Former St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Junior Amone has capped off a standout season with Kiama Rugby Club, taking out the Best and Fairest award at the club’s end-of-year presentation night over the weekend.

Kiama Rugby enjoyed a huge 2025 season, with both grades reaching their respective grand finals. 

The club’s first-grade side broke a 22-year title drought, claiming the Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) Premiership.

A major boost to their success was the inclusion of former NRL talent Amone, whose leadership and creativity made a big impact throughout the year. 

Kiama teammate Dante Patrick recently spoke about Amone’s influence during their major semi-final victory.

“He just came into his own. He saw that our forwards were taking it up through the middle and he said, ‘I’ve got to reward these forwards,’” Patrick said.

“That’s the mentality we felt from him - if the forwards are laying the platform, what’s my excuse not to take a crack? He took the ball and just ran with it, and we’re so proud of him.

“He’s a quietly spoken guy, but when he does speak, he has the whole room’s attention. It’s been amazing to see that side of him and to have him lead us in that back 20.”

The 23-year-old previously played 54 NRL games for the Dragons before being stood down by the league for 12 months in 2023 following his involvement in a 2022 incident in Warrawong.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that Amone is looking to resurrect his NRL career, with his manager Mario Tartak confirming that Amone will complete a court-imposed Intensive Correction Order (ICO) next week.

“I wanted to bring one of my clients to the forefront - Junior Amone - who completes his Intensive Correction Order on 25 October 2025,” Tartak wrote in an email to NRL clubs.

“This means Junior will be eligible to reapply for registration to play in the NRL. In the meantime, he has maintained his fitness and competitive edge by playing rugby for Kiama, where he recently helped his team win the grand final.

“He’s an exceptionally talented half who is eager for an opportunity to get back into the game. At just 23 years old, he still has a lot to offer. If any club is interested in discussing his return, I’d be happy to arrange a chat ahead of the pre-season in November.”

The other awards of the Kiama Rugby presentation night went to:

• Coaches Award: Nick Pittolo
• Most Improved Player: Ray Taufa
• Best Back & Players’ Player: Jasper Scobie
• Best Forward: Jeromy Cairns
• Outstanding Club Service: Daniel Gerhan
• Clubman of the Year: First-grade coaches James and Trevor Patrick

Kiama Rugby President Mark Redding said the event was a fitting celebration of an incredible season.

“It was a great night to finish off a great year,” Redding said. “Everyone is looking forward to next season.”