For the first time in Kiama Rugby Club’s history, the club will host a major semi-final - with the first and reserve grade teams taking the field.

The major semi-final, played between the top two teams on the ladder, offers a direct path to the grand final for the winner. The loser gets a second chance the following week in the preliminary final.

After finishing second in both grades, Kiama will play for a spot in the grand final this Saturday at Kiama Showground.

"It's a great milestone for us," said club president Mark Redding. "We've never had a home major semi-final with both grades in it before.

“We’ve had minor semis way back in the early 2000s, but never a major semi-final with both teams involved, so it’s a big moment for the club - and very exciting.”

Kiama will face Campbelltown in first grade and Shoalhaven in reserve grade. Redding expects both visiting teams to bring strong supporter groups.

"Campbelltown usually travel well, and Shoalhaven do too," he said.

"Plus we’re expecting a big turnout from Kiama, with both teams involved. We’re focused on making sure everyone is looked after and has a great day."

This semi-final is the culmination of several years of rebuilding and development, with Kiama first grade making last year’s grand final and reserve grade finishing in the top four.

“Both sides did really well last year,” said Redding. “We were hoping to build on that, especially because we didn’t lose many players - and we picked up a few. We were very confident coming into this season."

Kiama Rugby are calling on the Kiama community to come out and support both grades as they try and qualify for the grand final. Photo: Brian Scott

Redding credited coaches James and Trevor Patrick for their leadership and recruitment, noting the strong culture they've fostered at the club.

“James and Trevor deserve a lot of credit. They’ve put together a great squad, they’ve got a strong reputation, and players want to play for them,” he said.

“The playing group is a great bunch of blokes - they work hard and enjoy themselves on and off the field. That shows in the way they play. Plus, the club is fully behind them. The support they get really helps.”

Kiama Rugby is eyeing an historic double - winning the premiership in both grades, something Redding can’t recall ever happening.

“Not in my time,” he said. “The last grand final we won was first grade in 2003. I’m not saying it’s never happened, but I’ve never heard of both grades winning in the same year.”

Heading into the weekend, Kiama’s reserve grade holds a 1-1 record against Shoalhaven this season, while first grade has lost both encounters with Campbelltown.

Reserve grade will kick off at 1.30pm at Kiama Showground, followed by first grade at 3pm.

Redding called on the local community to get behind the teams.

“I’d love the community to come down and support both teams,” he said. “To host a home major semi with both sides involved is a big achievement - it doesn’t happen every day.”

“We’d love to see that reflected in a big crowd on the sideline, cheering, wearing the black and white. Let’s get both teams into the grand final - that would be fantastic.”