THE 2026 Rugby League Ipswich Grand Final will go down as one of the greatest finals witnessed in many years, with the Norths Tigers producing a dramatic 17-16 victory over the Fassifern Bombers in a thrilling A Grade decider at Hayes Oval, Harrisville.
From the opening whistle, Norths looked determined to take control. The Tigers started strongly and raced to a 10-0 lead, putting the Fassifern defence under plenty of pressure.
But the minor premiers showed why they had been the benchmark team throughout the season. The Bombers gradually worked their way back into the contest, refusing to panic and fighting for every metre.
What followed was a tremendous arm wrestle between two quality sides. Both teams traded points and momentum, with the game becoming tighter and more intense as the final siren approached.
With just five minutes remaining, the scores were locked at 16-all.
It was then that Norths five-eight Haydon Lipp produced the moment that will be remembered for years to come. With the pressure at its highest, Lipp calmly slotted a field goal to give the Tigers a 17-16 lead.
Fassifern desperately searched for a way back into the game, but the Norths defence held firm until the final siren.
The Tigers had done it – a one-point grand final victory and a premiership that will be celebrated for a long time.
Lipp got the deciding field goal that in the end achieved the Tigers victory, but it was the bruised and batted Lochlan Turnbull who was the Player of the Match with a sensational performance.
While the A Grade decider stole the headlines, there was plenty of excitement across the other grand finals throughout the day.
Norths Tigers completed a fantastic day for the club by claiming the Big Hit Reserve Grade Premiership, defeating the Redbank Bears 28-20 in entertaining contest.
In the Volunteers Cup Pool A, the Goodna Eagles secured the premiership after a tight 18-16 victory over the Springfield Panthers.
The Volunteers Cup Pool B title went to the Swifts Bluebirds, who finished strongly to defeat the Karalee Tornadoes 24-14 to win back-to-back titles.
It was a fantastic day of rugby league, with four grand finals producing plenty of excitement and quality football.
A field goal with five minutes remaining, a one-point margin and a premiership on the line – it simply doesn’t get much better than that.
Congratulations to all four Premiers and to every player, coach, official, volunteer and supporter who helped make the 2026 Rugby League Ipswich Grand Final day such a memorable occasion.
When does next year start?
