Future is in black and white for Port Kembla's rugby league comeback

The spirit of rugby league greats Ian Moir and Noel Mulligan will rise anew next year when the legendary Port Kembla club gets back on the paddock.

The club, established in 1914, has 22 first grade premierships in the trophy cabinet. With their success has also come shortcomings, the major one being their departure from senior competitions.

Backed by community support, the club's committee has resolved to get teams playing in the senior competitions in the 2027 season.

Club president Stephen Peck acknowledged the support his club received at the meetings this year, which prompted the announcement of their return on August 15.

“The community response was fantastic; the last special meeting we had… I am pretty sure 37 people were in attendance at the meeting, from the majority of life members to people involved with Port Kembla,” Stephen said.

The prime supporter for the club was their junior foundations, which Stephen has had a role in, especially in his early coaching tenure in juniors.

Many former junior players have returned to either the committee or as players in hopes of bringing their childhood rugby league club back.

“All the boys that I had from under the nines until now are all coming back,” Stephen said. 

“I've shaped these kids, and I'm proud of it, but these kids have the most respect for me as a person and as a coach.

“They want to return to Port Kembla. Not only for me, but to wear the black and white again.

“We had 22 players come to a meet and greet, so we do have a team.” 

Mulligan played for Port during World War II before being picked up by Newtown and later St George, playing 10 times for Australia. Darcy Wentworth Park in Warrawong was renamed Noel Mulligan Oval in 2001.

Moir, whose extreme pace on the wing made him a prolific try-scorer, played for Port from juniors in 1948. By 1952, he had moved to South Sydney and later pulled on the national colours eight times.

Stephen aims to continue to build the identity of Port Kembla RLFC into a player base consisting of grassroots players rather than players from other clubs.

“It's a massive thing in general for the community, for the juniors, for us to come back. That's why I sort of wanted to bring it back to the grassroots to Port Kembla,” Stephen said. 

On the financial side, the Illawarra Rugby League competitions require clubs to hold a certain amount as their budget in order to compete.

Port Kembla RLFC have found the sponsors and financial backing to be eligible and stay afloat in the senior competition.

Stephen acknowledges and credits one of the biggest sponsors, Keats Disability Services, which he identified as a key part of Port Kembla’s return for the 2027 season.

“A massive, massive special thank you to our to Keats Disability Services. They sponsored us away straight away,” Mr Peck said.

“We've basically had enough money from them to be a team.”

Stephen said Port would prioritise creating a welcoming atmosphere that focuses on treating players as people rather than just another number.

Asked what he expects Port Kembla's performance to achieve next season, Stephen said he would rather the club remained true to its principles, whether it won the competition or not.

“The best thing about Port Kembla that I will tell you ... is the fact that you're not just a number – you're looked at as a person, as a player and as a family member. Our club is based on family relations,” Stephen said.

“You can sign up as a player, and you will be welcomed into my home (the club), and that's the way we want it at Port Kembla; you will be welcomed with arms wide open and greeted as you should.

“I am not a trophy hunter; I am not there to hunt for trophies. I am not there to get our first year and win grand finals; it's not our plan. If it happens, well, fantastic … but I want those players to feel like they’ve made the grand final even if we come last on that ladder.” 

On talks about a women’s team, plans and meetings are in place to set up a team to play next season as well.

“We’ve got a lot of interest in an open girls tackle team – that's going to be on the cards as well,” Mr Peck said.

Port Kembla will aim to begin their pre-season at the end of 2026.