First-of-its-kind referee academy set to benefit emerging Illawarra and South Coast match officials

Tallon Smith Emerging rugby league match officials on the South Coast are set to benefit from a specialised development program after inaugural Illawarra South Coast Referee Academy was launched last week.  Supported by both the Group 7 and Illawarra competitions and their respective referee associations, the academy comprises 28 referees between the ages of 15 and 19, and eight referee coaches from across the region. … Continue reading First-of-its-kind referee academy set to benefit emerging Illawarra and South Coast match officials

New women’s tackle competition set to further opportunities for South Coast players 

Cover Photo: Game Face Photography/Group 7 Facebook Tallon Smith Women’s footy on the South Coast is set to take a major stride forward in 2026 after Group 7 Rugby League announced the formation of a new Women’s Nines premiership competition. Beginning in May and scheduled to take place over 14 weeks, the competition will feature eight sides from across the region, stretching from Warilla in … Continue reading New women’s tackle competition set to further opportunities for South Coast players 

The Eagle has landed: Freshly retired NRL star links with hometown Group 7 club

Tallon Smith The already strong Group 7 competition will count yet another former professional star among its ranks next year after the Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles announced the signing of recently retired NRL star Drew Hutchison for the 2026 season. Hutchison, a veteran of 87 NRL games across stints at the Dragons, Roosters and Bulldogs, will return to the club where his career began at … Continue reading The Eagle has landed: Freshly retired NRL star links with hometown Group 7 club

Group 7: Angel double leads Knights to title in wet and wild First Grade decider

Tallon Smith The Kiama Knights have ended a 6-year drought to take out the 2025 Group 7 Rugby League premiership with a 16-4 win over the Shellharbour Sharks at Albion Park’s Centenary Field on Sunday. The Knights ran in three tries to one on a wet South Coast day to secure the win, with skipper Tom Angel leading the way with a double to lead … Continue reading Group 7: Angel double leads Knights to title in wet and wild First Grade decider

Group 7: Win over Jets and Gerringong upset puts Sharks right back in three-way Minor Premiership race

Tallon Smith (Article #500!) The Shellharbour Sharks narrowly lead a three-way race for the Group 7 First Grade Minor Premiership after a strong 64-12 win over the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets at Ron Costello Oval on Saturday. The Sharks sit level with the Kiama Knights and Stingrays of Shellharbour on 25 points, holding a narrow advantage over both sides on points differential heading into a blockbuster final … Continue reading Group 7: Win over Jets and Gerringong upset puts Sharks right back in three-way Minor Premiership race