Rookie St George Illawarra forwards Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart are gearing up for a significant clash against the Manly Sea Eagles this Thursday night at 4 Pines Park. The match holds special significance for the duo as they trained alongside Manly centre Reuben Garrick during their off-season break. Now, they aim to replicate their recent success against the Melbourne Storm by securing a win over Garrick and his team.
Egan and Stewart are the latest talents from Gerringong to make their mark in the NRL, joining the ranks of notable players such as Garrick, Storm utility Tyran Wishart, Warriors forward Jackson Ford, and Knights winger Kyle McCarthy. Stewart debuted in the NRL’s opening round against the Bulldogs, with Egan joining him in Round 4 against the Storm.
Gerringong: A Breeding Ground for NRL Talent
The small town of Gerringong on the NSW South Coast has a rich history of producing elite rugby league players. From legends like Mick Cronin and Rod Wishart to the Sims siblings, the area has consistently contributed to the NRL’s talent pool. Despite their professional commitments, players often return home during the off-season to train together, setting aside rivalries for the greater good of their development.
“Reuben comes down and trains with us in the off-season,” Egan explained. “Scotty Stewart, who is Hamish’s dad, runs some sessions and they are pretty tough, but we get a lot of lads there.”
“Scotty’s sessions in the off-season, coming into the pre-season, are very tough. It’s just up at the footy field and I don’t think there is much science behind it – it’s just running, and keep running.”
These rigorous training sessions have paid off for Egan, who scored a try and made a game-high 47 tackles in a recent match against the Titans. His performance has cemented his reputation as one of the fittest players at the Dragons.
The Impact of Community and Coaching
The influence of strong local coaching cannot be underestimated. Egan credits his development to coaches David Ward and John Ford, who guided him and Stewart from a young age. “They taught us a lot as footy players, but also as men – try to be good blokes and just to train hard, and go after it,” Egan noted.
Playing at WIN Stadium is a dream come true for Egan, who grew up supporting the Dragons. “I’d go to WIN Stadium as a kid and sit on the hill, going for the Red V, so to now be playing here is a dream come true,” he reflected.
Facing Former Mentors and Friends
As the match against Manly approaches, Egan is eager to face Garrick, his off-season training partner. “I guess we got a win over Wishy so I can’t wait to do the same against Reuben,” Egan said, referring to their victory over Tyran Wishart’s team.
The camaraderie and support among the Gerringong players are evident. Egan expressed his excitement for Stewart’s debut and the confidence it gave him for his own. “I was 18th man watching Hamish in his debut and just the excitement I had for him, and even some nerves … to see how well he went sort of assured me that I was ready to make that step up.”
Gerringong’s Enduring Legacy
Despite a minor elbow injury, Egan remains committed to his roots, attending local games and supporting the Gerringong Lions. “Gerringong has a real good culture, there are always kids out kicking a ball, so to come through and live out our dreams, with Hamish and the other juniors in the NRL, just means a lot to our family and friends,” he shared.
The strong community ties ensure that the next generation of players receives the support and inspiration they need to succeed. “Everyone is really tight down there, we still go to their training sessions and help them out where we can,” Egan said.
As Egan and Stewart prepare for their upcoming match, the support of their hometown and the lessons learned from their mentors will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their performance. The Dragons’ rookies are not only playing for their team but also for the pride of Gerringong, a town that continues to produce rugby league excellence.
