Round 1 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW
Big statements, new beginnings and rivalries renewed
The 2026 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season bursts into life this weekend, with a stacked opening round that brings together established contenders, fresh faces and early opportunities to set the tone for the campaign ahead.
From Friday night lights to Sunday showdowns, Round 1 offers no shortage of intrigue.
Manly United FC vs St George City FA
7:30pm, Friday 6 February – Cromer Park
One of two matches to open the season sees Manly United host St George City FA under lights at Cromer Park.
Manly will be aiming to replicate their explosive start to 2025, when they opened with a 5–0 win on the opening night, before settling into an 11th-place finish amid a tight mid-table battle.
A new era begins at United this season, with Vladimir Knezevic taking the reins and bringing European coaching experience as Manly look to push higher up the ladder.
City also enter Round 1 with fresh leadership with Mirko Jurilj returning to the club. After reaching the Finals Series in 2024, City slipped to ninth last season and will be eager to close the gap to the top six.
The sides shared the points across 2025, with Manly claiming a 2–1 win in Round 6 before City responded with a 2–0 victory later in the year.
With both clubs under new management, an opening-night win could provide valuable momentum and early belief.
Sydney FC vs SD Raiders FC
7:30pm, Friday 6 February – Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
The other Friday night fixture sees Sydney FC welcome newly promoted SD Raiders for their first-ever NPL NSW Men’s match.
Sydney FC’s young squad finished 10th in 2025, highlighted by statement wins over Sydney United 58 and Blacktown City, and will again look to test opposition with their pace and technical quality.
SD Raiders arrive with momentum and confidence after finishing second in the League One Men’s competition and making a stunning run through the Hahn Australia Cup, knocking off Wollongong Wolves, Rockdale Ilinden and Blacktown City along the way.
Having already proven they can trouble top-flight opposition, the Raiders will be eyeing a strong first impression against a talented Sky Blues side.
NWS Spirit FC vs Sutherland Sharks FC
5:30pm, Saturday 7 February – Christie Park
One of the most compelling storylines of the round unfolds at Christie Park, where former Spirit Premiership-winning coach David Perkovic returns — this time in charge of Sutherland Sharks.
Perkovic led Spirit to the 2025 title, losing just once at home all season. Now, he faces his former side as he begins a new chapter with a revamped Sharks outfit.
Spirit, now under Sergio Malfara, will be eager to reassert their dominance at a ground that proved a fortress last season. They claimed a 3–1 win over the Sharks in 2025, with the reverse fixture ending in a draw.
Sutherland began last season strongly away from home and will be keen to rediscover that form in an early test of their ambitions.
St George FC vs Wollongong Wolves FC
6:30pm, Saturday 7 February – Barton Park
St George FC begin their season at Barton Park against a Wollongong Wolves side aiming to reignite their Finals push.
The Saints impressed in their first season back in the top flight, finishing clear of danger, and now turn to Raphael Marie to guide a new-look squad in 2026.
The big news for the Saints is the signing of former Socceroo Terry Antonis who will feature in his first game for the club. Former Wolves players Christopher McStay and Jake Trew headline the Saints’ recruits, alongside Harry Keys and Katsuyoshi Kimishima.
Wollongong finished just outside the top six last season, with late-season draws halting their momentum. They have retained key Championship performers, including Tate Russell and midfield leader Kazuya Yamamura.
With both meetings in 2025 decided by a single goal, this shapes as another tight and fiercely contested encounter.
Marconi Stallions FC vs APIA Leichhardt FC
7:00pm, Saturday 7 February – Marconi Stadium
One of the league’s fiercest rivalries is renewed as Marconi host reigning champions APIA Leichhardt FC.
APIA triumphed over the Stallions in last season’s Finals Series on their way to the title, while Marconi had the edge during the regular season, finishing just two points behind their rivals.
The hosts will be out for blood as they hope to hunt down their rivals and leading that charge will be new recruits Teng Kuol, Pearson Kasawaya, Jack Armson and Adam Bugarija.
APIA have retained much of their core squad, adding Michael Konestabo and Kyle Shaw to bolster their attacking and defensive stocks.
With recent Finals history and early bragging rights at stake, expect fireworks in this blockbuster clash.
Sydney Olympic FC vs Blacktown City FC
5:00pm, Sunday 8 February – Belmore Sports Ground
Belmore Sports Ground will play host to Sydney Olympic FC taking on Blacktown City in a clash shaped by off-season change.
Blacktown finished fifth last season, 10 points clear of Olympic, but enter 2026 with a refreshed look under long-time coach Mark Crittenden. Defensive recruits Nathan Grimaldi and Anthony Sparacino will be central to City’s push for consistency at the back.
Olympic, meanwhile, have undergone a similar rebuild under new coach David Magrone. Defender Ziggy Gordon remains a key figure, while Marco Arambasic provides a new attacking dimension and youngsters Ben Giason and Jacob Tresoglavic add promise in defence.
Blacktown were unbeaten in this fixture last season, but both sides will see Round 1 as a chance to kickstart their new era.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Rockdale Ilinden FC
3:00pm, Sunday 8 February – Wanderers Football Park
Sunday football gets underway with Western Sydney Wanderers hosting Rockdale Ilinden.
The Wanderers escaped relegation danger late last season, finishing strongly with just one loss in their final five matches, including back-to-back 3–0 wins.
Rockdale, Grand Finalists in 2025, arrive without leading scorer Alec Urosevski but boast new attacking options in Ollie Wiggin, Harry McCarthy and Moudi Najjar.
Ilinden will be eager to set their standards early, but the Wanderers, led by former NPL Men’s NSW Player of the Year Panny Nikas as head coach, showed last season they are capable of rising to the challenge.
Sydney United 58 FC vs UNSW FC
5:00pm, Sunday 8 February – Sydney United Sports Centre
Round 1 concludes with newly promoted UNSW FC taking on competition stalwarts Sydney United 58.
UNSW topped League One Men’s in 2025 and have retained much of their squad, adding League Two Player of the Year Jyden Harb to an already exciting group.
United 58 finished sixth last season and were Waratah Cup champions, with memorable results including an unbeaten record against APIA.
Despite significant squad changes, coach Miro Vlastilica has quality at his disposal, including Mason Wells and veteran goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic. The club is also hosting a legends day where they welcome back a distinguished roll call of former players and servants whose boots, belief and backbone have shaped the club from the 1970s onward.
UNSW will be aiming to announce themselves on the big stage, but United 58 will expect to defend their home turf as another NPL NSW Men’s season begins.
All matches this season can be watched live on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
-By Tim Gibson
