Northern Territory Cricket is proud to announce the Northern Territory Indigenous Men’s Team that will travel to Yuwibara Country (Mackay, Queensland) to compete in Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) from 14–19 April 2026.
The NICC is part of Australian cricket's elite development pathway, aiming to grow the representation of Indigenous cricketers at the highest level of the sport. The competition also provides an opportunity for Indigenous players to strengthen their cultural connection and compete on a national stage.
The NT squad features a mix of returning players from last year’s side, as well as several new faces who have impressed through the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition, Alice Springs Cricket Association and 33rd annual Imparja Cup, powered by DXC Technology.
After earning his maiden NICC callup in 2025, 16-year-old Harrison Johnny (Garawa/ Waanyi) will be looking for a breakout campaign following his recent selection as the first Territorian in the MCC Foundation National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp.
Rhys French (Palawa), Andrew Richards (Larrakia) and Marko Martino (Bidjara) are new to this year’s team, with all three impressing throughout DDCC in 2025. Richards captained Nightcliff to A grade finals in both the T20 and 50-over competitions, while French and Martino performed strongly across ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade levels for PINT and Darwin respectively. They will be joined by the returning Brad Ilott (Arrernte), who also played for PINT ‘A’ grade and earnt a ‘Black Cap’ as part of NT’s 2025 NICC side.
Ariki Lowe (Arrernte) has been rewarded with selection following his standout 2026 Imparja Cup - he took out the ‘Shane Franey and Rossy Williams MVP’ after amassing 117 runs and 12 wickets. Teammate Dylan Fuller (Nijic) was also a strong contributor (11 wickets) alongside Daniel Fett (Jawoyn), who was the second leading run scorer (and 2025 MVP), and a strong performer for Palmerston ‘B’ grade in 2025.
Northern Territory Cricket Head of Cricket Nick Winter said:
“NT Cricket are excited for another edition of the NICC, and for the opportunity for the Territory’s best Indigenous cricketers to perform on the national stage.
“Alongside Harrison’s recent feats at a National level, to be able to field an NICC team featuring several ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade DDCC/ASCA players shows our NT team is heading in the right direction; and we remain committed to putting more resources into our Indigenous pathways and talent development”.
Northern Territory NICC 2026 Squad:
| Daniel Fett | Jawoyn |
| Rhys French | Palawa |
| Dylan Fuller | Nijic |
| Brad Ilott | Arrernte |
| Harrison Johnny | Garawa/Waanyi |
| Tyler Kelly | Warumungu/Luritja |
| Ariki Lowe | Arrernte |
| Marko Martino | Bidjara |
| Kael Newcombe | Ngunnawal/Wagadagam |
| Andrew Richards | Larrakia |
| Sam Richards | Ngiyampaa |
| Ben Stares | Dharawal/Darug |
| Djarrin Stuart | Arrernte |
| Allister Young | Yawuru |
| Coach – Trent Keep | |
| Assistant Coach – Rhys French | |
| Team Mentor – Ray White |
NITV will broadcast finals across the weekend, with live or on-demand viewing available on SBS On Demand. All other matches can be streamed via Cricket Australia’s YouTube Channel.
The 2026 NICC will be held from April 14-19 in Mackay, with matches to be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena and surrounding grounds at Harrup Park.
The NICC side has been selected by the NT Cricket’s Head of Cricket, Pathway and Talent Development Coach and an Independent Selector in line with NT Cricket’s ‘Selection Policy’.