NCC Round 7 Preview

NCC Round 7 Preview: The Deciding Week.

Hakeem Richards is tackled by JDF Warriors

KINGSTON, Jamaica — July 9th, 2026 — The 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) reaches a critical stage in the competition as the teams return to the field after a break to celebrate the life of departed National Player, Kenneth Walker.

After the five rounds played, the Liguanea Dragons sit pretty at the top of the table, unbeaten after all games they have played. These games have been backed by grit, determination and an almost airtight defence. The Jamaica Defence Force Warriors are in second, by goal difference over the Duhaney Park Red Sharks. The Warriors boasts the competitions most lethal attack, scoring 159 points. Last year’s beaten finalists, The Red Sharks enter this round on a resurgence after winning their last two games. Defending champions the St Catherine Thundercats enter the week aiming to build some consistency on their title defence road. The West Kingston Hyenas look to bounce back this week after some disciplinary issues in their last game. The Washington Boulevard Bulls are still searching for their first win. 

Round 7 features three contests this Saturday at Up Park Camp. These include a clash between the league's most potent attack and best defence. This round will define if there is a separation between the leaders and chasing pack.

St Catherine Thudercats vs Duhaney Park Red Sharks

1:15 p.m.

This matchup is a repeat of last year’s final.

The Thundercats enter the contest feeling confident after beating the Bulls and gaining the upper hand against the Red Sharks in their round 2 contest. The Thundercats outplayed the Red Sharks in that game. The Cats will rely on national player Tahj-Jay Lynch to help steer them around the field and use big runners Shevaughn Smith and Ahmeeiqikie Miller to help them score. The resurgent Red Sharks will have something to say about that, coming off back-to-back wins against the Bulls and the Warriors. The Red Sharks hope to have their skipper, Marvin Thompson back on deck whilst relying on their rock, Chevaughn Bailey who has been their standout player all season. Goal kicking will be crucial in this game as Adrian Thomas, the sharpshooter from the Red Sharks goes up against Miller who has been the Thundercats' most prolific kicker this season.

Prediction: Too close to call

The Thundercats will go into the game following a victory against the Bulls. The resurgent Red Sharks will try every tactic to come out on top.

West Kingston Hyenas vs Washington Boulevard Bulls

2:45 p.m.

Washington Boulevard showed flashes of promise against the Thundercats in their last game and will aim to continue their improvement on the field. Their struggle is in defence as their young team comes to terms with playing against more experienced players. They will look to Shaquille Drummond with his electric running game to help them score. This will be combined with the return of Chevaun Smith who has come in to help shore up the young Bulls' defence. Their goal kicking will come to the fore, as young Derone Plummer is among the top five kickers in the competition this season.

The Hyenas enter Round 7 following a heavy defeat in their last outing and with 3 of their senior players suspended they aim to bounce back against the Bulls. They have proved to be a surprise this season, beating the Thundercats earlier in the competition. This week they will look to young hooker Nicholas Topey and the experienced Errick Groves to help them mount a strong fight against the Bulls.

Prediction: The Bulls come away with their first win of the season.

The Hyenas should be competitive for periods, but with the experience they have lost the Bulls might grind out a victory.

JDF Warriors vs Liguanea Dragons

4:30 p.m.

This is undoubtedly the match of the round.

The Dragons have been the story of the season, remaining unbeaten, including a victory over the Warriors in round 2. Their success has been built on airtight defence, having only conceded 29 points this season. This is supported by efficient goal-kicking from Andre Lee and Adrian Hall, and the finishing ability of Shevaune Campbell supported by a lethal forward pack of national players Akeem Kitson, Hakeem Richards and Romario Bartley.

The Warriors enter the contest following a hard-fought match against the Red Sharks. They lost their second match of the season in that game. Their lethal attack is led by national player Shamarr Cueray who leads the competition with 8 tries and supported by POR players Shezraye Thompson and Jowayne “Machine” Forbes who have 13 tries between them. The Warriors will aim to break the Dragons' defence with their hard-running pack and outside backs.

Prediction: Too tight to call.

Expect a semi-final-like atmosphere. Last game played by the two earlier this season was a low-scoring affair with only 19 points scored. Expect both teams to grind it out and try to overcome the other with quick breaks and their kicking game.