NNSW NPL Transfer Battle: Key Player Moves Ahead of 2026 Season
The Northern NSW National Premier Leagues (NNSW NPL) has witnessed a flurry of transfer activity as clubs finalise their squads for the upcoming 2026 season. With wholesale changes across most playing rosters, teams are strategically bolstering their line-ups in a bid for championship glory.
Lambton Jaffas: From Tormenter to Teammate
In a notable move, Tom Parkes, who scored a crucial goal for Broadmeadow Magic in the 2025 grand final against Lambton Jaffas, has now joined the Jaffas. The quicksilver winger is expected to add significant pace to their attack. "Tom has come over to us looking for more game time," explained Lambton coach David Tanchevski. "Only a couple of months ago, he was the hero against us."
Parkes is one of four new arrivals at Edden Oval, alongside goalkeeper Ethan Lewis from Edgeworth, who will serve as understudy to captain Ben Kennedy. The club has also secured Mitch Rooke from Bentleigh Greens and American striker Drew Patterson, who led Belmont Swansea's attack last season. "Drew has been excellent in pre-season and will make a big difference up top," Tanchevski added.
Departures from the Jaffas include Matt Cahill (to Azzurri), Matt Buettner (to Weston), and the retired Nikolai Topor-Stanley. Despite these losses, Tanchevski emphasised the squad's consistency compared to last year.
Edgeworth Eagles: Reinforcing the Front Line
Edgeworth, who finished second in the previous season, have been particularly active in the transfer market. They have strengthened their attacking options with the signings of Stefan Cordwell from Sunshine Coast, Aaron Niyonkura from Weston, Jayden Stewardson from Magic, and Reece McManus from Azzurri.
New Zealander Jarrod McKenchnie will bolster the midfield, helping to cover the departure of skipper Andrew Pawiak, who has moved to Canberra. "It is a whole new group. Therein lies the challenge," said Edgeworth coach Peter McGuinness. "You can have players who have been good at other clubs, but you have to get them playing the way you want to play."
Weston Bears: Fresh Faces for a New Campaign
Weston, who placed third last season, have introduced at least five new players. In addition to Matt Buettner's arrival from Lambton, the Bears have signed Ryan Ensor from Magic, Jets academy graduate Kyle McSeveny, Korean forward JB Kim, and Canadian attacker Carson Wood.
This influx of talent aims to build on their strong previous performance and challenge for higher honours in the 2026 competition.
Other Notable Transfers Across the League
Broadmeadow Magic: While Tom Parkes has departed, the club may retain key players like Tom Beechum and Jack Simmons, who are attracting interest from Melbourne clubs. Former NPL player of the year Keanu Moore has also been linked with a move to Magic.
Azzurri: Have secured Jets academy duo Cooper Vimpani and Pharrell Trainor, adding youthful promise to their squad.
Belmont Swansea: Have signed veteran Japanese striker Sho Goto as their third import, bringing experience from stints in Latvia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Valentine: Welcome back former Australian under-18 representative Max Middleby after two seasons in the US, while winger Scott Pettit, a multiple NPL premiership winner, has retired.
Season Kick-off and Roster Rules
The 2026 NNSW NPL season is set to commence on February 19, with promoted club Kahibah hosting Lambton Jaffas in the opening match. Clubs must submit their 23-man playing rosters by February 13.
Under new regulations from Football Australia, only players under the age of 21 can be called into the top grade from outside the roster, a change from the previous under-23 limit. Once submitted, rosters cannot be altered until the mid-season window on May 11, adding strategic importance to these pre-season transfers.
As teams finalise their squads, the transfer battle highlights the dynamic nature of the NNSW NPL, with clubs aiming to balance experience, youth, and tactical cohesion for a successful campaign ahead.
