August 28, 2026
Kingaroy Red Ants booked the first spot in the 2026 South Burnett Rugby League Grand Final after a gutsy 20-12 victory at home over the Blackbutt-Yarraman Timbertowners in the Major Semi-Final last Saturday.
But the Timbertowners, who only rejoined the A Grade competition this year, still have one life left … they will be taking on the Murgon Mustangs this Saturday at Murgon to decide the second Grand Final spot (see game times, below).
The clash between the top two teams on the ladder at T.J. O’Neill Oval was a grind for the first 30 minutes, before Toby Schmidt finally broke through to put Kingaroy’s first points on the board.
His try was converted by Marcus Jensen, who kicked three from three on the day.
The armwrestle then continued until the last five minutes of the first half when both teams managed to score.
Cory Neal grounded the ball in the corner for the Red Ants, followed just minutes later by Luke Pollock adding the first points to Blackbutt’s scorecard.
Daemon Cruise converted the Pollock try and at half-time, Kingaroy led 12-6.
The second half began with a try to Kingaroy’s Uale Peneli but with Kingaroy ahead 18-6, there was a long stoppage when a Blackbutt player was injured and an ambulance had to be called to the ground.
When play resumed, Sean Hams stormed to the line for the Timbertowners, narrowing the gap to 18-12.
Blackbutt pressed Kingaroy hard during the last 15 minutes but the game was put beyond their reach when Marcus Jensen kicked a penalty goal in the last two minutes.
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Minor Semi-Final
Earlier, the Murgon Mustangs ended the Wondai Wolves’ 2026 campaign by downing them 36-22 in the Minor Semi-Final.
The Wolves put the first points on the board via quick try to Josh Scott, converted by Torren Anderton.
But the Mustangs then dominated play, with five back-to-back tries, including two by Will Webber.
Murgon’s other first half tries were racked up by Rowan Gordon, Nathan Roderick and Jake Sippel with Roderick kicking two conversions.
Albert Dynevor gave Wondai supporters some hope eight minutes before the half-time break, narrowing Murgon’s lead to 24-12.
Murgon began the second half in style with some rapid passing and then an across-field kick which put Liam Irwin across the line.
Wondai’s next points came almost 20 minutes later with a try by Nicholas Urban.
The Wolves, helped by Murgon giving away penalties, then began to dominate possession, however, they failed to capitalise on a Murgon player being sent to the bin.
The Mustangs scored in the last 10 minutes when Lachlan Zelinski dived under the posts
Wondai’s Josh Scott then scored a late consolation try, converted by Nicholas Urban, but the Wolves’ season was over.
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Under 14s
In Under 14s, minor premiers Murgon Mustangs earned a Grand Final spot by downing Nanango Stags in the Major Semi-Final played at Kingaroy on Saturday.
Nanango will now play the Kingaroy Red Ants this weekend for the second berth.
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This Weekend’s Games
Two Under 12s pre-match games will be played before the sudden-death Preliminary Finals at Murgon Sportsground:
- 10:00am: Under 12s – Kingaroy Mulga v Murgon Mulga
- 11:00am: Under 12s – Nanango v Murgon
- 1:00pm: Under 14s Preliminary Final: Nanango v Kingaroy
- 2:30pm: A Grade Preliminary Final: Blackbutt v Murgon
Entry to the ground is $5.00. The canteen will be open all day and the bar will open at 2:00pm.
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Three South Burnett teams will be chasing Grand Final glory at Bundaberg’s Salter Oval on Saturday!
- 9:30am: Under 15s Girls – South Burnett Eagles v Hervey Bay Green
- 10:45am: Under 13s Girls – South Burnett Eagles v Hervey Bay Green
- 1:30pm: Open Women – Cherbourg Women v Past Brothers
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The 2026 South Burnett Rugby League’s Presentation Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 12, at Kingaroy Town Hall.
Tickets are $50, which includes dinner and dessert, and can be booked online
