Australian Oztag is proud to celebrate the continued growth of women and girls in sport, with NSW Oztag’s Junior State Championships setting the benchmark for female participation at state championship level.
As the largest Junior State Championships NSW Oztag has ever delivered, the 2026 event represents a significant milestone, not just in scale, but in opportunity and inclusion.
Across both Junior State Cup tournaments
• 9–11s in St Marys, February 6–8
• 12–17s in Coffs Harbour, February 20–22
female participation will sit at an impressive 47% overall, a figure rarely seen across junior state-level sport.
Even more notably, the 12s–17s divisions will see female participation reach 49%, placing junior Oztag at the forefront of gender balance in competitive sport.
These numbers reflect a competition where girls are not only participating, they are thriving, competing, and leading at the highest junior levels.
Setting the Standard in Junior Sport
With hundreds of teams competing across two major tournaments, the Junior State Cup continues to position itself as a leader in participation, inclusion and opportunity.
At a time when many sports are working to grow female involvement, NSW Oztag’s Junior State Championships are already setting the standard, creating an environment where girls feel welcome, supported, and inspired to compete.
This achievement highlights the strength of Oztag’s pathways and the culture built by associations, coaches, families and volunteers across the state.
From Junior State Cup to Elite Sport
The impact of junior female participation extends far beyond the field. Many athletes who began their journey at Junior State Cup have gone on to achieve at the highest levels of sport, including NRLW.
One such example is Tayla Preston, who spent much of her junior career competing at State Cup before progressing to elite rugby league. Her journey highlights the importance of accessible pathways and competitive opportunities for young female athletes.
Reflecting on her experience, Preston said sport played a vital role in shaping who she is today.
“Participation in sport plays a powerful role in empowering young females. It builds confidence, self-belief and creates opportunities to form lifelong connections with teammates who share similar values and ambitions.”
She credits Oztag and junior competitions with helping develop key life skills such as leadership, resilience, teamwork and discipline, qualities that carried through into her NRLW career.
“I began playing Oztag at the age of five and, more than 21 years later, I am still playing. Sport has shaped my character, given me lifelong friendships and opened doors to new career pathways.”
With more pathways, visibility and opportunities than ever before, Preston believes it’s an exciting time for young girls to be involved in sport, whether as athletes, leaders or future role models.
“Sport has empowered me both on and off the field, and I hope to inspire the next generation of young girls to believe in themselves and chase every opportunity sport can offer.”
The Future of Women’s Sport
Australian Oztag and NSW Oztag are proud to celebrate this milestone and the young girls who continue to shape the future of the game.
With Junior State Championships fast approaching the next generation of female athletes is set to take centre stage once again.
Make sure to follow NSW Oztag across social platforms to keep up to date with all the action, highlights and stories from Junior State Cup.