Group 7 kicks off on Saturday and this season promises to be one of the biggest yet, with the addition of the inaugural Magic Round.

With nine first-grade teams, 10 reserve-grade teams, seven Regan Cup third-grade teams, nine U18 teams, and 22 ladies’ leaguetag teams across three divisions, the 112th season of Group 7 rugby league proves the game is only getting stronger and stronger.

“We’re really excited to work closely with the clubs to focus on the growth, development, and sustainability of the competition moving forward,” says Group 7 operations manager Ashton Sims.

“Rugby league has been a staple of winter sports throughout the South Coast and has truly been the heartbeat of our winter sports culture. We’re thrilled to build on that this year.”

A key highlight of the 2025 season is the several specialty rounds scattered throughout the season, including a Women in League round, a Mental Health Awareness round, NAIDOC round and, for the first time, a Magic Round - mirroring the NRL.

“We’ve partnered with the Beer, Food and Footy Festival to host our first-ever Magic Round at Artie Smith Oval on May 17,” Sims said.

The Magic Round will feature all four first-grade matches taking place on the day at the same field.

“Everyone is looking forward to this milestone in Group 7, and we’re committed to raising the bar with new initiatives and programs to strengthen rugby league in our region and provide a place for the community to come together each weekend.”

One of the most anticipated match-ups of Round 1 is the rivalry clash between the Jamberoo Superoos and the Kiama Knights, set for Sunday at Kiama Showground. Both teams missed the finals in 2024 and are eager to start their new season strong.

“I’ve heard great things about both teams,” Sims said. “They’ve recruited well over the off-season and are looking to promote local juniors into the senior ranks to ensure long-term sustainability.

“You can do all the pre-season training you want, but it all comes down to Sunday afternoon. That’s when we’ll really see where both teams stand. It’s a big local rivalry, and both sides will be fired up to start the season on the right foot.”

Another major storyline is whether the Gerringong Lions can pull off a historic three-peat for the first time since Albion Park-Oak Flats in 2000.

“A couple of weeks ago, in our inner-club challenge match against Western Suburbs, Gerringong was leading for most of the game but got pipped at the last minute,” Sims said.

“They’re a team that continues to focus on developing local juniors, and it’s fantastic to see. I’m sure Scotty Stewart, Nathan Ford, and the whole team will be aiming to secure the first three-peat since 2000.”

Gerringong Lions face Berry Magpies at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.