The 2021 season saw the return of the competition, after it was cancelled after just one round in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[1] The Queensland Cup was to be played over 19 rounds in 2021,[2] but due to restrictions and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland, has been reduced to 18 rounds, with the finals delayed into October.

[3] In 2021, the line-up of teams remains unchanged for the seventh consecutive season.

The Warriors affiliation with the Dolphins is their first in the Queensland Cup since their partnership with the Souths Magpies in the 2000 season.

[5] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PNG Hunters are based out of the Gold Coast for the 2021 season, playing their home games at Runaway Bay's Bycroft Oval.