sided results have been recorded across the divisions, the competition has also produced a considerable number of closely contested matches, including several decided by two-point margins, one-point outcomes, and draws following 80 demanding minutes of Rugby League.
The NWML continues to deliver a competitive and compelling season, and with nine rounds remaining before the play-offs commence, there is every expectation of an exciting conclusion to the campaign.
All the remaining fixtures for the North West Men's League can be found here.
