It has been a season of twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs across the Illawarra Rugby League, and now the competition frontrunners and surprise packets are preparing for the battle that matters most: the Harrigan Cup Finals Series, brought to you by i98.
From Dapto’s long-awaited finals return to the defending champion Devils’ quest for back-to-back glory, from De La Salle’s chance at redemption to Corrimal’s fairytale run and Collegians’ dominance, the stage is set for one of the most open and unpredictable finals series in recent memory.
Collegians: Setting the bar
If consistency is the marker of a champion side, then Collegians have set the bar in 2025. Under the leadership of Blake Phillips, they’ve claimed the minor premiership and earned a week off.
“It’s the first time I’ve finished first with a club, so it’s a good feeling,” said Phillips, a veteran of the competition with over 160 first-grade games for Collies and Helensburgh, collecting four premierships along the way.
“We’ve worked hard for it, and now we’re reaping the rewards.”
With stars like James Lee (top try-scorer) and Blair Grant (top points-scorer), Collies depth has been on full display. But Phillips insists the credit belongs to the squad’s culture.
“When one door closes, another opens,” he said.
“We’ve had injuries, but the young guys, some not even 18, have stepped up with both hands. That’s been crucial for us.”
After past finals heartbreak, Phillips says this year feels different.
“We’ve lifted to another level. There’s still one big box to tick, but we’re not changing what’s worked. We just keep chipping away.”
Dapto Canaries: Turning up for each other
For Thomas Freebairn (pictured above left) , captain of the Dapto Canaries, this finals berth is more than just another campaign, it’s a milestone. After eight years without finals football, the Canaries are back, and Freebairn is determined to make it count.
“The year has flown by, but just having a mix of experienced players and young fellas has been awesome,” he said.
“To finish third is massive for us as a club. Now it’s about going up and up and getting better and better.”
The road hasn’t been smooth. Dapto used 34 players throughout the season due to injuries and suspensions, almost two full squads. But Freebairn sees that as a strength, not a weakness.
“It’s all about the club. Having the next person step up and do a job for us is massive. That’s what we’re building, that culture. Some of those blokes are young, so it’s a good opportunity for them and for the future of the Canaries.”
Dapto face defending premiers Wests in week one, a big task, but one Freebairn relishes.
“We’ve got to play for 80 minutes. That last minute could be the winning minute. It’s about looking after each other and enjoying it.”
Wests Devils: Champions handling the pressure
For Dylan Palmer-Quigg (pictured above right) and the Wests Devils, 2025 has been anything but straightforward. Despite finishing second, Palmer-Quigg admits the season lacked rhythm.
“It’s been very up and down,” he said.
“You think things are going smoothly, then injuries hit and suddenly it feels like we’ve forgotten how to play football together.”
The Devils have still found their groove when it mattered, helped by standouts like Phoenix Vetenibua-Finnerty, their tireless workhorse and leading try-scorer.
“He’s a freak to play with,” Palmer-Quigg said.
“Eighty minutes every game, top three tacklers, and he just finds the line. He plays 110 kilos when he’s only 85.”
As reigning champions, Wests carry expectation into September, something Palmer-Quigg says the group tries not to dwell on.
“We feel like we should be there, but we don’t talk about it too much. Every game is its own battle, and in finals, you can’t afford to turn the ball over. One mistake and you’re chasing.”
Match Centre
Corrimal Cougars: The comeback story
If there’s a fairytale this season, it’s Corrimal. Written off early, the Cougars surged into the top five under new coach Sean Tabet and the guidance of Captain halfback Kamren Cryer (above left).
“Once we got that first win, we just went from strength to strength,” Cryer said.
“By the back end of the season, we had all the confidence in the world.
“It’s been exciting – a fun ride – and we don’t want it to end just yet.”
For Corrimal, the drought-breaking return to finals football after 16 years is fuel enough.
“Now it’s zero years since we last made the finals,” Cryer says with a laugh.
“We’re here because we deserve to be. And we want to see how far we can take it.”
A blend of youthful energy from their under-20s and steady guidance from experienced players has been key.
“The mix of youth and old heads really paid off,” he said.
Corrimal face De La Salle in week one, a matchup Cryer says will test their formula but not their belief.
“We’ve found a way that works for us. Now it’s just about sticking to it.”
De La Salle: Resilient in adversity
For De La Salle’s Noah Lester (above right), 2025 has been a season of survival. With more than 10 players with season-ending injuries and constant chopping and changing of line-ups, simply making the top four is an achievement.
“It’s been a mixed one,” he said. ‘
“But we stuck together, and to still be in this position shows the character of the team.”
Lester, who joined the club this season after competing in the Newcastle competition, said the experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
“Playing here has been good; I’ve built connections with new teammates and coaches. Despite the injuries, it’s been a good year for the club.”
He points to the leadership of captains Jackson Stewart and Jaz Flavell as vital.
“They’ve brought the younger boys through and led from the front. That’s what’s kept us together.”
De La face Corrimal in a high-stakes clash, one Lester knows will be different from their previous meetings.
“Finals footy is a different beast. We’ve got to go in with the right mindset and not think about the setbacks, just what’s in front of us.”
Match Centre
Title Race Wide-Open
With all five sides taking different paths into September, the finals promise to be filled with plenty of close contests.
Collegians enter as favourites after a strong season, but Wests, Dapto, Corrimal and De La Salle have all shown they can rise to the occasion.
As the competition enters its final weeks, consistency and composure will likely decide who lifts the trophy.
Words | Angelina Raula