Illawarra Rugby League Clubs Voice Fears Over Proposed Competition Changes
Several historic rugby league clubs in the Illawarra region have expressed feelings of being "let down, pressured and bullied" by the Illawarra Rugby League (IRL) regarding proposed structural changes to local competitions. Club representatives argue these changes could force teams with proud and long histories to fold permanently.
Clubs Express Grave Concerns Over Competition Future
Representatives from the Berkeley Eagles, Windang Pelicans, Windang Sharks, Mount Kembla Lowries, Avondale Greyhounds and Avondale Wombats have spoken publicly about their concerns. Their primary worry centres on moves to eliminate the third grade (Shield) Illawarra competition in 2027.
These concerns follow the IRL confirming that the Sutherland Loftus Pirates - partnering with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Newtown Jets - will replace De La Salle to maintain a six-team first-grade Harrigan Cup competition in 2026. However, documentation reveals the IRL had to accept certain conditions from NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) for this arrangement to proceed.
Structural Changes Spark Outrage
One particularly contentious point requires consideration for Wests, Dapto and Collegians to move their first-grade teams to the Sydney Shield competition if there are no positive developments toward strengthening the 2027 competition. Losing any of these teams would significantly impact the "heart and soul" of Illawarra rugby league.
What has angered Shield clubs most is the proposal that from the 2027 season, the IRL would offer only two divisions of open-age men's competitions (Harrigan Cup and Harrigan Plate), meaning no Harrigan Shield competition.
"Should this happen we fear clubs with long and proud histories will be lost to the game for good," said Berkeley Eagles president Ben Honan. "You have got a club [Mount Kembla Lowries] that was established in 1912 that's coming back into the fold and they're gonna fold them again."
Player Safety and Club Sustainability at Risk
Mount Kembla Lowries president Rob Laraghy echoed these concerns, stating his club feels pressured and let down by both NSWRL and IRL. "We feel let down, pressured and bullied. We can't play in a higher grade. We've got guys who are in their late 30s who just want to play in a decent comp with their mates," Laraghy explained.
In correspondence seen by media, Honan argued strongly for player safety, club sustainability and genuine participation pathways. He detailed how Berkeley's experience stepping up to a higher-grade competition in 2024 resulted in comprehensive defeats and highlighted the competitive gap between levels.
"Player safety is also a major concern," Honan stated. "A large portion of our current playing group does not possess the skill level, physical development, or strength required to safely compete at Plate or Cup level. Forcing these players into higher-grade competitions significantly increases the risk of serious injury."
Potential Loss of Players and Pathways
Honan emphasised that removing the Shield competition would not strengthen the Cup competition but instead push approximately 240 players away from the IRL altogether due to lack of suitable competition. "These players do not simply move up, they stop playing," he warned.
The Berkeley president also raised concerns about broader pathway implications, questioning what happens to players who cannot meet Plate level requirements. "If Shield is removed, clubs like Berkeley risk losing their senior pathway entirely," Honan said. "If there is no Shield competition in 2027, I am genuinely concerned about the future of the Berkeley Eagles."
IRL Response and Justification
In response, IRL head of football Carlo Napolitano wrote that failure to grow the Harrigan Cup had resulted in NSWRL taking action and placing difficult decisions on the Illawarra Rugby League. "It is my belief that it is one problem we all have to share. If we had progress of teams entering into the Harrigan Cup to provide the seven or eight teams, I don't believe we would be here," Napolitano stated.
The IRL released a statement explaining that the addition of the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates resulted in NSWRL proposing structural changes to better align and strengthen lower Illawarra Rugby League competitions. "These enhancements are intended to drive the ongoing growth of the Harrigan Cup (First Grade), which has featured five or six participating teams over the past decade," the statement read.
The proposed competition format is designed to provide a clear and sustainable pathway for clubs aspiring to elevate their programs and compete in the Harrigan Cup. The NSWRL's recommendations have been formally endorsed by the IRL Board of Directors and key stakeholders, with implementation scheduled for the 2027 season.
The IRL has committed to working closely with all senior clubs to ensure the new competition structure meets the needs of every organisation involved, though many clubs remain deeply concerned about their future viability under the proposed changes.
