Cover Photo: Northern United RLFC Facebook

Tallon Smith

Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League club Northern United Dirawongs are on the lookout for a new coach in 2026 after long-term coach Chris Binge announced that the 2025 campaign would be his last.

The coach of the Dirawongs for the past five seasons, Binge guided Northern United to the finals last season, where they put up a brave fight only to be eliminated by Evans Head in the opening week.

2025 has been a tougher year for the club, who have so far only recorded one win from 12 games.

The Northern United RLFC released a statement on its Facebook page confirming the news and thanking Chris for his dedication to the club over the past half a decade.

“Chris Binge would like to announce that the 2025 season will be his final year as Head Club Coach & First Grade Coach with Northern United RLFC,” the statement read.

“Chris will step down from Northern United RLFC at season end to pursue other opportunities within the game. 

“Chris would like to thank every player, Board members, Life Members and supporters over the past 4-5 years for their overwhelming support to him in his role at Northern United RLFC and the Northern United Football family.

“We understand that this has been a very tough and difficult decision for Chris but one that has been made with careful consideration. 

“The Club highly values Chris’s voluntary dedication and commitment to the Club over the years and his valued experience that he brought to the Club will be missed. 

“Northern respectfully supports Chris’s decision and wishes him all the best in his Rugby League journey beyond his time at our great Club. 

“Chris’s passion as one of the original founding members has been undeniable. 

“Thank you Chris for everything that you have done behind the scenes.”

Further south, the Yass Magpies are also on the hunt for a new coach in 2026 after incumbent mentor Luke Berkrey agreed to terms with Group 9 club Cootamundra for next season.

Berkrey has been instrumental in continuing the rebuild at Yass, with President Tim Clayton telling Battlers last week that the club has been impressed with the experienced mentor’s leadership this season.

The Magpies are welcoming expressions of interest for the role.