Cover Photo: Game Face Photography
Tallon Smith
The Nowra-Bomaderry Jets have landed one of the biggest signing coups of the Group 7 off-season after welcoming home local junior Ryan James from the Shellharbour Sharks.
James, who was best on ground in Nowra-Bomaderry’s 2014 premiership victory, before moving to Shellharbour for a successful stint at the Sharks, will return to the Jets this season as a key signing under new new coach Zac Kershaw.
In a statement posted to the club’s Facebook page over the summer, the club revealed its excitement at the signing of the strike centre.
“We’re absolutely over the moon to welcome back Ryan “RJ” James – arguably one of Group 7’s standout players over the past decade,” the statement read.
“RJ has proudly represented Group 7 on multiple occasions and even earned the honour of donning the NSW Country jersey in 2022.
“A member of the 2014 Group 7 Nowra Bomaderry Jets premiership winning squad, his role was pivotal in the season and managed to secure the player of the grand final.
“Now returning as a senior player, we’re excited to see not only what he produces on the field, but also the leadership, experience and confidence he’ll bring to the squad.
“With a fresh young crop of rising stars coming through, there’s no better time to have RJ back at the club.”
James’ move comes after a busy off-season around the competition, headlined by Albion Park-Oak Flats’ signing of local junior Drew Hutchison from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and fellow former NRL player Rhys Kennedy from Jamberoo.
Nowra-Bomaderry have also picked up another key signing in Lae Snax Tigers’ 2025 Digicel Cup premiership co-captain Shallom Bire, while Berry-Shoalhaven Heads has recruited two-time Wagga Kangaroos grand final player Ned Cooper.
The full list of Group 7 off-season transfers is listed below.
Group 7 Off-Season Gains and Losses by club
Albion Park-Oak Flats
Gains: Drew Hutchison (Canterbury-Bankstown), Rhys Kennedy (Jamberoo), Tui Leremia (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies)
Losses: Kane Ball (Young), Toataua Porima (Young)
Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies
Gains: Connor Ruse-Kent (Shellharbour), Jordan Xuereb (Jamberoo), Ned Cooper (Wagga Kangaroos), Jake Simpson
Losses: Tui Leremia (Albion Park-Oak Flats), Mitch Hickey, James Goring (South West Goannas)
Gerringong Lions
Gains: Hamish Holland
Losses: None
Jamberoo Superoos
Gains: None
Losses: Rhys Kennedy (Albion Park-Oak Flats), Dreau Clark (Warilla-Lake South), Jordan Xuereb (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads)
Kiama Knights
Gains: Sam Leever, Jasper Kelly (Bega)
Losses: Travis Barrett-Hancock (Orange CYMS)
Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs
Gains: Mitch Simington
Losses: Kye Farmilo, Lleyton Roach, Blake Osgood
Nowra-Bomaderry Jets
Gains: Ryan James (Shellharbour), Shallom Bire (Lae Snax Tigers)
Losses: None
Shellharbour Sharks
Gains: Matt Delbanco (Wests Illawarra), Dante Efarimo (rugby union) and Joey Elton
Losses: Ryan James (Nowra-Bomaderry), Isaac Morris (Shellharbour Stingrays), Connor Ruse-Kent (Berry-Shoalhaven Heads), Braxton Wallace (Dapto), Bailey Wallace (Temora), Jayme McElhone (retired) Nick Hay (retired)
Shellharbour Stingrays
Gains: Isaac Morris (Shellharbour Sharks), Jalal Bazzaz (Wests), Teumuariki Tukere (Wests), Dom Stephens (Goulburn), Tuma Te Koi (Eden), Jake Stig (Mounties)
Losses: Kayne Brennan (Warilla-Lake South) Mat Scott (Thirlmere-Tahmoor), Zac Taufa (Collegians), Kieran Rankmore, Hamish McLaurin
Warilla-Lake South Gorillas
Gains: Kayne Brennan (Stingrays), Brooman Page (Thirroul), Dreau Clark (Jamberoo), Samuel Kennedy, Baley Borthwick, Dwayne Longbottom, Tyrone Roberts, Brendyn Lonesborough, Sean Trindall
Losses: None
