The 2022 Illawarra Rugby League (IRL) Season was officially launched at a special event hosted by the IRL on Monday evening, April 12. More than a hundred people filled Scarlets at Steelers including club officials, players from various grades and representatives of the League’s major partners – Mojo Homes, South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC) and Harrigan Motor Group.
In the top grade, the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup expands from five to eight teams. The Helensburgh Tigers, Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks and De La Salle are the three new teams for 2022 joining Thirroul Butchers, Corrimal Cougars, Western Suburbs, Collegians, and Dapto Canaries.
Meanwhile, seven teams will compete for the Mojo Homes trophy in First Division including Avondale, Collegians, Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul and Western Suburbs.
A number of new partners have also come on board for the 2022 season including including the Harrigan Motor Group (Harrigan Shield – 2nd Division) and Westfund Health Insurance.
Eight second division team will contest the Harrigan Shield including Avondale, Berkeley, Figtree Crushers, Helensburgh, Mt Kembla, Northern Suburbs, Port Kembla and Windang.
Meanwhile, South32 IMC continue their support of the Open Women and U18 Girls program for a third consecutive year.
This year, South32 IMC is also sponsoring the Illawarra Junior Rugby League tackle and tag competitions, including the boys’ and girls’ under-6 to under-16s leagues, which in 2022 are expected to attract 2,500 registered participants playing for 207 teams.
South32 IMC is also the shorts sponsor for the Illawarra Steelers’ junior representative teams competing in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cups.
Season Kick-off Dates
Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup, Mojo Homes 1st Division, Mojo Homes Under 18’s, Harrigan Shield 2nd Division and South32 Open Women’s League Tag, all commence on the weekend of the 29th and 30th April.
