Following on from Kiama Rugby's dual grand final appearance, the Kiama Knights have followed suit - both their first grade and reserve grade teams have qualified for their respective Group 7 decider after wins on the weekend.Playing at Shellharbour’s Ron Costello Oval, the Knights faced off against the Shellharbour Sharks in both major grand final qualifiers.In first grade, Kiama surged to an early 20-point lead within the opening 30 minutes, thanks to three impressive tries involving five-eighth Sam Hooper, and a penalty goal from fullback Brad Killmore.The first try came in the sixth minute, when Hooper’s kick to the sideline rebounded perfectly into winger Tom Atkins’ arms. Six minutes later, Hooper slipped through the Shellharbour defence to score one himself. Then, in the 18th minute, he delivered a pinpoint grubber for Atkins to collect his second.Shellharbour struck back before the break, with Palu Tausala crashing over from close range in the 33rd minute to cut the margin to 20-6 at halftime.Sam Hooper was a standout for the Knights on the weekend. Photo: SticksPix_The Sharks continued their fightback in the second half, with Jayme McElhone scoring in the corner in the 48th minute and Wayde Aitken adding another in the 55th.But a second penalty goal from Killmore, combined with desperate defence, helped Kiama hold on for a hard-fought 22-16 victory - and a spot in the grand final.“We got out to a good start and then sort of fell away a little in the middle there, but I’m so proud of how we stuck in there,” said Killmore.“It’s so easy, when a team is on a roll like Shellharbour were, to let them run away with the game. But I think we did a great job keeping our heads up and staying composed. When that final siren went - it was all worth it.”Earlier in the day, the Knights’ reserve grade side delivered a dominant 20-8 performance to punch their ticket to the big dance. Killmore said having both grades in the grand final adds extra meaning.“To have them with us all week at training, and then there on the day - it’s just fantastic. We’re one club, and having them there really lifts us. I’m so happy they’ll be part of it,” he said.Kiama's reserve grade team also booked their grand final spot with a win over the weekend. Photo: @SticksPix_As for a preferred grand final opponent, Killmore said the Knights will be ready for whoever they face.“We’ve beaten both of those teams in the last two weeks, so we know we can do it. We’ll rest up, enjoy the week off, and come back ready to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”The Knights will meet the Sharks again or the Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles - who knocked out the defending premiers, the Gerringong Lions, with a convincing 38-16 win on Saturday.The Lions’ hopes of a three-peat ended at Centenary Field, with the Eagles dominating early, scoring two tries in the opening 10 minutes. Gerringong responded in the 13th through second-rower Noah Parker, and both teams added another try each before halftime to make it 18–10 in favour of Albion Park.After the break, Eagles halfback Kane Ball took control, scoring a try in the 48th minute and then setting up another with a brilliant grubber for centre Jiye Ellis in the 56th.Gerringong showed signs of a comeback when Tom Knox crashed over in the 64th minute, but a late try from the Eagles sealed the result.Kiama will now enjoy a week off, while Albion Park and Shellharbour battle it out for the remaining grand final spot on September 28.

The possibility of a Kiama v Gerringong grand final in the Group Seven is still alive after both teams advanced in last week’s opening round of the playoffs.Gerringong survived their sudden-death match by the skin of their teeth to come back from eight points down against the Shellharbour Stingrays while the Knights also had a nail-biter, edging out Albion Park-Oak Flats 30-28.The Lions trailed 8-0 after a scrappy first-half showing but after coach Scott Stewart laid down the law at the break, they responded with four tries in the second stanza to complete a 20-12 triumph at Flinders Field.Tom Knox and Nathan Ford crossed the stripe early in the second term but the Stingrays responded with a four-pointer of their own before Beau Doosey touched down with a few minutes to go to seal the victory.Gerringong’s hopes of a three-peat will again go on the line this Saturday when they travel to Centenary Field hoping to bring down the Eagles, who were narrowly beaten by the Knights.Kiama and the Park went toe to toe in the opening 40 minutes at Kiama Showground After scores were locked up at 20-20 at half-time, the Eagles stretched out to an eight-point lead before centre Max Jennings brought Kiama back into the contest and fullback Brad Killmore scored the match-winner with five minutes remaining.“We just finally got a bit of field position,” coach Matt O’Brien said in explaining their late surge to victory.“Once we held the ball for a few sets in a row, we were able to put them under pressure with our defence.”O’Brien said the Park have an imposing pack but young Kiama prop, Taj Roberts, in his first year out of the under 18s, stood up to the challenge.“It was probably his best game of the year,” he said. “We needed Taj to stand up in the middle and he did, particularly in his first stint.”They now face the minor premiers, Shellharbour Sharks, on Sunday at Ron Costello Oval with the winners earning the right to go straight through to the grand final.“It’s been a pretty tight comp all year,” O’Brien said. “Going into the weekend you would have thought any of the five teams can win. You’ve got to be playing your best footy or the other team will have the wood on you.”Kiama will also take on the Sharks in reserve grade this Sunday and the Knights are aiming to make the grand final in both grades for the first time since back-to-back years in 2017-18.

Gerringong’s Tyran Wishart has been handed the daunting task of filling in for Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes in Melbourne’s NRL finals campaign.The Storm were considered the premiership favourites heading into the final round but Hughes suffered a broken forearm while making a tackle on Broncos forward Brendan Piakura.Wishart has been named to replace Hughes at halfback for Friday night’s AAMI Park showdown with the Bulldogs.The winner of this match will progress to week three of the playoffs but the loser will have to play again next week in a sudden-death clash with the winner of the qualifying final between the Warriors and Penrith in Auckland on Saturday.Wishart has done an admirable job when deputising for Hughes this season.When the Kiwi international was recently sidelined with a shoulder injury, Wishart started in the halves in four straight victories over the Eels, Broncos, Panthers and Bulldogs before the Storm went down to the Roosters in Round 26.The Storm have fallen behind Canberra in the premiership odds after last week’s defeat at the hands of Brisbane and they will also be without fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and suspended prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona for their duel with the Dogs.St George Illawarra missed the finals, plummeting to 15th by the end of the regular season on the back of four straight losses, culminating in their 40-20 loss to Penrith at WIN Stadium last Saturday."I've learned a lot this year about some individuals and the team," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said."In the end, because of the injury toll that we've had, the lack of that class in real crucial moments has probably hurt us a bit."We just can't get it done when we need to."Gerringong rookie trio Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan were bright spots for the Dragons in their disappointing season.Egan scored three tries in eight matches and was cementing a spot in the starting second row when an ACL rupture in a match against the Broncos brought a premature end to his season.Stewart also showed he was up to the task of packing down in the NRL forwards, suiting up for 19 games before missing the final three rounds due to an unfortunate concussion when he had a head clash with teammate Jack de Belin in the loss to the Warriors.Buchanan got his chance late in the season but latched onto it, scoring a try on debut in the upset win over Cronulla at Kogarah last month.The 19-year-old ended up playing the final five matches of the season and will be a strong contender for a starting spot next year.In the NRLW, St George Illawarra will also miss the playoffs after their 42-14 loss to the Cowboys last week but will be looking to finish their season on a positive note when they take on the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday.Kiama junior Maria Paseka has played strongly after getting her call-up to the top side, crossing for two tries in the past three weeks.

Kiama Junior Football Club is celebrating a successful season, capped off with a couple of premierships, but the on-field action is not over yet.Nine of the club’s 12 graded teams qualified for the recent finals, four progressed to the grand final and two of those teams - the under 12 girls and mixed under 15Bs emerged victorious. “It was a good year for us, that’s for sure,” president Ben Morgan said.“The big challenge is always retaining players, not just at the club, but within the sport itself. We’ve got a good technical director, Alan Appleby, which always helps.“He’s always trying to advise other coaches to maintain our level of playing ability but also the enthusiasm and willingness of kids who just want to stay in the sport.”The under 15Bs beat Shellharbour 2-1 while in the under 12 girls’ decider, they took on Port Kembla and after a scoreless first half, Kiama scored the only goal of the match with about 10 minutes remaining.“They played really well. It was a strong performance from the girls,” Morgan added.Kiama have invested heavily in girls football in recent years and it’s paying dividends.“Our female numbers have been growing year on year. We’ve got about 615 players and a third of them are females, which is great,” he said.“They’re getting really strong and we’ve got a big crop of girls in the under 9s and under 10s. It’s partly due to the Matildas effect with the World Cup being here a couple of years ago, there’s been a big boost in female numbers.”The club is also hosting a football festival this weekend with around 80 boys and girls teams from far and wide converging on the Kiama Sporting Complex.Under 7s and Under 9s sides will take to the field on Saturday with Under 10s and Under 12s doing likewise on Sunday.As part of the weekend of football, there will also be an event at Kiama Leagues Club on Saturday night where Sydney FC players will drop by to chat to the youngsters and pass on a few tips.There will also be plenty of kids activities including a Silent Disco and EA FC free play, as well as live music from 8:30pm, exclusive Sky Blue meal deals, and raffle prizes (signed jersey, signed Xbox + more!).The event kicks off at 6pm and to secure your table, click here for booking details.It is the third year that the event has been held in Kiama with Sydney FC, thanks to a partnership with Destination Kiama and it will be on again for the next two years as well. 

Mondays mean it's time for The Bugle Bulletin and this week’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.The Bugle Bulletin brings you the latest local news and weekend sports highlights - and with the Kiama by-election heating up, we’ve got all the developments covered.Early voting is underway for the Kiama state by-election after officially getting underway on Saturday.All 13 candidates have hit the ground running, actively campaigning at early voting centres across the electorate.The Bugle was on site, gathering comments from the community and candidates alike.And we also spoke to Community Independent nominee Kate Dezarnaulds as she was joined by Australian political legend John Hatton and fellow independent Alex Greenwich to explain the importance of the independents in a minority government:In local news, the Gerringong business community is up in arms over Council's decision to exclude three hectares at Sims Road from the Employment Land Strategy.We spoke to South Coast Flat Packs owner Mark Blight who is calling on Council to change their mind.In sport, the Kiama Knights are through to the Group 7 grand final qualifier while the Gerringong Lions clawed their way past the Shellharbour Stingrays to remain in the playoff hunt.At The Bugle, we’re committed to combining compelling visuals with meaningful local storytelling - delivering a news experience that’s informative, entertaining, and deeply connected to our community.Subscribe to The Bugle News Kiama on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Kiama local Ethel Curran began ten-pin bowling in 1966 - Neil Armstrong was yet to land on the moon, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys had just been released, and scores at the bowling alley were still recorded by hand on paper cards.“A friend asked me to come and join their team - they were a couple of players short at Warrawong. Warrawong was open, so I thought, ‘Why not?’” Ethel recalled.Now 90 years old, Ethel is still going strong - and the proof is in the pins. Just a couple of weeks ago, she bowled a score of 210.“I haven’t bowled that for a long time,” she laughed. “I suppose I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to be playing bowls anyway.”But for Ethel, bowling is about more than scores.“I come for the company. A group of us - about eight or nine - all stay for lunch. It’s just a lovely outing, and the best thing about bowling is: we can play in any weather.”Ethel began in a bowling league at Warrawong. When that centre closed, she moved to Albion Park - a brief stint she didn’t enjoy.“We absolutely hated it. The road was terrible getting in and out of the bowling alley. As soon as Shellharbour opened, our league was the first to come over here to Shellharbour Bowling alley. But most of those people aren’t bowling with us anymore,” she said.These days, Ethel bowls in a league called The Misfits. Her team of three is called The Easy Beats.Ethel with teammate Rhonda Parson from The Easy Beats“We play three games, and everyone has a handicap. The lower your average, the higher your handicap, which gets added to your score to make things fair,” she explained.“Every week, we put in what we call our social money. We used to get trophies, but we ended up with so many I had to take the plaques off mine and repurpose them as awards. Now, the team that comes first gets the most prize money - but we all get something back.”Ethel’s personal best is an impressive 279.“My best game at Warrawong was 279. In the first two frames, I had an 8-spare and a 9-spare, and then 10 strikes after that,” she says with a grin.“There’s just something so satisfying about the sound when you knock them all down. And it’s almost more satisfying when you pick up a hard spare - like a split. Not so much when you miss the one lone pin — I’ve done that plenty of times,” she laughed.Bowling is such a big part of her life that when she turned 90, her only birthday wish was to have her whole family bowl with her.“I have 12 great-grandchildren, four grandchildren and their partners, and we all came down to bowl for my 90th birthday. We had so much fun - the kids absolutely loved it. We took up nearly the whole bowling alley,” she said.That celebration is part of what makes the sport so special to her - the fact that anyone, of any age, can enjoy it.“Anyone can bowl. Years ago, I was playing a social game with my cousin and her little girl - she must’ve been about four or five. She couldn’t even hold the ball properly, rolled it slowly down the lane - and she got a strike!”And when asked if she’s planning to retire anytime soon?“I’ll be bowling until they forcibly take me out.”

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with all the latest about the Kiama by-election with the big vote to be held next weekend.Labor Party candidate Katelin McInerney is a clear frontrunner with Liberal nominee Serena Copley, Community Independent Kate Dezarnaulds and The Greens' Tonia Gray also expected to poll strongly in the field of 13.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONMcInerney appears on course to win the Kiama by-election even though Premier Chris Minns is still claiming underdog status. Shrewd politician that he is, Minns stood by his claim from two weeks ago that Labor was still the underdog.“With due respect to the incredible hard work that Katelin has put in and the campaign we’ve run and the promises we’ve made, I think we’re the underdog,” he said. “This is gonna be a tough election for us to win. The odds are against us.”There is also a tribute from a local family who would like to thank the community following a recent tragedy as well as an update from Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald.You can also read plenty of great community stories including the Gerringong Gazette section, a 90-year-old tenpin bowler and a local rugby league player on the rise with the Dragons.Four weeks ago, Hayden Buchanan became the fourth Gerringong junior to debut in the NRL this season - with the number of Lions in the league now pushing double figures.The 19-year-old centre had been biding his time throughout 2025 with the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squads for the St George Illawarra Dragons. But when starting centre Mat Feagai was ruled out with a groin injury, Buchanan got the call-up for the Dragons’ Round 23 clash against the Cronulla Sharks and he hasn't looked back.

It was a huge weekend for women’s soccer in the region, with three local teams from three different clubs taking out grand final victories.The undefeated Over 40s Jamberoo Ravens capped off their perfect season in dramatic fashion, scoring the only goal of the game with just three minutes left on the clock to claim a 1-0 win.“Someone asked the referee how long was left, and he said, ‘Well, you could be playing an extra 10 each way.’ And we were like, we have to get this done,” said Ravens captain Simone Boulton. “So it was such a relief when we scored that goal.”The Ravens finished the regular season on top of the ladder with 13 wins and two draws from 15 matches.“We had the perfect year. I remember before our first semi-final, a few of the girls were nervous. I just told them, ‘It’s no different to any other game. We’ve had the same conversations before every game this season, and we’re going to do it again,’” Boulton said.Having played alongside many of her teammates for over 15 years, Boulton believes their longstanding bond played a key role in the team’s success.“I think 15 years of playing together has allowed us to build friendships outside of soccer. We’re all just really nice people who go out there to do our best. We all share the same goal and are driven by that. I think it’s just knowing each other for so damn long,” she said.Also finishing undefeated in 2025 was the Kiama Quarriers’ All Age Division One team, who sealed their grand final win with a late second-half goal.“There were only about 10 minutes to go when they scored. It was really exciting - and we were so nervous watching from the sideline, that’s for sure,” said Nerissa Peterson, Secretary of the Kiama Quarriers Football Club.The full Jamberoo Ravens O40's squad. Photo: Jamberoo Football Club“It was a big crowd, too. We don’t usually play in front of big crowds during the season, but there were a lot of people there. It was late in the afternoon, everyone was euphoric, and the girls all ran onto the pitch cheering and celebrating. They’ve just had such a great season, so it was really special that they could finish it like that.”Peterson also praised the rise in quality of women’s football locally and credited the success of teams like Jamberoo, Kiama, and Gerringong as a reflection of that.“There are more people continuing to play women’s football, and the standard is improving every year. You can see it across the clubs in our area. We’re all playing well, and the clubs all get along - it’s a good thing for the sport,” she said.Looking ahead to 2026, Peterson said the club is focused on strengthening the connection between Kiama’s junior and senior football programs.“We’re working closely with the junior club to create a stronger pathway. We’ve already seen that this year with some of the boys coming through,” she said. “The girls in the junior club are still a little young, but we want to make that connection early so they can see there’s a path for them, too.”“We’re also working towards a full club merger. The executives are in discussions now, because we want to be one united club - and be really strong for the Illawarra.”Rounding out the weekend of success for local women’s football, the Gerringong Breakers All Age Division Three team also came out on top in their grand final, beating Fairy Meadow 2–1. The Breakers not only won the grand final but also claimed the league title, completing a double-winning season.The three wins are a reflection of the immense improvement of women's soccer in the area - and it’s only getting better!

Kiama Rugby have made history and are now aiming to break a 22-year title drought, with both their first grade and reserve grade teams winning home major semi-finals over the weekend to qualify for the 2025 Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) grand final.A strong local crowd turned out at Kiama Showground on Saturday to watch reserve grade defeat Shoalhaven 31-21, followed by a thrilling first grade victory over Campbelltown. After losing to Campbelltown twice earlier this season, Kiama turned the tables with a 38-26 win.Kiama’s first grade opened the scoring with a penalty goal, but from the 15th minute, Campbelltown took the lead and held it for most of the match. They went into halftime up 19-10.“I think we went into this game with a pretty set game plan against Campbelltown and that was just backing our fitness against them. They're big boys and they're just power,” said Kiama number eight Dante Patrick. “We were sort of backing our game plan to really try and move them around the park, but we underestimated their actual fitness. Everything we threw at them, they absorbed and they actually threw it back at us.”Kiama struck first after the break through Patrick, but Campbelltown quickly responded, extending their lead to 26-17 with 28 minutes to play. Then Kiama fullback - and former Dragons player - Junior Amone took over. He inspired a try for winger Nico Cowley and followed it up with a solo effort, running 50 metres to score and seal Kiama’s comeback win.Patrick said the shift happened during halftime when the team made key adjustments to their strategy. “At halftime, we had to really make some changes and sort of do what they wouldn't expect, and that was take them up through the middle. That ended up coming off for us,” he said. “The words at halftime were, ‘there is no life next week.’ There’s no second chance. It was do or die. I think going into the second half with that mentality really helped kick the boys into another notch.”He credited the effort of the forwards for inspiring Amone’s brilliance in the final 20 minutes. Junior Amone was one of the Kiama players who inspired their comeback over the weekend. Photo: Brian Scott“He just came into his own. He saw that our forwards were wanting to take them up through the middle and he's just like, ‘I've got to reward these forwards,’” Patrick said. “That’s the sort of mentality we felt from him. If these forwards are laying the platform for me, then what's my excuse to not give it a crack? He took the ball and just ran with it - and we’re so proud of him.”“He’s a very quiet-spoken guy. When he does speak up, he's got the whole room - all the eyes on him. It’s pretty cool to see that side of him and to have him lead us in that back 20.”Reflecting on the crowd, Patrick said there was no better feeling than coming from behind in front of a roaring home ground. “It started off windy and then it started sprinkling a bit - it was a bit of a four-seasons day. Throughout all of that, the crowd definitely made themselves heard. We couldn't appreciate them more,” he said. “We’re hoping we get that, if not more, at the grand final. It was unreal hearing that roar during the comeback. It just gave us that extra leg and made us want to do it for them as well.”Leighton Cowley played his 200th game for the club on Saturday. Photo: Brian ScottIt was also a milestone day for Kiama rugby veteran Leighton Cowley, who played his 200th game for the club. “He’s probably one of the OGs of this club that I think not too many people give enough praise for. Kiama was on the brink of folding around 2017-18, and he was one of those guys who put his body on the line - playing third grade, second grade, and then first grade straight away - just to make sure the club didn’t fold,” said Patrick.Reserve grade also celebrated a 200-gamer, with Nelson Taione contributing to their 31-21 win that booked their grand final spot. Nelson Taione also played his 200th over the weekend. Photo: Brian Scott“They've just got such good chemistry amongst them. The only thing that could come between them is themselves. There was a disjointed phase there where they gave Shoalhaven a bit of a sniff, but they just went back to what they knew and ran away with it. It’s awesome to watch,” said Patrick. “It gives us in first grade a bit of a kick seeing them doing so well. You just want to follow it up. That’s the kind of bond we’ve got at Kiama now. We just want to do it all together, and that’s thanks to our coach. He’s all about bringing us together. If one grade loses, then we all lose. That’s the mentality, and it’s really something special.”Both grades will have a week off as they wait to see who they’ll face in the grand final in two weeks’ time - and Patrick says the timing couldn’t be better. “It feels like this whole season has prepped us for this week off, with the weather and everything - play one week, off the next. So we’re ready for it, and to be honest, after that brutal game, we’re quite happy to rest up.”This weekend, Shoalhaven’s first grade will take on Campbelltown, while their reserve grade faces Woonona. The winners will go on to meet Kiama in the grand final.

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper was the latest Government bigwig to drop by Kiama on Wednesday, announcing more than $1.1 million for five projects to boost local sporting infrastructure.Kamper and Labor's Kiama by-election candidate Katelin McInerney said the State Government would invest in upgrading facilities in Kiama, Gerringong and Albion Park as a way of removing barriers to participation in the community.The Government has committed to providing:$250,000 to resurface and repair the unsafe Kiama Netball Courts at the Kiama Sporting Complex.$40,000 to cover essential costs of the Kiama Sevens tournament.$275,000 to install new lighting at Bonaira Oval, home of Kiama Power, which has been unable to host night matches.$200,000 to improve facilities and drainage works for Keith Grey Oval, the home of the Albion Park Cricket Club.$387,000 for new lighting at Gerry Emery Reserve, Gerringong, which hosts several sports, including cricket, football, touch and rugby leagueKamper and McInerney announced the funding at Kiama Sporting Complex, the same venue where Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Liberal candidate Serena Copley two weeks earlier had promised $26 million if the Coalition were to win the state election in early 2027.When asked whether the Government's announcement would pale into comparison, Kamper said: "It's a big number. And it's a promise upon a promise."We're here saying we're delivering this no matter what the case and that's what government does."We look where there's needs and we're delivering."When asked if this was an example of Labor pork-barreling in the lead-up to the by-election, he denied that was the case."This is about delivering for our community. We've established need and we've got some good eyes and ears on the ground at the moment advising us what we need to be doing."And I'm so pleased that this was brought to our attention.“We understand how critical our local sporting facilities are, they are the backbone of our coastal and regional communities."The netball courts at the Complex have been an ongoing concern with several cracks creating an unsafe playing environment."This is where I grew up playing netball. I have many fond memories, some sad and bittersweet defeats, but I really have to say it's almost the same as when I was here, and that's a long time ago now," McInerney said."We have been talking to sporting organisations up and down our area, and we really do need strong investment in this part of the world for our sporting facilities."Kiama Netball Association president Michelle Gregory said they were a large, growing organisation with more than 800 players."We have been rallying for a number of years now regarding our court surfaces and the need for some investment in them," she said.

Four weeks ago, Hayden Buchanan became the fourth Gerringong junior to debut in the NRL this season - with the number of Lions in the league now pushing double figures.The 19-year-old centre had been biding his time throughout 2025 with the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squads for the St George Illawarra Dragons. But when starting centre Mat Feagai was ruled out with a groin injury, Buchanan got the call-up for the Dragons’ Round 23 clash against the Cronulla Sharks.“The night before the captain’s run, they messaged me and said, ‘Come in - Matty Feagai has a bit of a groin issue. We need you just in case, all precautionary',” Buchanan said.“At captain’s run, I asked Matty, ‘How are you going?’ And he goes, ‘I honestly don't feel too good. I’m not sure I’ll be able to play.’ So I had a feeling in the back of my mind that I was a chance.“They did a final fitness test and ruled him out. Then Flanno [coach Shane Flanagan] yelled, ‘Everybody in!’ I had a feeling he was going to make the announcement. After that, it was all a bit of a blur until after the game.”With his spot in the team confirmed, Buchanan was finally able to share the news with his family - the dream he’d been chasing since he was a little boy was about to become reality.“Since I was seven years old, it’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do,” he said. “So it was pretty special when I found out. I’ve never really strived for anything else in my life.“Mum was shocked - I think there were a few tears on the phone, which was really nice. She’s done so much for me. And Dad was just excited and happy. He said, ‘Just do your thing, mate, and back yourself'.”And back himself he did. Buchanan starred in the Dragons’ 22-14 win over Cronulla, racking up 18 runs for 110 metres, 18 tackles, a try assist - and even scoring a try of his own.Captain Clint Gutherson broke into open space and looked certain to score, but instead found the debutant looming in support and handed him the honours.“He definitely could’ve scored himself,” Buchanan laughed. “But he gave me a try and said, ‘Remember that, mate - remember who gave you your first try.’ That was really nice of him and pretty special.Hayden playing in his debut match against the Cronulla Sharks. Photo: St George Illawarra Dragons“Especially because I scored right in front of all my friends and family in that corner - just by chance.”Buchanan also shared some of the advice and support that boosted his confidence leading into the match.“Flanno told me, ‘We’re all confident you can get the job done, mate. You’ve worked hard - just go out and do your thing.’ He also said Gutho and Cookie [Damien Cook] told him they backed me to do the job,” he said.“That kind of stuff gives you real confidence. When you know your coach, captain, and leaders believe in you, it makes a huge difference.”Since his debut, Buchanan has featured in all three of the Dragons’ following matches. While he knows he’s still developing, he’s embracing life on the big stage.“I definitely have things to improve on, and that’ll come with more experience, time, and training - but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.As for why Gerringong keeps producing NRL-ready players - with eight now in the top tier - Buchanan believes it’s a mix of strong mentorship and inspiration from those who’ve made it.“We’ve got so many good role models like Scott Stewart, Rixon Russell, Johnny Ford and Nathan Ford - he’s won seven Group 7 grand finals. "He was also my school teacher and I remember being really competitive at school, and Nathan told me, ‘Never lose that, mate - it’ll take you places.’ That always stuck with me,” said Buchanan.“And I also think when you see someone from your town, someone you’ve played with or looked up to, making it - it gives you that belief that maybe you can do it too. I looked up to Hamish [Stewart] and Dylan [Egan] and wanted to be like them growing up. “And I’m sure they were the same for Reuben [Garrick], Tyran [Wishart] and Jackson [Ford] - and Reuben, Tyran and Jackson were probably the same for the group before them.”This weekend, the Dragons wrap up their season with a final-round clash against the Penrith Panthers at WIN Stadium - Buchanan’s first NRL game so close to home.He’s hoping for a strong crowd to help the Red V end the year on a high.

Just 17 for-and-against points separated the Kiama Knights from clinching the 2025 Group 7 South Coast minor premiership, despite a commanding 44-6 win over the Stingrays of Shellharbour.Heading into the final round of the season, three teams - Shellharbour Sharks, Kiama Knights, and the Stingrays of Shellharbour - were locked at the top of the ladder on 25 points.Kiama trailed the first-placed Sharks by 11 points in the for-and-against tally, but their big win couldn't quite match Shellharbour's even more emphatic 48-4 victory over the Jamberoo Superoos.Playing away on Saturday, the Knights started strongly with a fourth-minute try to forward Matt Nicholson.It was a high-scoring day for the forward pack, with prop Taj Roberts burrowing over for the team’s second try more than 20 minutes later.Second-rower Travis Barrett-Hancock then powered over in the 31st minute to send the Knights into the break with an 18-0 lead.Kiama halfback Cameron Vazzoler shined in their win against the Stingrays. Photo: @SticksPix_For context, the next day, the minor premiership rivals Shellharbour Sharks went into halftime leading 24-0 over Jamberoo.In the second half of Kiama’s clash, second-rower Tom Angel continued the forwards’ dominance, scoring in the 46th minute.The Stingrays responded in the 52nd minute through Zechariah Taufa, who crashed over after a sharp pass from halfback Trey Barlow.But three late tries from Kiama, including a double to centre Max Jennings, sealed the result and sent the Stingrays sliding to fourth on the ladder.Despite the strong scoreline, Shellharbour's 48-4 win over Jamberoo ensured they held onto the minor premiership, finishing with a 15-point advantage in for-and-against over Kiama.Knights fullback Brad Killmore was still pleased with the performance.“We played a complete 80 minutes. We defended well and executed the chances we got, which were good signs. Securing a home semi-final and a second chance was our main aim - and we did that,” Killmore said.Kiama will now host the third-placed Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles in a major semi-final next Sunday. Having lost to the Eagles in their last meeting, Killmore said the focus would be on fixing the finer details that led to that defeat.“Mainly just the little things - they beat us last time. Our completions weren’t great, so completing high and defending well is a good start. If we do that, the points will come,” he said.Meanwhile, the Gerringong Lions delivered a statement win heading into finals, thrashing the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets 46-6 on the road.The Lions ran in eight tries to the Jets’ one, with doubles to fullback Wes Pring and centre Toby Gumley-Quine.Gerringong finished the regular season in fifth place and will now face the fourth-placed Stingrays in an elimination minor semi-final as they begin their quest for a threepeat.Final 2025 Group 7 South Coast Ladder:Shellharbour Sharks (27)Kiama Knights (27)Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles (25)Stingrays of Shellharbour (25)Gerringong Lions (24)Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs (16)Jamberoo Superoos (12)Nowra-Bomaderry Jets (12)Berry Magpies (12)

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