Gerringong front-rower Tom Knox and Wests hooker Joseph “Joey” Dickson have travelled similar paths in rugby league, but their journeys have not intersected until now.
Both players advanced through the junior ranks of their local clubs before representing the Illawarra Steelers at the junior level.
They will face off for the first time next Sunday, as the reigning champions of Group 7 and Illawarra Rugby League go head-to-head.
Knox will play in his second consecutive Premiers Challenge Cup after the Lions defeated Thirroul 20-14 in last year’s inaugural event.
“It’s gonna be a great test for me and a couple of other young blokes that’ll be in the side this week; we’re all looking forward to it.
“I was part of the Premiers Challenge last year, so we’re definitely keen to defend our title.”
Gerringong qualified for the 2025 Premiers Challenge after defeating Shellharbour 28-10 in last season’s South Coast Group 7 Grand Final.
“I won’t light the fuse too much, but I think we’re pretty confident that we’re going to get the win on the weekend, and we’re definitely looking to defend our title.”
Picture above (L to R): Joey Dickson (Wests) and Tom Knox (Gerringong)
Dickson’s Devils secured their spot in the Premier’s Challenge after defeating minor premiers De La Salle 12-10 in the major semi-final and then overcoming Thirroul 31-20 in the Harrigan Cup Grand Final.
While acknowledging it is only a trial, Dickson says both clubs will be chasing bragging rights as the best club in the region.
“We’ll see what happens on Sunday. It’s always good to beat Gerringong. I wouldn’t have versed Gerringong since I was a kid so it will be good to see how we go.
The Devils have retained most of their premiership-winning first and reserve-grade squads from last season, along with a rigorous off-season that Dickson believes will only benefit them this year.
“We’ve had a couple retire, and then we’ve picked up a few key signings and a good key signing in (former Parramatta and Melbourne Storm backrower) Tepai Moeroa, and he’ll be real handy,” Dickson said.
“Our pre-seasons are always tough, so we should be ready to go,” Dickson said.
“The plan is to go back-to-back; that’s our mentality. Anything short of first place is not good enough. It’s how it’s always been at Wests.”
First and foremost, Dickson hopes they can manage to handle the Lions come Sunday.
“I know all the boys are keen to go out and get after it and get the win.”
The Premiers Challenge will be supported by lower grade fixtures with Wests taking on Appin in Reserve Grade and Shellharbour Stingrays in U18s.
Premiers Challenge Fixtures – Sid Parrish Park, Sunday, 23 March
2:30pm – Wests Devils v Gerringong Lions (First Grade)
1:00pm – West Devils v Appin Dogs (Reserve Grade)
11:30am Wests Devils v Stingrays (U18s)
Images: Gameface Photography
Main image (L to R): Brad Hughes (IRL Head of Football), Joey Dickson (Wests), Tom Knox (Gerringong), Ashton Sims (Football Operations Manager, South Coast Group 7).