Illawarra and South Coast Group 7 have both reported strong junior registration numbers for the 2025 season.
Following news that St George District had broken their junior registration record, the Dragons are proud to confirm that South Coast Group 7 has also surpassed their highest ever tally whilst Illawarra has hit their highest mark since 2019.
4357 juniors have registered to play in South Coast Group 7 with over 35 per cent being young females.
A rich rugby league region, the South Coast has helped deliver a plethora of stars to the Dragons from current first graders Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, and Ella Koster to club greats such as Matt Cooper, Shaun Timmins, and Rod Wishart.
Illawarra meanwhile have had 3247 juniors register to play this season with almost 38 per cent being female.
Similarly to Group 7, the Illawarra has produced the likes of Damien Cook, Kasey Reh, and the Couchman twins as well as Dean Young, Ben Hornby, and Sam Bremner.
"Watching participation numbers soar to record heights in the South Coast Group 7 Rugby League competition is truly astonishing and is ultimately a true testament to the hard work our amazing volunteers do at the community rugby league club level," Football Operations Manager Ashton Sims said.
"Group 7 will continue to implement strategies, actions, and programs with our key stakeholders across our Male and Female Tackle and League Tag competitions to ensure that we consolidate what we currently have and aim higher in the future for the good of the game on the South Coast and within our wider regions."
Illawarra Rugby League Head of Football Brad Hughes added: "Illawarra continues to thrive as a junior rugby league powerhouse, with 3247 players aged 4-to-18 taking the field in season 2025 – our second-highest total in a decade. Female participation remains a cornerstone of that growth, with 1232 girls playing this season, sustaining momentum and setting the foundation for continued success.'
