By Tallon Smith

The Narooma Devils have taken a major step towards returning to the Group 16 First Grade competition next season after securing the services of former French Elite 1 Championship player Kieran Wyld as coach.

The Devils, who made the finals in 2023 before only being able to field an Under 18s side in 2024, are confident of returning to the premier grade next year, with early numbers looking good.

The club announced the signing of Wyld as the club’s mentor for their return via a Facebook post on Sunday evening.

“We are very excited to secure young gun Kieran Wyld for the 2025 Season,” the statement read.

“Kieran is coming from Corrimal Cougars, he has played junior reps at St George, played Ron Massey for Blacktown and Wentworthville, and went on to play in France in the Elite 1 competition for St Gaudens.

“We look forward to welcoming Kieran and his partner to our Club and to Narooma!”

The Devils are looking to field at least two grades next season, with club President Jaimie Wright telling Battlers For Bush Footy two grades are being looked at.

“[We’re looking at] Reserve Grade or Under 18s,” he said.

The Devils are among the most successful clubs in the history of Group 16, winning nine premierships across sub-group and group competitions in 1951, 1952, 1955, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2012.