Cover Photo: Thirroul Butchers Facebook Tallon Smith A new-look Thirroul Butchers side has started the new Illawarra Rugby League season with an impressive 30-16 round one victory over the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates at Sutherland Oval on Sunday afternoon. Fielding a side featuring eight players making their club first grade debuts, including former NRL stars Brent Naden and Corey Allan, the Butchers ran in five tries to … Continue reading New-look Butchers start Illawarra League season strongly with away victory over Sutherland-Loftus

Tallon Smith Collegians are hoping that another off-season together for their young squad will help them go to another level this season as they prepare for a blockbuster Friday night Grand Final rematch at home against Wests to open the Illawarra Rugby League season. The two sides split their five meetings 3-2 last season, with Wests taking the two that mattered in the major semi … Continue reading Last year’s lessons and strong pre-season fuelling Collegians ahead of season opener against Wests

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 … Continue reading “Be part of the conversation”: Public meeting set to determine future of Port Kembla senior rugby league

Tallon Smith The Corrimal Cougars will look to build upon their first finals campaign in 16 years last season after announcing the signing of a third NRL player for the 2026 Illawarra Cup campaign. Former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner will join previously announced NRL recruits Ben Murdoch-Masila and Reuben Porter at the Cougars this season, in a further boost to the club’s roster. Corrimal … Continue reading Third NRL signing joins Cougars in big leap forward for Corrimal club

Tallon Smith The Illawarra Rugby League’s flagship Harrigan Cup first grade competition will continue in the same format in 2026 after the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates were unveiled as the crucial sixth team for the upcoming season. The Sutherland Shire club have affiliated with NSW Cup team Newtown Jets, and will act as their reserves side in the Illawarra’s premier competition, replacing De La Salle Caringbah, who … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Illawarra Cup to continue in same format after historic Sydney club joins as sixth team

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. A veteran of 80 NRL games and a premiership winner with Penrith in 2021, Naden joins the Butchers after seven seasons in the big time with the Panthers, … Continue reading Butchers’ big coup: NRL star Brent Naden signs with Thirroul for 2026 season