THE JDF Warriors are the 2026 Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) Men’s Rugby League champions after defeating first-time minor premiers, the Liguanea Dragons, 28-10 in an entertaining grand final at the UWI Mona Bowl on Saturday.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the Warriors, who captured their first NCC title since 2008. It was their fifth grand-final appearance. For the Dragons, it was their second finals appearance since joining the competition in 2013.

The Dragons started quickly, with prop Romario Bartley scoring a try inside the opening three minutes to put the Warriors under immediate pressure. However, the Warriors responded with a disciplined performance, gradually taking control of the contest.

Courtney Dennis led the Warriors’ attack with two tries, while Jowayne Forbes and Regeak Siley added one try each. Shezraye Thompson was also instrumental, converting three of the Warriors’ tries and adding two penalty goals for 10 points.

The Warriors’ comeback was built around powerful carries and strong forward play, with Forbes, Dennis and Winston Evans repeatedly making strong runs and helping to shift momentum in favour of the eventual champions.

The Dragons managed a second try through Andre Lee, with Adrian Hall converting, but they were unable to mount a second-half comeback.

Speaking after the final, JDF captain Jerome Laird praised his team’s ability to execute its game plan when it mattered most.

“It was a good game,” he said. “After losing twice to the Dragons in the regular season, we wanted to ensure we beat them when it matters. Once we were in their half and close to their try area, we wanted to force them into errors, and we flawlessly executed that plan. Overall, the season was close, and it shows the growth in the competition, where no one is a favourite anymore.”

The Duhaney Park Red Sharks ended their campaign with a convincing 20-2 victory over the St Catherine Thundercats in the third-place play-off.

Adrian Thomas was the standout performer for the Red Sharks, leading the scoring with 10 points from two tries and a goal. He was supported by teammates Oniel Williams and Tavel Boodie, who each crossed the line for a try, with Williams also adding a goal to round out the Red Sharks’ scoring.

The Thundercats struggled to break through the Red Sharks’ defence, with Shade Whyte accounting for their only points with a goal.

JDF Warriors

Shezraye Thompson, Jerome Laird, Courtney Dennis, Steve Miller, Peter Wilson, Raphael Lawrence, Kadion Smith, Giovannie Brown, Jerone Williams, Jahiem Grant, Winston Evans, Jowayne Forbes, Demar Williams, Regeak Siley, Shamarr Cueary, David Scott, Ronald Richards. 18th Man: Craig Mchayle

Coach: Roydell Reid

Liguanea Dragons

Demario Sappleton, Kamarine Williams, Shevaune Campbell, Akeel George, Andre Lee, Adrian Hall, Michael Pearson, Rohan Dwyer, Akeem Kitson, Hakeem Richards, Romario Bartley, Rascheem Kitson, Randy Clarke, Jaleel Green, Tyrell Thomas, Antonio Baker, David Williams. 18th Man: Jamar Lyn

Coach: Donovan Jackson