In 2025, the Kiama LGA enjoyed one of the most memorable sporting years in recent history.

The year delivered three top-grade grand final victories, four lower-grade premierships, four local NRL debuts, an 11th Coolangatta Gold triumph, and a young surfer winning two major qualifying series events.

Rugby league and rugby union

The year began with outstanding success across both rugby league and rugby union. Kiama sides reached grand finals in reserve and first grade in both codes. 

While reserve grade narrowly missed premiership success, first grade claimed the titles across both competitions.

Kiama Rugby’s clash against Shoalhaven was decided in dramatic fashion.

A sideline conversion after the siren from young gun Tom Baker sealed a one-point victory, ending a 22-year premiership drought and delivering the Illawarra District Rugby Union title.

Meanwhile, in Group 7 rugby league, the Kiama Knights produced one of the most courageous performances in club history.

Repeatedly defending their line against the Shellharbour Sharks, the Knights secured a gritty 16-4 grand final win, capping off a remarkable turnaround after winning just three games in 2024.

NRL and elite pathways

At the elite level, a remarkable eight Gerringong Lions juniors featured in the NRL in 2025, including four debutants.

Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan represented the Dragons for the first time, while Ashton Ward debuted for the Rabbitohs. 

They joined Reuben Garrick, Jackson Ford, Tyran Wishart and Kyle McCarthy as Lions products playing at the game’s highest level.

Kiama junior Maria Paseka also starred for St George Illawarra, featuring prominently in the NRLW competition throughout the season.

Local club success

Kiama Hockey Club enjoyed an exceptional year, with four women’s teams reaching grand finals across second, third, fourth and fifth grade. Fourth and fifth grade went on to claim premierships, capping off a strong season for the club.

Women’s soccer also flourished, with three local teams claiming premierships:

• The undefeated Kiama Quarriers All Age Division 1 side
• The undefeated Jamberoo Ravens Over 40s team
• The Gerringong Breakers All Age Division 3 team

Together, they rounded out a standout year for women’s sport across the LGA.

Surfing and endurance sport

Rising surfing star Lucy Darragh capped off a remarkable year by claiming bronze in the Under 16 female division at the ISA World Junior Championships. Her 2025 campaign included victories at the Nias Pro and the Taiwan Open, propelling her to number one on the Oceania Qualifying Series rankings.

Former Kiama nipper Ali Day further cemented his legendary status by winning a record-breaking 11th Coolangatta Gold - an achievement unmatched in the event’s history. 

He also announced his retirement in a career that includes an extraordinary résumé: five Nutri-Grain Ironman Series titles, four Australian Ironman Championships, one World Ironman Championship, and four Queensland Open Ironman Championships.

AFL and other highlights

In Aussie Rules action, although Kiama Power narrowly missed finals across all grades, the club recorded a significant year of progress. Highlights included the club’s first all-grade clean sweep in six years and four players selected in the AFL South Coast Teams of the Year.

Additional highlights from 2025 included:

• Former NRL stars Junior Amone (rugby) and Zac Lomax (cricket) lining up for Kiama teams
• Kiama bodyboarder Sophie Leathers winning the inaugural female division of the Shark Island Challenge
• 13-year-old Lennox Lindsay claiming the Under 14 Australian Junior Surfing Championship

Overall, 2025 delivered extraordinary success for sport across the Kiama LGA, for both men and women.

With clubs chasing back-to-back titles, locals competing at elite levels, and emerging juniors making their mark, 2026 promises to be even bigger.