The rivalries, the rebuilds, the premiership ambitions.
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Rugby league on the South Coast is back, baby.
After two years of COVID lockdowns and seasons cut short, Group Seven kicks off with great anticipation this weekend.
The Illawarra competition was pushed back until next weekend, simply to try and avoid the last of the region's big wet. Old rivals Albion Park-Oak Flats take on Shellharbour to launch the competition at Centenary Field on Saturday afternoon.
At the same time, two of the heavyweights in Gerringong and Jamberoo lock horns at Michael Cronin Oval. The Superoos were a juggernaut last year, remaining undefeated throughout their 2021 campaign, conceding only nine tries throughout the reduced season.
As good as Jamberoo were last season, the Lions were right there too, and their expectations for the season will be just as high.
Despite being heavily hit by injuries last year, Gerringong only dropped one game. Nathan Ford will lead a new generation of young Lions talent into battle.
"Everyone's so excited," Group Seven manager Ashton Sims said.
"It's been a long couple of years, but there's some huge games to start the season.
"Look at Gerringong and Jamberoo, they've got a great rivalry, as two of the top teams in the men's competition, but they've only played each other once in the past couple of years. And the women's league tag competition should be the best yet."
GROUP SEVEN
Round two (round one deferred)
Saturday
ALBION PARK-OAK FLATS v SHELLHARBOUR at Centenary Field (3pm)
GERRINGONG v JAMBEROO at Michael Cronin Oval (3pm)
BERRY-SHOALHAVEN HEADS v STINGRAYS OF SHELLHARBOUR at Berry Showground (3pm)
Sunday
KIAMA v NOWRA-BOMADERRY at Kiama Showground (3pm)
MILTON-ULLADULLA v WARILLA at Bill Andriske Oval
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
