Cover Photo: Scott Morris Photography Tallon Smith The Thirroul Butchers have made one of the biggest recruiting coups of the 2026 pre-season after signing Wests Tigers outside back Brent Naden for the upcoming Illawarra Rugby League campaign. Continue reading Butchers’ big coup: NRL star Brent Naden signs with Thirroul for 2026 season
Tallon Smith The Dapto Canaries have landed one of the biggest signings of the Illawarra Rugby League off-season after securing the services of reigning Group 7 Michael Cronin Medallist Braxton Wallace for the 2026 season. Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Big coup for Canaries after reigning Michael Cronin Medallist joins Illawarra League club
Tallon Smith Local Illawarra sporting identity Lee Murray is preparing for one of his most ambitious challenges yet ahead of this weekend’s 65,000 Reasons To Fight fundraiser in support of local mental health programs. The 36-hour event at his Titleshot Boxing and Fitness gym in Wollongong is in benefit of Talk2MeBro, a charity which aims to end suicide in Australia by delivering crucial mental health … Continue reading Popular Illawarra sporting identity set to tackle world record for mental health
Tallon Smith The Corrimal Cougars have secured a place in the Illawarra Rugby League finals for the first time in 16 years after a 40-12 win over De La Salle Caringbah in Woolooware on Saturday. Led by doubles to Joe Duggan and Logen Dillon, the Cougars ran in a remarkable seven tries to two to secure a crucial victory that elevated them above Thirroul into … Continue reading Statewide Wrap: New top five system sees Corrimal snap 16-year finals drought
Tallon Smith The Shellharbour Sharks have bounced back from a period of uncharacteristic form with a 40-10 victory over the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs at Bill Andriske Oval on Sunday afternoon. Centre Jayme McElhone starred for the Sharks, crossing for four of his side’s eight tries to set up a much needed 30-point victory. Speaking to Battlers For Bush Footy this week, Sharks First Grade Coach Abed … Continue reading Around the Groups: McElhone scores four as Shellharbour find form in big win over Milton-Ulladulla
Tallon Smith In between enjoying daylight savings and a few yarns at the pub, the Battler has been spending his off-season with his ear to the ground, listening for any rumblings from the Riverina and beyond. With signings and changes aplenty across the bush, here is a look at the top stories driving the bush footy rumour so far mill this month. Here is your … Continue reading The Off-season Battler: November Edition
By Tallon Smith The Wests Devils have erased the heartbreak of their 2019 and 2022 losses to claim their first Illawarra Rugby League First Grade premiership in six years courtesy of a 31-20 victory over the Thirroul Butchers at WIN Stadium on Sunday. The Butchers raced out to a 12-0 lead in the early stages, before the Devils clawed their way back, scoring six tries … Continue reading Illawarra League: Devils delight as Wests top Thirroul in comeback Grand Final victory
By Tallon Smith The Berkeley Eagles are celebrating one of their biggest victories in years after defeating Collegians 30-4 in the opening round of the 2024 Illawarra Plate competition. The match was a significant one for the Eagles, who have returned to the Reserve Grade competition this season after falling from First Grade to Third Grade after the pandemic. Despite the adverse weather conditions, a … Continue reading Eagles soar to new heights with big Reserve Grade win over Collie Dogs
By Tallon Smith The Gerringong Lions have made a big statement on the game’s balance of power on the South Coast after the reigning Group 7 Premiers defeated last year’s Illawarra Champions Thirroul in a highly entertaining game at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday. A large crowd braved the adverse weather conditions to watch the contest, which pitted the two premier sides in the region … Continue reading Gerringong create history in inaugural Illawarra-South Coast Premiers Challenge
By Tallon Smith The Windsor Wolves have won the 2024 Shellharbour Sharks Shootout and the $6000 prize money on offer after sweeping their games at Ron Costello Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Wolves completed their run with a 24-10 win over the host club in the Final, after qualifying via an 18-0 nil shutout of Wentworthville and a narrow 8-6 win over the Stingrays of … Continue reading Windsor Wolves win Shellharbour Sharks Shootout after tense Grand Final victory
Battlers For Bush Footy 