Tallon Smith

A public meeting will be held tomorrow night at Noel Mulligan Oval to determine the playing future of Port Kembla’s senior rugby league club.

The meeting, which will begin at 6pm, aims to explore the possibilities for the club after an extended period of inactivity.

In a statement released to the club’s Facebook page, the Blacks called for former players, supporters, sponsors and any interested parties to attend to shape the future of senior rugby league in the area.

“The Port Kembla Senior Rugby League Football Club is calling a public meeting, and everyone is welcome to attend,” the statement read.

“For a number of years now, the Port Kembla Senior RLFC has not been actively participating in the competition. 

“This meeting is an opportunity for members of the community, past players, supporters, and anyone interested to come together and explore whether it is possible to resurrect the club.

“The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the future of the club and determine if there is enough interest to form a steering committee to investigate the viability of bringing the Port Kembla Senior Rugby League Football Club back into the competition.

“If you have ever been involved with the club, supported the club, or simply care about rugby league in Port Kembla, we encourage you to attend and be part of the conversation.”

Port Kembla’s senior club last entered a senior side in 2024, taking responsibility for the club’s under 18s side that season, which was coached by former NSW State of Origin halfback John Simon.

The Blacks last fielded an open age team in 2019, when the club competed in the Illawarra Rugby League’s reserve grade competition, falling to Collegians in the Grand Final.

Prior to that, the club competed in Group 7 from 2013 until 2017, after briefly leaving the Illawarra competition where it had won 22 titles before returning in 2018.

The Port Kembla Leagues Club, which amalgamated with Collegians’ group of licensed clubs, closed in May 2023.