NCC Round 4 Preview

File Photo: NCC Action: JDF vs Dragons

NCC Round 4 Preview: Heavyweight Clashes Set to Shape the Title Race

KINGSTON, Jamaica — June 20, 2026 — The 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) reaches nother critical stage on today as Round 4 action unfolds at the Mona Bowl, with all six clubs looking to strengthen their playoff positions before the competition enters its second half.

After three rounds, the Liguanea Dragons sit atop the standings as the competition's only unbeaten team on six points, while the JDF Warriors and West Kingston Hyenas are locked on four points. The Duhaney Park Red Sharks and defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats each have two points, while the Washington Boulevard Bulls are still searching for their first win. 

Round 4 features three intriguing contests, including a clash between the league's two hottest teams and a potential title-defining encounter between the unbeaten Dragons and reigning champions Thundercats.

West Kingston Hyenas vs JDF Warriors

1:00 p.m.

This matchup pits two of the competition's form teams against each other.

The Hyenas enter the contest on the back of consecutive victories over the Bulls and Thundercats. Their defensive resilience was particularly impressive in last week's 18-16 upset of the defending champions, where they absorbed prolonged pressure before securing the win. Andrew Hylton has emerged as one of the competition's most influential players, contributing heavily with both tries and goals, while Phillip Rowe and Eric Groves continue to provide support across the park. 

JDF, meanwhile, rebounded from their narrow Round 2 defeat to the Dragons in emphatic fashion, dismantling the Bulls 66-0. The Warriors have been the competition's most explosive attacking side, with Shezraye Thompson and Shamarr Cueary combining for seven tries in Round 3 alone. 

West Kingston has shown it can win close games, while JDF has demonstrated the ability to overwhelm opponents with pace and ball movement. If the Warriors establish momentum early, they could stretch the Hyenas. However, if the game becomes a defensive grind, the Hyenas have already shown they are capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.

Prediction: JDF Warriors by 8 points

The Warriors' superior attacking depth should prove decisive, though the Hyenas are likely to keep the contest close.

Washington Boulevard Bulls vs Duhaney Park Red Sharks

2:45 p.m.

Washington Boulevard have shown flashes of promise despite their winless start. They scored 18 points against the Hyenas in Round 2 but have struggled defensively, conceding heavily against both the Dragons and Warriors. Their biggest challenge remains limiting opposition scoring opportunities. Unsurprising, as their smaller players struggle to contain the bigger bodies of opposition, especially in the middle.

The Red Sharks come into Round 4 with a 1-2 record but arguably have a stronger resume than their position suggests. They pushed the Dragons all the way in a narrow 20-18 defeat last week and remain one of the competition's most experienced sides. Players such as Marvin Thompson, Chevaughn Bailey and Andrew Simpson continue to form the core of a squad capable of competing with anyone in the league. 

Duhaney Park's ability to control possession and field position should place pressure on a Bulls side that has conceded the most points in the competition through three rounds.

Prediction: Duhaney Park Red Sharks by 20 points, Bulls to grab at least a try.

The Bulls should be competitive for periods, but the Red Sharks' experience and attacking balance should eventually create separation.

St. Catherine Thundercats vs Liguanea Dragons

4:30 p.m.

This is unquestionably the match of the round.

The Dragons have been the story of the season, opening with three consecutive victories, including wins over the Bulls, JDF Warriors and Red Sharks. Their success has been built on defensive discipline, efficient goal-kicking from Adrian Hall, and the finishing ability of Kamarine Williams. Captain Michael Pearson has also led from the front, helping establish a physical platform through the middle. 

The Thundercats have experienced an inconsistent title defense. After losing to JDF in Round 1, they responded with a strong victory over the Red Sharks before suffering a narrow defeat to the Hyenas last weekend. Despite their 1-2 record, they remain one of the most talented squads in the competition, led by the likes of Tah-Jay Lynch, Joseph Daley and Mathew Craig. Recent news indicate that strike player Kevin Thomas and Ronaldeni Fraser will bot be missing for the Cats for an extended period as they are away playing the United States.

The Dragons have won all three matches by maintaining composure in pressure situations, while the Thundercats possess arguably the deepest roster in the league. If St. Catherine can generate quick rucks and expose the Dragons on the edges, they have the talent to hand Liguanea their first loss.

Prediction: Liguanea Dragons by four points.

Expect a finals-like atmosphere. The Thundercats have the talent to win, but the Dragons have consistently found ways to close out tight matches. Their confidence and momentum give them a slight advantage.