From starting as a Stella Maris Catholic Primary School affiliated club, dating back to 1962, to playing himself during the 1970s, to eventually coaching his children and becoming president in 1999 - when the club had 28 players and three teams on its books - Scott McLaurin has been an integral part in building this franchise off the ground.

Three years after he took on the presidency role, a time which had seen the club grow to 60 players, they decided to re-brand to be the Stingrays Junior Rugby League Football Club Shellharbour and base themselves out of Flinders Field.

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The Rays' continued growth was highlighted by the establishment of its senior club in 2014 and by the time McLaurin stood down as president in 2016, the Flinders Field-based outfit had 36 sides taking to the field each weekend.

Now 19 years after their rebrand, McLaurin, who is the current Group Seven Rugby League president, has been honoured by the club with the Flinders Field grandstand being named after him.

"I feel so privileged to have been involved with so many good people and grateful for the real friendships gained during my close to 24 years at the Stingrays," McLaurin, who was given Stingrays life membership in 2012, said.

"The growth of the club is more than enough satisfaction.

"That said, I am extremely humbled and honoured by the naming of the grandstand and wholeheartedly thank all those currently involved with both junior and senior committees, who are doing an amazing job with the Stingrays brand.

"I was fortunate to have a wife with me on the committee for many years and six children that have many years as players and coaches which made my decision easy to stay involved.

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"We didn't always make the correct decision however, we constantly tried to fight the good fight and do what was best for the club and not personal agendas.

"A massive thank you to all those on the committee over the years that have played such an integral role in the success of this club."

Since their formation, the Rays have won close to 20 Group Seven and Illawarra premierships, across both the junior and senior competitions - including a third grade title in 2014 and back-to-back under 18s girls tackle crowns.

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