WIN Stadium will host games for the Rugby League World Cup in October 2026 . Photo: Keeli Dyson.
The Rugby League World Cup is bound for Wollongong next year with hopes the international spotlight will further boost the profile of the game in the region, as Illawarra Rugby League continues to build and improve performance pathways and opportunities locally.
The Illawarra will be showcased on the world stage with thousands of rugby league fans from England, Samoa and Papua New Guinea descending on WIN Stadium to support their nation’s team, with Wollongong locals able to see the best of the sport right on their doorstep.
“Eyes will be on the Illawarra from all around the world and I think it’s massive for the region,” Illawarra Rugby League Head of Football Carlo Napolitano said.
“It is a spectacle, it happens every four years, so it’s not an everyday occurrence, and obviously it gets split between Europe and Oceania, so for it to be in our backyard I think people shouldn’t miss that opportunity to attend the games.”
Carlo was the coach of Italy’s national side for the first World Cup the country participated in in 2013, so the event holds a special place in his heart.
He has also experienced the thrill of representing the nation on the field, and hopes up-and-coming players watching the matches next October aspire to do the same.
“Playing internationally, playing for your country is really important; I’m fortunate I’ve done that,” Carlo said.
“I played Great Britain under 18s, and obviously played for Italy because my father’s Italian and I was very proud of my Italian heritage.
“There’s no better feeling than singing the national anthem for your country.”
The region will host both men’s and women’s matches as well as the entirety of the wheelchair rugby league draw.
That representation of this elite level, particularly for women and people with a disability, could help players to see the potential within the sport, as well as guide future local competition opportunities.
“We’re very proud of our leading female program, our females in the last three years have won the Harvey Norman premiership twice,” Carlo said.
“We produce a lot of NRLW players, if not for the Dragons for the other teams as well.
“The wheelchair rugby league is one that we haven’t tapped into yet in the area but I think it’s a great eye-opener.
“There’s a lot of variables on how we’d grow it but definitely something that we’ll be looking at.”
Strengthening Illawarra Rugby League’s future is something Carlo is particularly passionate about.
“One of the first things I did was sit down with the GM and go, ‘Well, what’s our vision, where are we going and what do we need to do to attain that?'”
Part of his focus is growing and improving quality through creating pathways from a young age.
“Stability is the key,” Carlo said. “We don’t want people coming in for a year and then out. We want them to stay around.
“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got the right curriculum from under sixes pushing all the way through the juniors that pour into the seniors.”
And ensuring everyone involved in the sport is able to reach their personal potential.
“Every player, boy or girl, man or woman, deserves to play the highest standard that they can play,” Carlo said.
“Some people’s standards are a little bit lower, some people’s standards are a little bit higher, and we should actually have pathways for all those – including coaches, including support staff.
“For me it’s about creating those pathways and then it’s up to the individual to push as hard as they can.”
It’s hoped the World Cup will create a surge in interest and help give the sport a boost, but it’s not just players who are being urged to get involved.
“There are other roles and jobs in the rugby league world where people can have a massive influence,” Carlo said.
“Especially around the committees and holding executive positions, even general committee.
“There’s so much that’s involved. It takes a village to run a rugby league club.”
Illawarra Rugby League is hoping to support those in executive positions through its annual Admin Conference on Saturday 6 December, and get the ball rolling for next year.
“The aim for us is to network but also to educate, it’s very administration heavy and if you don’t know what you’re doing it can be hard,” Carlo said.
“We want to make sure they understand what the supports are.”
To find out more about Illawarra Rugby League or the Admin Conference, visit its website.
More information about the World Cup is available through the Rugby League World Cup 2026 website.
