St George-Illawarra Leagues Club






First opened in 1952, the St-George Leagues Club was first located at the corner of Rocky Point Road and the Princes Highway in southern Sydney. It was the second such club to obtain a liquor serving license in New South Wales. The expansion of the club name to include Illawarra, to reflect the combined NRL teams, marked a significant point in the history of the Dragons. Some mates and I recently on a late Friday night had the opportunity to visit this iconic base of NRL, especially for those from the Wollongong area and South Coast NSW.



Above, Dragons Great Billy Smith. Billy had a reputation for being tough in a challenging game, relying on his exceptional kicking and organising skills on the field and having a noted capability of challenging an opponent head-on. Smith had the honour of leading Australia and being named Man of the Match in a tournament match against Great Britain at Headingley in October 1970. Billy was also the winner of the Harry Sunderland Medal in 1967.







The walls are adorned with the memories and poses of those who have given much to the team and club, recent and long ago. Most interesting to me are the signed autographs on clothing memorabilia.


















The Grange (above) is only one several function rooms,which also include the Mahogany and the Riveria.

The Bistro, the Crown Dragon and the Coffee Shop complement the pokies areas and lobby in providing facilities and service to both members and visitors alike. The logo of a knight charging on a steadfast horse uniquely catches the eye of the beholder.











A Chairman of the NRL, Bill Buckley, said that Reg Gasnier (autographed shirt above) - Puff The Magic Dragon - was the "greatest rugby league player he had ever seen,with an amazing change of pace and anticipation". Gasnier "was also particularly unselfish". He showed outstanding skills in pace, swerve and handling. Reg was only 28 years old when he had to retire permanently from the game in Avignon, France, after he felt an obligation to take pressure off his team mates and unfortunately suffered a significant leg injury.


















St.George-Illawarra Leagues Club is located at 124 Princes Highway, Kogarah, NSW.

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