The stage is set for a blockbuster Interclub Challenge this Saturday, March 28, at Kiama Showground, as Group 7 premiers Kiama welcome Illawarra Rugby League’s Harrigan Cup champions Wests Devils in a clash that blends fierce rivalry with a cause.
The Devils enter as defending Interclub Challenge holders but coach Peter McLeod has made it clear that while the Devils are coming to win, the occasion extends far beyond the scoreboard.
For McLeod and his squad, led by captain Tautau Moga (pictured), this match is more than just a chance to test themselves in their only trial game. It’s also a moment to unite for a greater cause—raising funds for former Wests Devils player Jacek McLaurin, who suffered a serious injury during a tackle while playing for the Burleigh Bears in February.
Jerseys from both clubs will be auctioned off, with all proceeds directly benefiting the McLaurin family.
“There’ll be a great crowd and a great atmosphere,” McLeod said. “Last year, the boys didn’t quite know what to expect, but they loved it by the end. This time, we want to win—but more importantly, we want to raise as much awareness and support as we can.”
The Devils will field a full-strength lineup, treating the match as a genuine hit-out ahead of their season. With a three week gap before Round 1, McLeod confirmed all players will see time on the field, ensuring a high-quality contest.
“We’ll be at full strength, and we’re expecting to come and win,” he said. “But we know Kiama will bring a big fight.”
Knights Set Sights On Sustained Success
Kiama, meanwhile, enter the clash riding the momentum of a remarkable 2025 campaign that saw them surge from second-last to premiers.
Co-coach Steve Ross has resisted the urge to overhaul a winning formula during the off-season, instead focusing on continuity and building on last year’s success.
“We haven’t changed much,” Ross said. “When you’ve had a successful year, you don’t want to reinvent the wheel. We’ve built on what we did and kept that core group together.”
With much of their grand final-winning side returning, Kiama will be eager to lay down an early marker, particularly on home soil. While Ross acknowledged the added expectations that come with being the reigning premiers, his approach remains grounded.
“It doesn’t matter who you’re playing,” he said. “They all catch, pass, run and tackle. The outcome is driven by what you do on the field, and that doesn’t change for us.”
The Interclub Challenge currently sits evenly poised, with Gerringong claiming the inaugural title in 2024 and Wests getting bragging rights over the Lions last season. Kiama will be keen to tip the ledger in favour of Group 7, especially in front of a home crowd.
“Winning in someone else’s backyard always tastes better,” Ross said. “But for us, it’s also about getting some miles in the legs and seeing where we’re at after a long off-season.”
Like their opponents, Kiama have also been deeply affected by recent events involving the McLaurin family, with several players having close connections to the family. Ross admitted the group had been shaken but said the match presents an opportunity to channel that emotion into something positive.
“The chance to help the family, even in a small way, is probably the bigger outcome from this game,” he said.
Game Day Schedule, Kiama Showground, Saturday 28 March
- 3pm – Wests Devils v Kiama Knights (1st Grade)
- 1.30pm – Wests Devils v Kiama Knights (Reserve Grade)
- 12pm – Wests Devils v Campbelltown Kangaroos (U18s)
- 11.00am – Kiama Knights v Roberston (LLT)