The former stayed with the Knights for four more years and guided them to three straight grand finals - including a premiership in 2019.

During that time, he also won the 2018 Michael Cronin Oval.

But his stint at the Kiama Showground came to end in 2020, with his career path taking him to the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas.

Read more: Wedlock, Stinson lead Zone 16 title defence at NSW Inter-Zone finals

Differently, front-rower Samiu left Kiama after the under 18 premiership to play with both George Illawarra's Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup sides, before spending two seasons at Ron Costello Oval with the Shellharbour Sharks.

He too changed clubs in the recent off-season, with his path taking him to the Stingrays.

With all the moving around, Sunday's round five Group Seven fixture will represent the first time the pair will share a Group Seven field with the Kiama Knights not being involved since the 2016 grand final day.

"I've played a lot of footy with and against Juvi and he's one of the top competitors in Group Seven," Vazzoler, who lined up alongside Samiu in the Illawarra South Coast Dragons earlier this year, said.

"I also have a lot of fond memories from my three junior years at Stingrays.

"But the most important thing for my team and I on Sunday will be making amends for that disappointing results against Kiama because we know we are much better than that.

"All the boys are keen to show just what we are capable of as a team.

"Although it's still early in the season, with the competition being so even this year, every match is important and Sunday gives us a chance to get our season back on track."

Read more: Albion Park continue impressive Illawarra hockey run

Half Vazzoler and his side, who sit in seventh with a 1-2 record, will be desperate to return to the winner's circle, after back-to-back losses against Gerringong and Kiama.

"Last round's loss was obviously disappointing but before that, we came really close to defeating premiers Gerringong and had a tough victory against Shellharbour," said Vazzoler, who will be backing up at Flinders Field following his commitments with the NSW Country side.

"Our attitude in our defence wasn't there and we just lacked effort right from the start at Kiama, who were just far too good on the day.

"A few injuries to key position players, such as Blair [Grant] (who is expected to miss six weeks with a broken foot) don't help either but we all have faith the boys stepping in this week can do a job for us."

One of those inclusions Vazzoler alludes to is Jake Brisbane, who will be playing his first game for the club since the 2020 grand final.

"We know we have plenty of points in our team, especially with players like Brisso coming back into the fold," Vazzoler said.

"It's defensively where we need to improve and that's been an area we've been focusing on getting back to basics and doing the little things right - which at the end of the day, help you win games of footy."

Fairing worse than last year's runners up are the Stingrays, who have one draw and two losses through their first three matches.

Read more: Sam Clune savours NSW Country chance ahead of showdown with City rivals

And although they are still chasing their first win of 2021, prized recruit Samiu believes the club has taken plenty of positives from their opening few rounds.

"Despite the results not being there the first few weeks, we are still confident in our game plan," Samiu said.

"We just need to be more consistent with our play, by being more disciplined and minimising our errors - both with and without the footy.

"If we do that, as a big team, it'll allow us to get a roll on and move the ball around, which will create headaches for our opponents.

"All the boys have been working hard on getting these right the past two weeks since the Jamberoo loss and with the tight-knit brotherhood we have at the club, we know a win is only just around the corner.

"And when we win one, our bond will get stronger, which will then lead to more wins."

Despite the slow start, Samiu is thoroughly enjoying his time at Flinders Field thus far.

"It's great to play alongside mates you hang out with all the time because being out there in the heat of battle with them is special and only makes our bond stronger," he said.

"The mixture of cultures at our club is great too and something I haven't experienced previously.

"From a personal perspective, I believe I'm going okay but there's always room for improvement.

"Especially with my fitness, because when I get that to a level I'm happy with, I know what I can produce on the field."

Read more: Illawarra Hawks: Simon plays key role in charge towards 2021 NBL playoffs

When play kicks off at 3.30pm on Sunday, enforcer Samiu knows where the match will be won and what two points would mean to his club.

"The game will 100 hundred per cent be won in the middle of the park," he said.

"Our defence is a crucial part this weekend, especially with Gorillas being a big mobile pack.

"It's gonna be a massive challenge but I know our boys will step up.

"Every win is crucial for us now.

"Coming into the year, we were the talk of Group Seven but our results haven't lived up to that yer.

"All the boys are focused on turning around our season and I'm fully confident this game will be the turning point of our campaign."

There are two other first grade matches on Sunday, with Kiama hosting Nowra-Bomaderry and Milton-Ulladulla playing their first home game since returning to the top flight against Shellharbour.

Both of those fixtures kick-off at 3pm.

The only match on Saturday, between Albion Park-Oak Flats and Gerringong, starts at 4.30pm at Centenary Field.

League-leaders Jamberoo has the bye in round five.