Kiama Beach Tag is back bigger than ever in 2026 for its fifth year, with a full house of teams, a live music line-up and what organisers are calling a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for junior players.

The one-day beach tournament taking place on 7 March has grown from fewer than 40 teams to 72 this year - its biggest field yet - with waiting lists in multiple divisions.

Founder Keiron Duncan said the growth has exceeded even his expectations.

“We started with high 30s, maybe close to 40 teams, and now we’re at 72 and basically at capacity,” Duncan said.

“We’ve got about 13 or 14 teams on the wait list, but we just can’t run it across two days. With weather, tides and swell, it’s too risky, so we keep it to one big day.”

The tournament will feature nine divisions this year and features a full standalone women's division.

“The standalone women’s division is full with eight teams, which is awesome.”

Photo: Brian Scott

The event will again feature an exhibition match with NRL and NRLW players and junior winners will also receive Rugby League World Cup tickets, along with what Duncan described as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“We’re calling it that for now,” he said. “It’s going to be pretty special for the kids.”

The tournament’s $20,000 prize pool also remains a major drawcard.

Beyond the football, the event continues to evolve into a full community festival.

In conjunction with the Sounds of Kiama Jazz and Blues weekend, organisers will open the bar on Kendalls Beach on Friday, 6 March from 4pm to 8pm, with local musician Ben Gunn performing live.

“With the (original) jazz festival being called off, we thought it was a good opportunity to get some live music happening in town,” Duncan said.

Saturday will see DJ Clayton Zane playing throughout the day, while Kiama Leagues Club will host an after party featuring two DJs into the night.

“There’s plenty to do in town for everyone over the weekend,” Duncan said.

Also on the sidelines will be the increased food and market stalls and the return of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s new screening bus, offering close to 100 free skin checks on the day.

Duncan shared the story of Australian rugby league star Emma Tonegato, who attended the event last year and underwent a routine check.

“It ended up being a melanoma,” Duncan said.

“She had to take some weeks off footy at the time. Now she’s an ambassador for the foundation. So that’s a really important part of what we do.”

Community involvement remains central to the tournament’s identity, with Kiama Surf Life Saving Club providing beach patrol, Kiama Lions Club assisting with parking and waste management, and strong backing from local businesses.

For Duncan, who founded the event and has overseen all five editions, the secret to its success lies in its setting and spirit.

“The opportunity to play with your mates on the beach, have a swim between games and be in a great part of the world like Kiama - that’s what makes it special,” he said.

“There’s a really good positive energy around the tournament. People are trying to win, but they’re not overly caught up in it. It’s just as much about what’s happening off the field.”