About

This blog centres around Rugby League in Southern Sydney which contrain three teams which are the St George Illawarra Dragons, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are the product of the first successful merger between the St George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers in September 1998. Both clubs pooled their resources and talents together to form a very powerful club. They alternate games between Oki Jubilee Stadium Kogarah and WIN Stadium in Wollongong, but in 2008 are playing their Oki games at ANZ Stadium due to construction. Remarkably in their first year as a merged club they made the grand final but lost to the Melbourne Storm. The club are yet to win a premiership. Since then, the Dragons have performed inconsitently each season, creating angst in the fans. With the signing of Wayne Bennett for 2009, the Dragons hope to improve their poor form to finish 2008.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs were established in 1908 and have won 20 grade premierships, more than any other club. With a long history, a stream of success and legends, South Sydney have a very rich Rugby League history. Yet on October 15 1999 after poor performances the NRL announced the Rabbitohs would not be asked to participate in the 2000 season, leaving fans distraught. Yet after continual rallies by fans the NRL were forced to re-admit the club two years later. While still producing poor results, the club voted to accept private ownership by Russel Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court in 2006. By making the top eight for the first time in years in 2007, things looked bright. However, the start of the 2008 season has been a disaster for Souths and the fans are waiting for some good to come their way.

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks entered the Rugby League competition in 1967. While appearing in three grand finals since their entry, they too are yet to win a premiership. They have had many successes and many legends playing/coaching the team over the years. They have had 3 Dally M Medal winners, Steve Rogers, Gavin Miller and Preston Campbell. In 2008, The Sharks had a good start to the season defeating both of the grandfinalists in the first two rounds, although this was vastly overshadowed by the suspensions of key players, Ben Ross and Paul Gallen among them, for foul play. There have also been issues of loyalty with the releasing of Brett Kimmorley which caused a stir with many rumours.

Overall, Southern Sydney is rich in Rugby League history and news. While the above achievements are mostly attributed to first grade teams, this blog is also a focus point for the young pool of talent in the lower grades and their identification and success. Rugby League is not solely about the first grade teams and through this blog i hope to express that.

 

 

 

Reference-www.rleague.com