Kiama Knights are confident they can avoid a repeat of last year’s struggles with a new coach and key recruits creating optimism at the Group Seven club.

Their first-grade team was hampered by a string of injuries in 2024, which forced them to forfeit a match, but new coach Matt O’Brien is optimistic about their prospects for the season ahead.

“There’s a few local boys back, which is great - Brad Kilmore, Cameron Vazzoler, Dylan Morris, and Callum Roberts are all returning. Plus, we’ve got some strong talent coming up from the U18s,” he said.

O’Brien coached the Knights’ first-grade team from 2014-17 and he returns as head coach alongside Steve Ross.

While the first-grade team is his primary focus, O'Brien is confident the rest of the senior sides will continue to meet the club's high standards.

“We’ve got Matt Gladman captaining and coaching our reserve-grade team, and our under 18s and girls’ teams are always competitive, so they’ll be aiming to maintain that success,” O’Brien said.

For the Kiama Knights junior club, new president Lachlan Payne is excited that the club has achieved its goal of fielding a team in every division. With 37 teams, the Knights have managed to cover all age groups.

“We’ll have teams in every division, from U6s through to U16s in tackle, as well as U8s to U16s in league tag. We’re also fielding girls’ teams in U12s, U14s, and U16s tackle. Every division is now filled with players,” Payne said.

After a successful 2024 campaign, where the Junior Knights claimed five premierships, Payne believes the focus should remain on fostering a positive environment, rather than just results.

“It’s great to celebrate those wins, but our main priority is creating a supportive environment for the kids. We’re building relationships with families and kids in the community, and that’s what makes the club special,” says Payne.

The Group Seven season kicks off on April 5.