Rookie St George Illawarra forwards Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart have been making waves in the NRL, thanks in part to their off-season training alongside Manly centre Reuben Garrick. As they prepare to face Garrick and the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park on Thursday night, they aim to replicate their recent success against Storm utility Tyran Wishart.
Egan and Stewart are the latest talents from Gerringong to join the NRL ranks, following in the footsteps of players like Garrick, Wishart, Warriors forward Jackson Ford, and Knights winger Kyle McCarthy. Stewart debuted in the opening round against the Bulldogs, with Egan joining him in Round 4 against the Storm. Their journey underscores the rich legacy of Gerringong, which has produced numerous elite players over the years.
Gerringong: A Breeding Ground for Rugby Talent
The small town of Gerringong on the NSW South Coast has a storied history of nurturing rugby talent. From legends like Mick Cronin and Rod Wishart to the Sims siblings, the town has consistently produced top-level players. During the off-season, these athletes return home, putting aside club rivalries to train together.
“Reuben comes down and trains with us in the off-season,” Egan shared. “Scotty Stewart, Hamish’s dad, runs the sessions, and they’re tough. We get a lot of lads there, including Jackson Ford from the Warriors and other local players.”
“Scotty’s sessions are very tough. It’s just running, and keep running. We do fitness and games like full field touch. It’s tough but fun.”
Training Pays Off on the Field
Egan’s dedication to off-season training has paid dividends. He scored a try and made a game-high 47 tackles against the Titans at WIN Stadium, showcasing his fitness and skill. At 20, he’s considered one of the fittest players at the Dragons, having finished third in a pre-season road run up Mt Keira.
“I’ve always tried to do my best, train hard, and compete,” Egan said. “Our coaches, David Ward and John Ford, taught us to be good players and good men.”
Facing Familiar Faces
As Egan prepares to face Garrick, who recently became a father, he reflects on his past successes. “We got a win over Wishy, so I can’t wait to do the same against Reuben,” he said. The Wisharts are revered in the region, and Egan fondly remembers playing in the Rod Wishart Cup in primary school.
“Wishy wished me luck for my debut, and getting the win was exciting. Watching Hamish in his debut gave me confidence for mine.”
The Gerringong Community Spirit
Despite a minor elbow injury, Egan was at Mick Cronin Oval to support the Gerringong Lions, coached by Scott Stewart. “Gerringong has a good culture. We still go to their training sessions and help out,” he said. “It’s amazing to watch them play and see them do what they love.”
The tight-knit community continues to support its players, with many aspiring to reach the NRL. “If given the right opportunity, many could be where we are,” Egan added.
As the Dragons prepare for their next match, the influence of their off-season training and community support remains evident. The Gerringong legacy lives on through players like Egan and Stewart, who carry the torch for future generations.
