Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart has been recalled to the St George Illawarra side for Saturday's crucial clash with the Roosters at Kogarah.Stewart was stood down from last Saturday's 28-24 loss to the Raiders in Canberra after suffering a concussion in the prevoius round when the Dragons knocked off Parramatta at WIN Stadium.The rookie lock has been cleared to make his return and was named on the interchange bench when Shane Flanagan announced his Round 19 team on Tuesday.Former Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A will line up for his 150th NRL game after the Samoan international previously played for Brisbane and South Sydney.He joined the Dragons in 2022 and after winning the Dragons Medal a year ago, he has been one of the team's top performers this season.Queensland winger Valentine Holmes has been named to back up from Wednesday's State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium, which means centre Corey Allan has been dropped to the reserves.Veteran second-rower Luciano Leilua has overcome a quad strain which sidelined him last week to also boost the pack alongside Stewart.Michael Molo has been relegated to the interchange with Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Viliami Fifita now in the reserves.The Dragons have won just six of theeir 15 starts in 2025 but are still in the playoff hunt in 11th spot, just two competition points behind eighth-placed Manly.They could leapfrog the Roosters, who are in ninth, if they can topple them at Kogarah this weekend.The Roosters have five players on representative duty - Connor Watson, Robert Toia, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins, while centre Billy Smith (knee), halfback Sam Walker (thumb) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) have also been named to make their return from injury.This Saturday's match will be a double-header with the NRLW side taking on the Roosters at 3.15pm before the NRL match at 5.30pm.The club will be celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the 2010 grand final victory over the Roosters with a strong contingent of former players on hand for the clash.

Kiama Power’s Premier Division side sent a powerful message to the Illawarra competition with a crushing 138–30 win over the Wollongong Bulldogs.In a historic day for the club, both the Reserve and Premier Division teams defeated their Bulldogs counterparts - something committee member Anthony Grady believes may never have happened before.“It might be the first time we’ve ever beaten both Bulldogs men’s sides on the same day,” Grady said.“We’ve been digging through the records and can’t find another instance - so it could be a club first.”It was only the second time the Power and Bulldogs had met this season, with the previous encounter decided by just four points in Kiama’s favour.To turn that into a 108-point blowout reflects how far the side has come.“That first game was our first win of the season, but we walked away a little disappointed,” Grady said.Kiama Power were coming off three losses before their historic win over the weekend. Photo: Maddi Aitkin.“We felt we dominated most of that match but let them score a few late goals in the last quarter, which made it look closer than it was.”At the halfway point of the season, Grady had called on the team to play with more confidence and maintain intensity through all four quarters. Last weekend, he saw that mindset come to life.“We showed much more confidence and focus. It was great to see the boys overcome that mental barrier,” he said.“We kicked 10 goals to none in the final quarter - we didn’t take the foot off the gas the whole way through.”Seventeen-year-old midfielder Elias Oldfield made his Premier Division debut and was a standout, kicking three goals.“We actually had 5-6 regular starters out, so it was great to see other players step up,” said Grady.Elias Oldfield made his Premier Division debut. Photo: Kiama Power.“Elias has come through our juniors, and he was outstanding on debut.”Despite the dominant performance, Grady stressed the team is staying grounded ahead of a huge match-up this weekend.“The Bulldogs are below us on the ladder, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.“This weekend is a big one - we face Shellharbour, who we haven’t played yet and they’re sitting third. We haven’t beaten a team above us yet, so this is a real test.”Meanwhile, Kiama Power’s women’s side narrowly went down to Bomaderry by just three points. They’ll be looking to bounce back this weekend when they take on the Wollongong Bulldogs.

Gerringong surfer Lucy Darragh has risen to the top of the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series rankings following her standout victory at the Nias Pro in Indonesia.The 15-year-old surfed her way to a breakthrough win on the international stage, dominating the event held in Nias from June 21 to 26.“The trip was such a cool experience,” Lucy said. “I learnt so much. The waves at Nias were incredible - especially for a competition.”In the final, Darragh faced close friend Charli Hately. She locked in scores of 7 and 6.53 on her opening two waves - enough to secure the win.“It was so good to share a final with such a good friend. We were laughing and having a chat out there - it was such a good atmosphere,” she said.Her father, Larn Darragh, was waiting in the channel during the final. Once the result was confirmed, Lucy paddled over to share the special moment with him.Lucy surfing in Nias.“Both my dad and I were so excited - and a bit shocked too! It took a while for the achievement to sink in, but I’m so happy and can’t wait to compete there again,” said Lucy.The win bumped her to number one on the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series Rankings - one of her major goals for 2025.“I’m surprised to be on top of the rankings this early, especially with how many incredible surfers are competing,” she said.“I’m hoping to do well in the upcoming QS6000 events later in the season and hopefully finish in the top four to qualify for the Challenger Series.”While in Indonesia, Lucy also competed in the Krui Pro, facing off against a field of more-experienced surfers. She advanced to the Round of 32 before being narrowly eliminated.“Although I got knocked out early, I learnt a lot of new heat strategies and gained experience at the top QS level,” she said.“Krui is such a special place - with so many waves to surf and fun adventures - so I’m really grateful I got to go there.”With her sights now firmly set on the Challenger Series, it seems Gerringong may have another rising star in the making - following in the sandy footsteps of local legend Sally Fitzgibbons.

KIAMA QUARRIERS 3 d M OSS VALE 0

KIAMA JFC - UNDER 16/17 MIXED DIVISION 3KIAMA JFC 4 d SOUTH COAST UNITED 0

It wasn’t a good weekend for local teams in NAIDOC Round 12 of the Group 7 competition, with both first-grade sides falling short in two tightly contested clashes.All first-grade teams wore specially designed NAIDOC jerseys to commemorate the occasion, with every game kicking off with a Welcome to Country ceremony.Group 7 Operations Manager Ashton Sims said the round held special significance.In a top-of-the-table showdown at Ron Costello Oval in Shellharbour, third-placed Kiama Knights were aiming to upset ladder leaders Shellharbour Sharks for the second time this season.Despite missing five-eighth Sam Hooper due to injury, Kiama struck first through a slick backline movement, finished off by Kye Andrews in the 34th minute.They led 6–0 at halftime, but the Sharks struck back just three minutes into the second half.Shellharbour and Kiama in their clash earlier this season which Kiama managed to win. Photo: @SticksPix_ Halfback Braxton Wallace grubbered for himself and scored under the posts to level the scores.Moments later, Shellharbour capitalised on an awkward bomb that Kiama failed to field, scoring again to take a 12-6 lead. A late penalty goal sealed the win for the Sharks, with the final score 14-6.Kiama fullback Brad Killmore, who sustained an injury in the match and is expected to spend four weeks on the sidelines, remained optimistic.“It was a disappointing scoreline, but there are still lots of positives to take away from the game,” he said.“Completing at 60% was what killed us yesterday, so that’ll be a big focus. Very happy with the defensive effort - only conceding tries off kicks.”Meanwhile, the Jamberoo Superoos also suffered a narrow defeat, going down to the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.Nowra Bomaderry players participating in the smoking ceremony at the beginning of the match. Photo: Nowra-Bomaderry JetsThe Superoos have been plagued by injuries this season and are still awaiting the return of several key players. Nevertheless, they started strong, with centre Riley Plekan beating three defenders to cross in the 10th minute.Nowra hit back quickly, scoring off a kick just three minutes later. No further points were added in the first half, with Nowra leading 6-4 at the break.Centre Dean Watling put Jamberoo back in front early in the second half after finishing off a pinpoint kick from halfback Jono Dallas.Nowra winger Braydon Rumble-Walsh turned the game with back-to-back contributions - first scoring a try with some sharp footwork, then breaking the line and offloading for another to push the lead to 16-10.Jamberoo equalised with 17 minutes left through centre Dill Johnston, but couldn’t hold off Nowra, who sealed the win with two late tries.Gerringong Lions had the bye this week. Next round, they’ll face competition leaders Shellharbour Sharks, while Jamberoo take on Milton and Kiama face off against Albion Park-Oak Flats.

KIAMA KNIGHTS U18 GTKIAMA KNIGHTS 22 d DE LA SALLE 12

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U16 GTKIAMA KNIGHTS 34 d SHELLHARBOUR 22

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U14 GTKIAMA 20 d APOF 10

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U12 BTKIAMA RED VS BOMADERRY

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U12 BTVS STINGRAYS

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONSUNDER 10 BT

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS UNDER 10 BT VS GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONS

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSUNDER 11 RED VS UNDER 11 BLACK

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONSUNDER 16-1 BT

UNDER 16-1 BTKIANA KNIGHTS 24 d GERRINGONG LIONS 14

Gerringong forward Hamish Stewart will miss just his second NRL match this year since he was handed his debut back in the opening round when the Dragons travel to Canberra on Saturday.Stewart suffered a category-one concussion when he came off second best while trying to make a tackle in last Saturday's 34-20 win over Parramatta at WIN Stadium.His absence is one of several changes St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has been forced to make for the trip to face the in-form Raiders at GIO Stadium in Round 18.The Green Machine are at the top of the NRL ladder with a 13-3 record after they knocked off the Knights 22-18 in Newcastle last Friday night.After beating the Eels despite a heavy injury toll, the Dragons have remained in the race for the playoffs with a 6-8 record to sit in 11th place.Young forward Toby Couchman (shoulder), wingers Nathan Lawson (shoulder) and Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring), second-rower Luciano Leilua (thigh) and Valentine Homes (State of Origin duty) are out from the team named last week.Tyrell Sloan and Sione Finau have been recalled to be the new wing duo with Corey Allan shifting in to centre. Veteran forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been elevated to start in the second row while Hame Sele, Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Michael Molo - in his first NRL appearance of 2025 - are the new names on the bench. Flanagan has relegated young forward Viliami Fifita drops to the reserves.

June 30 marks the end of the player transfer window for the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition.All squads are now locked in - no more player movements between clubs for the rest of the season.The date also signals the halfway point of the season, with 11 rounds completed and roughly 11 weeks remaining until the 2025 premiers are crowned.The top five has shifted regularly throughout the year, with first place changing hands yet again after this weekend’s results. It’s shaping up to be one of the tightest seasons in recent memory, and the run home will be crucial for several clubs.1st – Shellharbour Sharks (16 pts)6 wins, 2 losses, 2 byesRunners-up to Gerringong in 2023 and 2024, the Sharks are still chasing revenge - but haven’t had the chance yet, with their Round 7 match against Gerringong washed out. They’ve now won three in a row and are looking strong.Shellharbour in their 12-0 loss against Kiama. Photo: @SticksPix_Their two losses came early: a 12–0 defeat in a rain-affected clash against Kiama (Round 3) and a narrow 12–8 loss to the Stingrays (Round 5). Importantly, they’re yet to beat another current top-four side, making this weekend’s clash against Kiama a crucial test.Halfback Braxton Wallace has been a standout and sits second in the Mick Cronin Medal standings. He, along with co-captain Jayden Morgan, will be key to pushing for their first title since 2018.2nd – Stingrays of Shellharbour (14 pts)7 wins, 3 losses, 0 byesTrey Barlow has been a great late addition to the Stingrays squad. Photo: @SticksPix_The Stingrays led the ladder for most of 2025 but slipped to second after a surprise 21-4 loss to Milton-Ulladulla last round. Despite that setback, they’ve claimed wins over top teams including Gerringong, Shellharbour and Kiama.With the most wins of any team, they’ve yet to have a bye - so fresh legs later in the season may help. Consistency will be the key to staying in the hunt.Second-rower Tom Warner, lock Trey Barlow, and half Hamish McLaurin are all in the top 10 of the Mick Cronin Medal race.3rd – Kiama Knights (14 pts)6 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye, 1 postponedKiama have been the underdog story of the season after finishing eighth in 2024 with just three wins. Their only losses came in Round 2 to Nowra-Bomaderry and in Round 9 to the Stingrays.A statement win over the current ladder leaders, the Shellharbour Sharks, earlier this season has them confident heading into their rematch this weekend.Fullback Brad Killmore and second-rower Tom Angel have led the way. Killmore said: “Looking to the back end of the year, I think staying healthy and fit is our biggest focus. Shellharbour this weekend will be another good test to see where we are.”Kiama have only lost one game at home this season. Photo: @SticksPix_4th – Gerringong Lions (12 pts)5 wins, 4 losses, 1 byeThe premiers had a slow start, with losses to Jamberoo, Kiama, Albion Park, and the Stingrays. But a strong turnaround has seen them notch three straight wins and climb back into contention.With a young core - and a large group of their potential players either playing in the NRL or knocking on the door - they’re building nicely. Fullback Cooper Harrison has been a consistent standout.Captain Nathan Ford said: “With a mix of experience and youth, it was always going to take time, but we’re heading in the right direction. Our main goal is to make the final - and ideally the top three - to give ourselves a second chance come semis.”Gerringong are coming together at the right time of the season. Photo: @SticksPix_5th – Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles (12 pts)4 wins, 4 losses, 2 byesAfter a surprise finals run in 2024, the Eagles have had a mixed campaign in 2025. Big wins over the Stingrays, Gerringong, and Jamberoo show their potential, but losses to lower-ranked teams like Berry and Milton-Ulladulla have hurt.Halfback Leroy Murray has been a shining light, but consistency will be their focus if they want to push deeper this year.6th – Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs (10 pts)4 wins, 5 losses, 1 byeMilton-Ulladulla are proving tough to beat at home - losing only once there all season. They shocked the competition with a dominant win over the Stingrays last week, but fell to Nowra-Bomaderry the week before.Injuries and away form are their biggest concerns, but if they can stay healthy and replicate that home performance, they could force their way into the top five. Hooker Riley Wooden has been a standout performer.7th – Jamberoo Superoos (8 pts)3 wins, 6 losses, 1 byeJamberoo started well with wins over Gerringong, Nowra and the Stingrays, but a brutal injury toll - currently missing around eight key players - has seen them drop their last four games.Coach Jono Dallas said: “We still need to get a run of games without losing players. Another two from the weekend's game will be unavailable next week.“It’s not necessarily about the quality of players - it’s just extremely difficult to improve when you’re changing the team every week.”Jamberoo in Round 1 of this season, due to injuries their team looks a lot different now. Photo: @SticksPix_8th – Nowra-Bomaderry Jets (6 pts)2 wins, 7 losses, 1 byeDespite sitting near the bottom, Nowra have shown they can compete - beating top-three side Kiama and also defeating Milton. Prop Zac Kershaw leads the Mick Cronin Medal tally.With upcoming matches against Jamberoo and Berry, they’ll hope to claw their way back into finals contention.Nowra-Bomaderry need to win their next two games to stay in finals contention. Photo: @SticksPix_9th – Berry Magpies (6 pts)2 wins, 6 losses, 1 bye, 1 postponedBerry are in a similar position to Nowra and must start banking wins fast. They’ve claimed solid victories over Nowra and Albion Park, proving they’re capable when at their best.Finals kick off on 6 September, with just two months left to lock in a top-five spot.With three local teams - Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo - in the mix, there’s plenty for South Coast footy fans to cheer for in the run home.

KIAMA MEN'S BASKETBALLGRAND FINALROBBO DONUT VAN HEAT 49 d BRAKERS 38