Kiama Power’s Premier Division men’s team is just one win outside the top four on the AFL South Coast ladder at the midway point of the season - their strongest position in years.Despite three consecutive losses, early-season victories and two byes have kept them within reach of a finals berth. Power committee member Anthony Grady says the recent defeats haven’t been without their positives.“The boys played the two best teams in the competition in the last two weeks,” said Grady. “We played Northern Districts at home two weeks ago, which was a pretty close game. In the fourth quarter, there was only a point in it before they pulled away in the final minutes with a couple of late goals.”This trend has become familiar for Kiama, who’ve struggled to maintain momentum across the full 80 minutes. In April, they led competition leaders Figtree at half-time before falling by just seven points. Against Wollongong in Round 7, they trailed by four at the half but ended up losing by 34.Kiama Power have lost their last three games, but will be looking to turn that around in the second half of the season. Photo: Maddi Aitkin“There are still positive signs,” Grady said. “But now it’s more about what’s going on between the ears. The skills are there - it’s about applying that mental toughness consistently across all four quarters.”He believes a lack of confidence might be undermining the side's ability to close out games.“Self-belief is probably the big thing. A lot of teams we've played - especially those who’ve beaten us in recent seasons - still carry that confidence when they face us. We need to overcome that and sustain belief throughout the match.”Meanwhile, the Kiama Power Women’s Premier Division side currently sits inside the top four, despite losing their last four games.“We’ve had Maddie Edwards join the club, and we’re starting to get players back on the field,” Grady said. “Last weekend was probably our strongest lineup in a month.”He acknowledges there's still work to do to close the gap on the top three sides.Kiama Power's Olivia Falconer competes for a mark. Photo: Bob Willetts“The girls know what they need to improve on in the second half of the season - and the results reflect that. But I’ve got a lot of confidence in them."They’ve definitely shown they’re a top-four team.”This weekend, the Women’s team faces the Bomaderry Tigers away, while the Men’s side hosts the Wollongong Bulldogs at home on Saturday, July 5.

Kiama are sitting comfortably atop the Illawarra District Rugby Union ladder with six wins and just one loss - and they'll be aiming to avenge that lone defeat when they face Campbelltown again on 12 July.After a week off, and another bye this weekend, the team finds itself in a similar situation to Round 1 - when they last met Campbelltown and suffered their only loss of the season, going down 15–14 away from home. “That was our very first game for first grade. We had two weeks off beforehand with the bye and a rest week, and then went straight into playing one of the competition's top teams - Campbelltown,” said Kiama forward Dante Patrick.Now, with six straight wins under their belt, Kiama will be looking to make a statement at home.“We’ve had our rest and we’ll approach this week the same,” Patrick said. “But come Thursday, I think we’ll be having a full reserve grade versus first grade game. We're looking to get a referee in too, just to sharpen things up. We need those reps. It’s about keeping the bodies warm heading into a big match.”The clash also marks the start of the second half of the season, and Patrick says the squad has been strategic in how they build and evolve their play.“We set up a game plan to get us through the first half of the season, and we’ve probably got two more plans in our back pocket that we haven’t used yet,” he said. “Now that we’ve nailed down the first one, it’s time to roll out the others.“These new strategies are to keep things fresh and avoid complacency. Even though what we’ve been doing has worked so far, smart teams like Camden, Shoalhaven and Campbelltown will be doing their homework on us. We don’t want to be predictable.”Kiama’s reserve grade team is also hitting form, claiming their third consecutive win over the weekend and climbing to third on the IDRU reserve grade ladder.“It means a lot to have both sides playing so well. It shows the work we’re putting in is paying off. Hopefully, the reserves will join us at the top soon,” Patrick added.With both teams enjoying the week off, they'll be aiming for another double victory day when they host Campbelltown at home on 12 July.

With the 1985 premiership-winning side watching on in celebration of their 40th anniversary, the Knights had extra motivation to notch back-to-back wins at Kiama Showground on Saturday.KIama got off to a flying start in Round 11 of the Group 7 competition against the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, scoring in the fourth minute thanks to a slick backline move finished off by winger Cade Hotham.Nowra responded with two quick tries, but Kiama levelled the scores in the 14th minute through centre Max Jennings.Play then settled into a grind, with both sides absorbing pressure and trading sets. Kiama broke the deadlock when Kye Andrews split the defence to regain the lead.Shortly before half-time, a pin-point cut-out pass from fullback Brad Killmore found Callan Thistlethwaite on the edge, extending Kiama’s lead. The Knights went into the break up 22-12.But Nowra weren’t done. Three minutes into the second half, they capitalised on a high bomb that was allowed to bounce, scoring to close the gap.Kiama’s defence, however, stood strong against a wave of Nowra momentum. In the 63rd minute, Killmore crossed the line to push the lead further out.From there, the Knights turned on the style, scoring two late tries - both set up by well-placed kicks - to seal a convincing win in front of their home crowd and the club’s past legends.“It was a huge day with the 1985 premiership-winning team coming to watch us. We needed the two points to keep building toward the finals, but also to make those old boys proud,” said Killmore.The 1985 premiership team. Photo: Kiama Knights“The game was a bit scrappy and stop-start for the most part, but off the back of our forwards we looked good when we found rhythm.”Kiama will aim to keep their winning streak alive next week against last year’s runners-up, the Shellharbour Sharks.Meanwhile, at Michael Cronin Oval, Gerringong also looked to extend their winning run when they hosted the struggling Jamberoo Superoos.It was all Gerringong in the first half, racing to a 16-0 lead with three sharp tries: a well-timed leap from winger James Kunkler, a powerful barge-over from hooker Nathan Ford, and a strong angled run from second-rower Jack Quine.Jamberoo avoided a scoreless first half with a penalty goal just before the break, with Gerringong ahead 16-2.Needing a big start to the second half, Jamberoo responded through powerhouse forward James Gilmore, who crashed over in the 45th minute. Then a clever show-and-go from five-eighth Mark Asquith saw them pull within two points at 16–14.Jamberoo are on a three-game losing streak. Photo: @SticksPix_But Gerringong quickly regained control, answering back with a try to Bailey Marks just minutes later, and then another in the 75th minute via Liam Holland.Jamberoo added a late consolation - an impressive length-of-the-field effort finished by Riley Plekan - but the final score read 26-18 in Gerringong’s favour.“It was good to keep the winning streak going at home against Jamberoo, who are always a tough side,” said Lions captain Nathan Ford. “It was an important win, especially with them sitting close to us on the ladder.“Great to have a big crowd too. It lifts the team. We’re starting to play the footy we knew we were capable of. "With a mix of experience and youth, it was always going to take time - but we’re heading in the right direction.”Gerringong will have the bye this week, while Jamberoo travel south to face Nowra-Bomaderry.

It has been great to see recent articles about the updating of facilities at Gerry Emery Oval, a wonderful sporting complex used by many groups of people around the Gerringong district.But who exactly was this Gerry Emery?Well, he was actually Edgar Emery and “Gerry” was a nickname he picked up in primary school.Edgar was born on the North Coast on the 7 January, 1911. He moved with his family to the Riverleigh dairy farm at Gerroa when he was seven. He farmed there for many years with his brother Ivor until Ivor went to Sydney. He sold the property in the 1950s and moved to Werri Beach. He worked in various jobs such as sawmilling, bridge building and earth moving. He worked on the Talawa Dam in Kangaroo Valley. Edgar and the Gerringong team 1935. He is the wicketkeeper and his future wife is just behind him. Photo: The Emery CollectionAs well as Ivor, his other siblings were Olive, Clifford, Clive, Godfrey and Aubury.He married Phyllis Chatto, who just happened to be the scorer for the Gerringong Cricket Club, a job she shared with Olive. Edgar and Phyliss had two children Diana and John.He had a passion for cricket. Most of his brothers played cricket as did his father and son. Every summer, most of the young men and women picked up the bat and ball and played on various grounds around the district. In fact, for a time Gerringong had its own competition consisting of five teams.And he was very good at it too. He was tagged the “Bradman of the South Coast”. He was an outstanding opening batter who hit the ball tremendously hard, playing first grade at 12 and representative cricket at 15. In a career that spanned 48 years he compiled 61 centuries, including a memorable 314 against Shellharbour. In another game Gerringong scored 166 and Edgar contributed 141 to the total.He did get a chance to try grade cricket in Sydney in 1941 with Balmain. However, travel difficulties and dairy farm commitments conspired to squash that dream, a common problem for great country sportspeople in those days.In the field he was a competent wicketkeeper and stood up close to the stumps, even to fast bowlers. Later he learnt to spin the ball effectively and became a great spin bowler. In the 1946-47 season he captured no less than 54 wickets. He was a selector for the South Coast and Illawarra districts for 25 years and was made a life member of the South Coast District Cricket Association and the Gerringong Cricket Club.Edgar at bat in the very first match at the ground. Photo: The Emery CollectionEdgar was a keen tennis player and later a bowls player, winning competitions at the Berry Bowling Club.In recognition of Edgar’s cricket feats, Kiama Council named the reserve after him.But if Edgar was here now, he would not want this article to be just about him. Cricket is a team sport and Gerringong Cricket Club has produced so many outstanding players over its history since 1863, and many of them were his teammates and opponents.In the 1937-38 season in the Gerringong and District Cricket Association, a final was played between Foxground and Gerringong at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. Foxground won despite a fine innings from Edgar of 169.Sixty years later the surviving members of that game gathered to remember those wonderful times. They were all 80-plus years old and tall tales were told about that season as if it was the summer just gone. Edgar was just one of a group that included Alf Bonser, Jack and Tom Thompson, Clive Emery, Bede Devery and Val and Athol Noble, as well as the official scorer Olive McGill. Jack said he could not believe that 60 years had passed since that day.Gerry Emery Oval is not just, in my opinion, honouring one man but all the great Gerringong cricketers who played with or against him.In 1977 his brother Ivor was asked by the Kiama Independent to name the players he particularly remembered from those times. It is in no way meant to be a complete list. Many of these names are lost to time. All gave sterling service to Gerringong on the cricket field and life in general. None should be forgotten.Mervyn Walker, Vic Martin, Joe, Cecil and Eric Langton, Jack Deitz, Harold Ross, Jack Fields, Clyde and Aub Cant, ‘Tinyo” Miller, S.G. Miller, Keith Boxsell, Lin Miller, Val and Athol Noble, Jack, Herb and Tom Thompson, Bede Devery, Bruce Sharpe, Bede English, Ray Kennedy, Neville Nelson, Lloyd Sharpe, Alex Trevallion, Alan Crapp and Edgar, Clive and Ivor Emery. What a team you could make from these names.

Gerringong forward Hamish Stewart was one of several Dragons who were bruised and battered in their courageous 34-20 win over Parramatta in Wollongong on Saturday night.Stewart was concussed when he tried to make a big tackle from a kick restart but he reeled away, heavily dazed by the impact.He was taken from the field straight away and ruled to have suffered a category-one concussion which means he will have to sit out next week's trip to Canberra.The Dragons were the walking wounded at WIN Stadium with Christian Tuipulotu pulling out in the warm-up, second-rower Luciano Leilua straining a thigh muscle, Toby Couchman dislocating his shoulder and bench forward Viliame Fifita picking up a knee injury on top of Stewart's head knock.Co-captain Damien Cook played on through an ankle injury, Maroons centre Valentine Holmes had a corked thigh and winger Nathan Lawson could barely move his arm in the final 15 minutes but remained on the field.They started the match like a house on fire to lead 26-4 at half-time.But as their injuries mounted, Parra stormed back into the game and nearly stole the two competition points but had a crucial try disallowed when winger Josh Addo-Carr was ruled to have stepped on the sideline.The Dragons celebrate a try to Valentine Holmes. Photo: The Bugle"It could have gone either way but the spirit and courage got us home," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.Stewart had made a solid impact after coming on off the bench. He pulled off 17 tackles and made five hit-ups in his 27-minute stint to continue his impressive rookie season in the NRL.

Kiama Knights junior Maria Paseka is aiming to cement her place in the starting side for the St George Illawarra Dragons when the 2025 NRLW season kicks off next week.The 19-year-old winger was officially added to the Dragons' top-24 squad last August, making her debut at the conclusion of their season. Now, she’s looking to make a bigger impact in 2025.Paseka's eyes lit up when she recalled the moment she learned she’d be joining the squad.“I was literally lying in bed one evening when I got a call from Sowie [2024 coach Jamie Soward] saying I was going to be part of the top 24 and could potentially make my debut,” Paseka said.“And literally the next weekend, I made my debut. It all happened really fast. There were a lot of emotions that week.”Now her goal is to solidify her place in the top team - but just as importantly, to stay true to herself.Maria will be hoping to cement her spot in the Dragons squad in 2025. Photo: St George Illawarra Dragons“I’ve probably got to put on a few kilos,” she said. “But mainly, I just want to keep being the person I am today. "Nathan Cross [current Dragons coach] often says you can be the best player on the field, but if your character off the field isn’t there, you won’t get far.“So as long as my character’s strong both on and off the field, I think I’ll go a long way in footy. That’s my goal.”Paseka began her sporting career in rugby union, playing alongside her cousin in a boys' team. She later made the switch to rugby league, joining the Kiama Knights under-14s when girls' tackle was first introduced to the competition.“I first started playing in Kiama when they brought in girls' tackle,” she said. “We ended up winning the final that year with our coach Cindy Brookfield.”She later moved to Collegians for under-18s, due to limited player numbers at Kiama.“I wanted to keep playing league, but we didn’t have enough girls coming through at Kiama,” she said.Switching from union to league came fairly naturally, but there were some adjustments.“Union gave me a solid base, and I was used to contact, but there were little things I had to unlearn,” she said. “In my first game, I accidentally put the ball back instead of playing it properly,” she laughs.Most recently, Paseka represented NSW in the Under-19s Women’s State of Origin, scoring a try in their 26–10 victory.The Dragons will open their 2025 campaign against the Raiders at GIO Stadium in Canberra next Saturday (5 July), and if selected, Paseka says she’s ready.“I’ve really gotten to know the girls on a different level this year,” she said. “A big focus at training has been team connection, because last year that was something we lacked.“That’s been one of Crossy’s goals - to build stronger bonds across the squad. I’ve seen a whole new side of the girls, and now I feel really comfortable, especially under the leadership of the older, more experienced players.”The Dragons NRLW side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished second last on the ladder. With fresh energy and emerging talent like Paseka in their ranks, the club is on track for a much more competitive 2025 campaign.

The ninth annual Kiama Coastal Classic attracted close to 1,000 participants across four race distances last weekend.The most popular event of the day was the 21km race, which featured around 500 runners and ended in a dramatic finish in the men's division.“The guy who came second in the 21km was just three seconds behind,” said Seb Gallery, marketing manager at Elite Energy Events.“It was amazingly close racing - especially considering it’s not a flat course. Those times are impressive even on a flat route, let alone one that covers varied terrain.”Steven Horrocks claimed first place in the men's division with a time of 01:29:09, closely followed by James Naldrett at 01:29:12. In the women’s division, Martine Schlosser took the win with a time of 01:44:30.Gallery noted the strong family turnout for the shorter events, highlighting the inclusive atmosphere of the day.Finishing with a beautiful ocean view at Kiama Coastal Classic. Photo: The Bugle“It was great to see so many families getting involved,” he said. “You had kids running the 2km event, while parents or siblings took on the longer distances.”Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Kiama Coastal Classic. Gallery, who was part of Elite Energy when the event first launched, says he’s proud of how much it has grown.“We’re still producing a great event, and we’ve seen people return year after year,” he said. “Some participants have completed all nine Kiama Coastal Classics - which is a real feather in our cap. That’s what we’re about: creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone.”While Gallery was tight-lipped about the details for 2026, he hinted at a special celebration to mark the milestone.“There’ll be birthday celebrations for the 10th year, but details will be released in due course,” he said. “There’ll definitely be some kind of surprise for the 10th anniversary.”Full list of winners:21km raceMale: Steven HorrocksFemale: Martine Schlosser12km raceMale: Charley GibsonFemale: Elisha Bell5km raceMale: Sam HaldaneFemale: Amy Abbey2km fun runMale: Memphis MenchacaFemale: Alessia Spasevski

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has given his team a much-needed shake-up leading into Saturday’s Wollongong showdown with Parramatta.The Dragons’ playoff hopes are slipping away after they have lost five of their past seven matches to sit in 11th spot on the NRL ladder.After a week off for their third and final bye of the season, Flanagan has overhauled his line-up for the WIN Stadium stoush with the Eels.Maroons centre Valentine Holmes is back in the starting side after a strong performance in last week’s State of Origin upset win over NSW in Perth with rookie Nick Tsougranis making way.Wingers Christian Tuipulotu and Corey Allan are also back in the backline after overcoming hamstring injuries.Tyrell Sloan has not been selected amid reports he will be granted a mid-season release to join another club despite having 18 months left on his contract. The Dragons’ other winger from their 30-18 last-start loss to traditional rivals Cronulla was Nathan Lawson, who has been dropped to the reserves.Former Queensland second-rower Jaydn Su’A will make his comeback from a month out with an ankle problem, sending Luciano Leilua to the interchange.Gerringong forward Hamish Stewart has retained his place on the bench as he looks to continue his impressive first season at NRL level.The match will hold extra significance for St George Illawarra co-captain Clint Gutherson who will be taking on his former team for the second time since Parramatta controversially told him to look elsewhere in the off-season. The Eels triumphed 23-22 when they first met this season in Round 5 with former Dragons star Zac Lomax booting the winning field goal.Parramatta have moved off the bottom of the ladder by beating Gold Coast 36-20 on Sunday but if the Dragons want to have any chance of sneaking into the finals, they need to get revenge on the Eels for their nail-biting loss earlier in the season.

The Kiama Junior Knights will celebrate their 70th anniversary next month, marking seven decades of developing young talent and fostering a love of rugby league across the region.Originally known as the Red Devils, the club was founded in 1955 and has since grown into one of the largest and most respected junior rugby league clubs in NSW.Today, the club boasts over 480 registered players, including more than 200 girls participating in League Tag or tackle - cementing its reputation as a leader in participation, inclusivity, and player development.“Seventy years is a huge milestone,” said club president Lachlan Payne. “This club has always been about more than just rugby league - it's about mateship, community, and creating a positive environment for young people to grow and thrive.”To mark the occasion, the Kiama Junior Knights will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration at the Kiama Leagues Club on Saturday, 19 July. The evening will bring together past and present players, coaches, volunteers, life members, families and supporters for a night of memories, recognition and reunion.A highlight of the night will be a special reunion of the 2005 Under 15-2s premiership-winning team, which included former NRL player Mitch Rein.Rein is one of many Junior Knights who have progressed to the professional level over the years, alongside notable names such as Shaun Timmins, Jonathan Britten, and Brett and Josh Morris.“We’re proud of our past, excited for the future, and incredibly grateful to the generations who have built this club from the ground up,” said Payne.The Kiama Junior Knights 15-2s 2005 Premiers who will celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. Source: Kristie Laird“We warmly invite anyone who has been part of our journey to join us - it’s going to be a very special night.”Event DetailsDate: Saturday 19 July 2025Time and venue: Kiama Leagues ClubTickets: $50 per personBookings: Click here to book

Gerringong Golf Club, joined by local MP Fiona Phillips, officially opened its new fuel storage tanks and cart wash bay last Wednesday.Partially funded by a $17,500 grant from the Labor Government’s Stronger Communities Program, the project marks the first stage of the club’s long-term plans for clubhouse redevelopment.The new upgrades include a fuel bay designed with safety and environmental impact in mind. It features a sump to catch fuel spills, addressing past inefficiencies.“The staff used to go to the local service station to fill up small cans,” said Gerringong Golf Club president Geoff Manning. “They’d bring them back and then air-pour the fuel, which would take half a day - and it wasn’t environmentally friendly.”The second major improvement is a covered cart wash bay that allows staff to clean golf carts safely while collecting and recycling the wastewater for irrigation on the course.“As you move forward, these are the types of improvements you need to make,” said vice-president Tony Quinn. The upgrades were just part one of a big plan for the upgrade of the Gerringong Golf Club.“We’ve gone from having four golf carts to now managing 38. You can’t keep using the old facilities and expect to keep up. "Plus, regulations have changed - and we want to stay ahead of the curve.”The club acknowledged the support of Kiama Council and MP Fiona Phillips in bringing the project to life.“Kiama Council was actually caught off guard when we submitted our application,” said Quinn. “They’d never seen a club be so well-prepared - they didn’t know how to treat it!”Attending the launch, Phillips expressed her pride in supporting a project that delivers environmental and community benefits.“These upgrades will improve safety for members, visitors, and staff - and the water recycling system will help keep the course in top condition,” she said.Welcoming around 18,000 visitors each year, Gerringong Golf Club is one of the few courses in Australia offering ocean views from every hole.Geoff Manning, Fiona Phillips and Tony Quinn in the new Gerringong Golf Club fuel station.“This stunning course, in the most sublime location overlooking the ocean, is a huge attraction for visiting golfers who support our local economy and jobs year-round,” said Phillips.Gerringong Golf Club was one of 17 community organisations in Gilmore to share in $134,500 of funding through Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Program.The club hopes this is just the beginning, with plans underway for a full clubhouse redevelopment in future stages.

The third annual South Coast Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Cup was held last Thursday with Shoalhaven High School taking out the boys’ competition and Ulladulla High School claiming the girls’ title.Held at the Bomaderry Sporting Complex, the event aims to educate and empower young people to take a stand against domestic and family violence - all while enjoying a day of rugby league.The tournament brought together the South Coast Police District, Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League, the NRL and more than 200 students from Years 9 to 11 across the Shoalhaven.“Today was the brainchild of some of our really good people who wanted to partner with rugby league to tackle the rise in family and domestic violence - by bringing young people on that journey with us,” said South Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Darren Brand.“I’m really proud. It’s a fantastic event, now in its third year, and we’ve welcomed an additional school this year, bringing the total to six. It’s really starting to grow - and it’s about much more than just footy."In the lead-up to the Gala Day, South Coast police officers visited participating schools to educate students on key issues such as respect, healthy relationships, and how to seek help if they or someone they know is experiencing domestic or family violence.(From left) Darren Brand with Emma Wood and Ashton Sims.Shoalhaven-based government and community organisations were also on hand at the event, providing information and support to students and families about available services aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.“All the information stands are designed to be engaging for the kids. It’s about raising awareness - which leads to empowerment. And with empowerment comes choices. "When young people know their options, they’re more likely to reach out for help when they need it,” said Emma Wood from South Coast and Country Community Law.“This event works because the kids are involved, they’re having fun, and that’s the best way for them to connect with services and take in important information."To ensure students actively engaged with the support services, Group 7 South Coast Rugby League football operations manager Ashton Sims revealed that the match draw was deliberately structured.“There’s always a school that’s scheduled to rotate through the service areas. "They speak with police at the police van, take part in discussions, and collect some form of educational resource,” said Sims.“Today isn’t just about rugby league - we’re using the game as a platform to deliver domestic violence prevention messages and help shape a safer future.”Dylan McFadden warming up before a game.Services used interactive tools to connect with students, including educational games like the red flag/green flag activity that Ulladulla High School student Dylan McFadden participated in.“At these stalls, they actually explain things in more detail than we usually get in school. "The way they keep us interested really works. At one of the stands, they played a game where you raise a red or green flag depending on whether a sentence they say is a warning sign or a healthy behaviour,” McFadden said.The six local high schools taking part include Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven, Bomaderry, Ulladulla, and St John the Evangelist Catholic High Schools - and organisers are hopeful this number will only grow in years to come.

Kiama Knights got retribution for last week's nail-biting loss to the Stingrays by claiming a hard-fought victory in their own thriller against the Jamberoo Superoos.It was all Kiama early in Round 10 of the Group 7 competition at Kevin Walsh Oval, with the first points coming in the eighth minute. Halfback Cameron Vazzoler placed a perfectly weighted kick into the hands of Kye Andrews, who rose above the pack to score.Four minutes later, a crucial mistake from Jamberoo led to Kiama’s second try. After a half-break returning from their own line, the Superoos spilled the ball. Kiama swooped on the loose possession, swinging it to the sideline and back before Killmore broke through the line, drew the fullback, and passed to Callum Hodgson to finish the move - turning a defensive scare into another four points.Killmore crossed for a try himself in the 23rd minute, and it looked like Kiama were poised to run away with the game.Kiama are third on the Group 7 ladder. Photo: @SticksPix_But, as footy pundits often say - the tide always turns. It did so in the 29th minute when Jamberoo’s dummy-half Mason Phillips burrowed over to score.Momentum shifted completely as Jamberoo crossed twice more before the break - one through a forward crash-over and another in the corner - leveling the scores at 16-all at half-time.In contrast to the high-scoring first half, the second half featured just one try. In the 47th minute, Kiama centre Max Jennings looked to have bombed a golden opportunity when he went himself on a two-on-one overlap in the corner. But in a desperate effort to get the ball away while being tackled, Jennings managed to offload to Callan Thistlewaite, who scored in the corner.That proved to be the match-winner. Kiama led 22-16 with 30 minutes to play, and the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.Jamberoo have struggled with injuries throughout 2025, but still remain close to the top five. Photo: @SticksPix_Jamberoo had a golden chance late in the game when fullback Jack Talbott took a quick tap and appeared destined to run the length of the field. But a desperate ankle tap from Killmore brought him down, and the Superoos were unable to capitalise on the opportunity."Very similar game to the week prior,” said Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas. “We were right in it and had enough chances to win, but unfortunately, we just keep getting unlucky with personnel in crucial moments.“We lost Kyle Stone and James Gilmore in the opening 20 minutes, then Clarkey (Dreau Clark) with 20 to go. "Already having a long list of guys out just makes it hard. The boys are doing their best but just don’t have the experience yet."Kiama coach Matt O’Brien was thrilled to secure the two competition points. "Good to win away from home after a close loss last week. Always tough games against Jamberoo out there," he said.Next week, the Knights host Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, with Kiama also celebrating the reunion of their 1985 first-grade premiership-winning team.In the other local match on the weekend, the Gerringong Lions dominated the Berry Magpies with a commanding 44-6 win. They'll look to carry that form into this weekend's local derby against the struggling Superoos.

St George Illawarra need to win eight of their final 11 matches to have any hope of qualifying for the NRL playoffs.The Dragons have their third and final bye this week before an 11-game unbroken stretch to finish the regular season.They have dropped to 12th spot after last Thursday’s 30-18 loss to Cronulla at Shark Park when they coughed up a 12-point half-time lead in conceding four unanswered tries in the second term. Despite their modest record of five wins from 13 matches, they will likely finish Round 15 just two points outside the cut-off mark for the finals.But they face a daunting task to remain in the finals equation when they return to the field next week. To be any chance of sneaking into the final eight, they need to win eight more times but after losing five of their past seven matches, that is looking highly unlikely.They return to WIN Stadium next Saturday when they will face former Dragons star Zac Lomax and the Parramatta Eels, who are at the bottom of the ladder and will be without halfback Mitchell Moses due to the calf injury which ruled him out of Origin II in Perth this week. The Dragons then travel to Canberra to face the in-form Raiders, take on the Roosters at Kogarah and competition leaders Canterbury at Accor Stadium. In the ensuing seven rounds, Shane Flanagan’s squad faces three more teams - Canberra, Cronulla and the Warriors - who are currently in the top eight as well as premiers Penrith.One of the bright spots for their season has been the rise of Gerringong duo Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan into the NRL ranks. Egan scored three tries in his eight appearances before an ACL tear ended his season last month during their win over Brisbane.Stewart, another 20-year-old forward, has racked up 12 matches in his rookie season, averaging a fraction over 30 tackles per match. He was only given 22 minutes of game time off the bench against the Sharks last week but still managed to power through 21 tackles.

Kiama Power player and long-time volunteer Shellee Gibson has been awarded a new barbecue as part of Bunnings Warehouse’s Legends of the Tongs initiative.The national campaign aims to recognise and reward community heroes who fire up the BBQ at local games each week - often the unsung champions behind the scenes of grassroots footy.“Our Legend of the Tongs campaign celebrates some of the best parts of our local community,” said Bunnings Shellharbour complex manager Greg Sutton.A couple of other Kiama Power volunteers with the Legends of the Tongs merch. Photo: Supplied“Whether it’s at their local club grounds or as part of our weekly sausage sizzles, unsung heroes like Shelley tirelessly show up week in and week out to support their players and raise much needed funds for their clubs.”Each week, five individuals are selected as Legends of the Tongs, receiving a Jumbuck Club 6 Burner BBQ, a two-piece BBQ tool set, a 3x3m marquee, exclusive merchandise - and a shot at becoming one of eight national finalists flown to the 2025 AFL Grand Final.“It’ll be really good because cooking the barbecue every week raises funds for the club,” said Shellee. “And everyone loves the barbecue - the food, the smell, the atmosphere.”In her application, Shellee shared what makes Kiama Power special: “We’re a small club run by volunteers. We always have music, the barbecue going - it’s just a great vibe and so good for the community.”Shellee’s commitment to women’s AFL runs deep. Fifteen years ago, she was the driving force behind the Illawarra’s first women’s AFL team - the Wollongong Saints - where she took on the roles of president, treasurer, coach, captain, and player.“We had to play in the Sydney competition because there wasn’t one here. So every week we travelled to Sydney. It was a big commitment - but it was the only way we could play,” she said.Now playing and volunteering with Kiama Power for the past four years - including a premiership win - Shellee has witnessed the sport’s dramatic growth firsthand.“When we first started, I was door-knocking businesses asking for $100 just to cover our registration fee - and people laughed at me. They’d say things like, ‘Girls don’t play footy,’” she recalled.“But I kept knocking. Eventually, we raised the money. And now look at it - we went from no teams to one, and now there are around 15 or 16 women’s teams in the South Coast division. And women’s AFL has its own league - it’s on TV. It’s been amazing.”In a couple of weeks, Shellee is set to play her 200th women’s Aussie Rules game for Kiama Power - a remarkable milestone for a grassroots footy pioneer who continues to inspire on and off the field.

The South Coast Police District Domestic Violence Awareness Cup rugby league tournament kicked off on Thursday morning at Bomaderry Sporting Complex for the third consecutive year.The event was created to educate and encourage people - especially young people - to take a stand against domestic and family violence, all while enjoying a day of footy.The tournament brings together the South Coast Police District, Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League, the NRL, and more than 200 students from Years 9 to 11 across the Shoalhaven region. It featured an under-16s Rugby League (boys) and League Tag (girls) Gala Day.The six local high schools taking part include Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven, Bomaderry, Ulladulla, and St John the Evangelist Catholic High Schools.South Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Darren Brand said the event was extremely important.“We know there is no single solution to stop domestic and family violence, the NSW Police will continue to work with community leaders, government agencies and the private sector to put a stop to domestic violence offenders and protect our communities,” Supt Brand said.“Educating the younger generation how to seek help and to break the cycle of violence is part of the solution and why the DV Awareness Cup is such an important event for the South Coast Police District.”Leading up to the Gala Day, South Coast police officers visited participating schools to educate students on a range of issues, including respect and how to seek help if they are victims of family or domestic violence.Shoalhaven-based government and community organisations were present on the day, providing information to students and families about services and support available to help break the cycle.“Today’s gala day and the education sessions in the lead up to today’s event, provides a safe space for people to come forward and ask for help, to educate themselves about certain behaviours such as coercive control to better protect themselves, their families and their future,” said Supt Brand.The event is backed by the NRL, with rugby league great and NRL Ambassador Garry Jack attending, along with players from the St George Illawarra Dragons NRL and NRLW teams.

Australian Ryan Paisley has claimed back-to-back victories at the 2025 NSW Open FootGolf tournament, held over the weekend at Jamberoo - firmly establishing himself as one of the sport’s elite.The tournament took place on 14–15 June at Jamberoo Golf Club, where competitors were greeted with perfect conditions at a pristine course.“It turned out to be excellent weather, so it was absolutely ideal in that respect,” said FootGolf ambassador and player Deryn Knott. “We had 27 men in the Open Men’s division - more Malaysian competitors than Australians - as well as one Japanese player,” said Knott.“The conditions were really beautiful, the course was running really fast. So, that made it quite pleasant to play on, despite all the rain that we'd had in the lead-up."The two-day event featured 18 holes each day and culminated in a thrilling finish. Paisley and Kamal Yatim were tied heading into the final hole.Men's winner Ryan Paisley hits an approach on the 18th. Photo: Julia Ackland“They were level going into the last hole. Ryan parred it, while Yatim bogeyed after landing in the water,” said Knott. “Ryan had this tricky downhill putt - you just have to tap it and let it roll toward the flag - and he nailed it.”Meanwhile, Malaysian competitor Asyraf Ruslan also finished at 12-under, tied with Yatim. The pair went into a playoff, with Ruslan emerging as the runner-up.Paisley was born in England but represents Australia and is a member of South Coast FootGolf Club based in Jamberoo. His win earns him valuable points towards qualification for the 2026 FootGolf World Cup.“This was the biggest tournament of the year. Winning both the NSW State Championship and the Australian Championship gives Ryan automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Mexico,” Knott explained.The tournament also featured a women’s competition and senior divisions for players over 45 and over 55.“In the women’s division, Australian Kristy Horton took the win. Among the seniors, it was Malaysia’s Nizam Othman, and in the 55+ category, Richard Chamberlain from Queensland came out on top,” said Knott.Deryn Knott approaching the 18th hole. Photo: Julia AcklandKnott also praised the efforts of Jamberoo Golf Club president David Ransom and Suzanne Paul for their role in organising the event.“It really was a great weekend. We had some kids around, and after Saturday’s play, everyone shared a dinner at the golf course. Even with the competitive edge, the atmosphere was fun and supportive,” he said.Next up on the FootGolf calendar is the Queensland Open in July, as Australian players continue their push toward World Cup qualification.

Group 7 referee Ryan Micallef has been officially elevated to the NSW Referees High Performance Squad, bringing him one step closer to his dream of officiating in the NRL.Only 40 referees across the state were chosen for the elite squad. Micallef will officiate on matches in the Jersey Flegg competition - a major stepping stone on the pathway to top-tier rugby league.“It’s the culmination of a 12-year journey - a pathway not too dissimilar to that of a player,” Micallef said. “You come in at the junior league level, move through the representative pathways, and work your way into the high-performance system.”Micallef, who is in his mid 20s, is among only a handful of referees from the Group 7 competition to have made the cut.“There are only 40 referees in NSW in the squad, so it’s pretty special. And to achieve it from outside the Sydney metro area makes it even more meaningful. Ryan Micallef (left) will leave behind a large legacy at Group 7. Photo: Group 7 Referees Association"The number of referees who get graded is already limited - those doing it from regional areas are even fewer,” he said.From here, Micallef hopes to continue progressing through the ranks, with the goal of refereeing in the Sydney Shield, Ron Massey Cup, and NSW Cup.“The top cup guys are usually around 30 years old, so I’ve still got a bit of time ahead of me. But I just want to make a strong impression, stay consistent with my training and performances, and hopefully keep building. If all goes well, I’d love to be closing in on the NRL in five or six years.”Micallef first became involved in rugby league as a junior player with the Kiama Knights but began refereeing at the age of 14 - initially just to earn some pocket money.“It started off as a way to make a bit of cash. But the deeper I went into it, the more I enjoyed it,” he said. “And honestly, I wasn’t a great player. So to stay involved in the game, earn a little money, and then progress through levels I never could have reached as a player - that was something I really valued.”Ryan has been refereeing since he was a teenager in 2014. Photo: Group 7 Referees AssociationNow known for his calm presence on the field, Micallef embraces a refereeing philosophy that values flow and game awareness.“I think the best referees know when to step in and when to step back,” he explained. “Some games require a lot more management, others almost run themselves. It’s about reading the match and understanding what’s needed.“I try to set a clear standard early, then let the game breathe. Ideally, if things are going smoothly, I can stay out of it - and only step in when I need to.”As he departs Group 7, Micallef leaves behind a strong legacy: 195 matches officiated, including 90 first-grade games and four first-grade grand finals - two as the lead referee, and two on the sidelines.Group 7 will miss his dedication and professionalism on the field - but they’ll be watching with pride as he continues his journey on the big stage.

Kiama made it five wins in a row in Illawarra rugby over the weekend, defeating Camden with a dominant 41-25 victory at home.After climbing to the top of the ladder last week, Kiama knew they needed to reinforce their position with a strong showing against third-placed Camden. Kiama forward Dante Patrick said the team struggled to find their rhythm early.“It was a tough game to get into from the start. They threw quite a bit at us and, as I’ve said the past few weeks, we’ve really been working on our defence,” he said.“We weathered the storm and once we started getting a bit more ball to play with, it was quite a pretty thing to watch.”Despite the commanding win, Patrick noted the team was still disappointed to have conceded 25 points - most of them late in the second half.“We started to lack a little bit of discipline, gave away back-to-back penalties, and a couple of turnovers that really let Camden get a few last-minute points to scare us a little bit,” he said.With five consecutive wins against top teams, Kiama remain firmly atop the competition ladder. But Patrick said the team won’t be getting ahead of themselves.“We let in 25 points on the weekend, and for a team that's trying to maintain a high standard, we want to bring that number down. That’s what keeps us hungry and ensures we don’t get complacent about where we are,” he said.As a reflection of their impressive season so far, two Kiama players have been selected to represent NSW Country. Lock Jack Hobbs has been picked for the Open side, while prop Isaac Kaunicaramaki will represent the under-20s Colts.“It’s very well deserved. It's a big achievement, and it’s great to see one player in each side. The whole team is behind them - I think the whole town of Kiama is behind them,” said Patrick.Next week, Kiama travel to the Highlands to face sixth-placed Bowral. Patrick expects a tough contest, especially with the added challenge of playing away in cold conditions.“They've got a young team with a few Illawarra representative players as well. So it’ll be a really good clash, and if we don't give them the respect they deserve, they could do a number on us. We’ve just got to get our prep right,” he said.

It was heartbreak for the Kiama Knights in Round 9 of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition, as they went down in the 78th minute of their top-of-the-table clash with the Stingrays of Shellharbour.The Stingrays got off to a flying start with a try in just the second minute. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle. Kiama’s Brad Killmore responded in the eighth minute, but Tim Lafai put the Stingrays back in front with a try in the 18th.Soon after, Trey Barlow extended the Stingrays’ lead by pouncing on his own kick to score. But the Knights stayed in the contest, with Matt Morris crossing before half-time to bring the score back to 16-10 at the break.Coach Matt O’Brien revved up the Knights during the interval and they came out firing in the second half with tries from Kye Andrews and Kieran Poole propelling the home side into the lead.Lafai struck again in the 73rd minute with his second try, narrowing Kiama’s lead to 22-20 with seven minutes to play. The Knights defended bravely but couldn’t hold out, conceding a try in the corner in the 78th minute that sealed the Stingrays’ victory.“It was a good hit-out, finally getting back on the field after three weeks off, especially against the top team,” said Knights fullback Brad Killmore. Fullback Brad Killmore scoring the Knights' opening try. Photo: @stickspix_“Disheartening finish with them scoring in the last minute, but there are still plenty of positives to take from the game. I’m keen to move on and take on Jamberoo next week.”Jamberoo also pushed last year's runners-up, Shellharbour Sharks, but couldn’t quite secure the win. After an even first half, the Superoos led 14-12 at the break. But the second half started all Shellharbour, who ran in three quick tries to make it 28-14.Jamberoo showed plenty of fight. Jack Talbott ran nearly the length of the field for a try in the 63rd minute, and the team capitalised again three minutes later to bring the score to 28-24. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close the gap before the final siren.Despite the result, Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas found plenty of positives, especially given the injury toll affecting the squad. “We’re still missing our two starting props, so to hold their pack was impressive,” Dallas said.“We actually turned a corner in a few areas. Most of the tries we conceded came down to poor decisions. I think we could have solved them with a bit more composure. “We’re still without eight from our squad and suffered another broken arm yesterday, so if we can fight through the next couple of weeks, we’ll get some luck and finish the year strong.”Gerringong Lions were the only local first-grade team to secure a win in Round 9, ending their losing streak with a 30-18 victory over the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets. The Lions roared out to an 18-0 half-time lead, but the Jets responded strongly, levelling the scores at 18-18 midway through the second half. However, Gerringong regained control with tries in the 64th and 72nd minutes to seal the win and put themselves back in the title hunt.Lions captain Nathan Ford said he was glad to be back in the winners circle, especially considering it was a milestone match for club stalwart Jake Taylor.“The win was set up by our defence early in the first half which allowed us to score points in the back end of the half,” he said.Kiama will face Jamberoo next week in a local derby. Photo: Stickspix_“Didn’t start well in the second half with errors and some poor decisions letting them back in the contest. I was proud of how we fought our way back and held our composure, especially back at home for Jake Taylor’s 150th first-grade appearance.“It will be a great confidence boost heading into the second half of the season. We will continue working hard before the game with Berry this week.”Kiama take on Jamberoo in a local derby next round, while Gerringong face Berry in another crucial clash.