Port Kembla Blacks

Port Kembla Blacks Wollongong,
The Port Kembla Blacks Logo

The Port Kembla Blacks (or Port Kembla Rugby League Football Club) are a Rugby League team that compete in the Illawarra Rugby League competition.

History

The Port Kembla District Rugby League Football Club first entered the local rugby league competition in 1914, fielding Second and Third Grade teams. The club wore an all-dark green jersey, playing on a home ground which was a section of the old golf links (the original Port Kembla Golf Club), located near Hill 60. The club played only one year before the First World War interrupted the competition.

In 1919, at the completion of World War I, the PKDRLFC resumed playing in the local competition, this time playing in all-black jerseys (and becoming known as “The Blacks”). The club waited only four years to win the local First Grade Premiership, and start a history of strong and respected local rugby league teams. 1922, the year of this first victory, also became the first of three consecutive First Grade titles for “The Blacks”.

The Club won five First Grade titles before adding a single white vee to their playing strip. The first top grade premiership in this jersey was won in 1934. It was not until the mid 1950’s that the second white vee was added to the jersey to form the now famous Port Kembla “traditional” jersey. A few alternate strips were trialled in later years including a predominantly white jersey with horizontal black stripes in the mid 1980’s, and the more modern sublimated strip from 1994. In 1999, the Club reverted to a more traditional playing strip, while still using the sublimated print jersey. The essence of the black jersey with two white vees was clearly evident, and still is today.

1940 saw the start of a run of five First Grade Premierships – the longest Premiership reign of any Illawarra First Grade rugby league team. The closest to this reign has been the Western Suburbs Red Devils, having won four consecutive titles. The club also holds the record for the most consecutive Third Grade titles in the Illawarra rugby league competition – seven from 1956 to 1962.

1946 saw the Port Kembla District RLFC win the Clayton Cup, presented to the Country Rugby League First Grade club with the best season record. The First Grade team in 1946 went through the season undefeated – a feat also achieved in 1928 and 1941. No other Illawarra rugby league club has achieved this feat since. The PKDRLFC enjoyed all three grades winning their respective premierships on three occasions – 1937, 1938 and 1958. Port Kembla also holds the record for the most first grade titles won in all Australian rugby league competitions, including the NRL – 23 in total.

Port Kembla has produced five Australian representatives in Noel Mulligan, Frank Johnston, Charlie Hazleton, Ian Moir and John Simon. Another Three Port Kembla players have reached state representative honours – Terry Beckett Terry Johnston and Chris Walsh - while Chris Walsh and John Cross have also captained the Illawarra Steelers.

A host of Port Kembla coaches have also made State and Australian teams including Ron Costello, Graeme Langlands and Brian Hetherington.

Over the years, the Port Kembla District RLFC have had many loyal supporters and sponsors, but none so much as the Port Kembla Leagues Club. The Leagues Club have backed the RLFC for many years, through thick and thin, and it is hoped that they will for many years to come.

Modern era

The Black's last senior premiership was achieved in 1995 when a Mick Brown/John DeBrito coached Third Grade side defeated Collegians in the Grand Final to take the title. The last First Grade Grand Final appearance was in 1980 when Port were defeated by Western Suburbs in a dour and windy tryless Grand Final to the score of 6-2.

Port Kembla's most recent success has been through the Wollongong Asphalt Under 18s who have won the title in 2004 and again in 2006. The club also won their 13th Club Championship Trophy in 2004.

In 2007, Keith Lulia became the latest Port Kembla junior to progress to the NRL, debuting with the St George Illawarra Dragons in a 22-20 win over newcomers, the Gold Coast Titans. 2007 Under 18's centre, Kane Linnett, joins the Dragons top squad in 2008.

In 2008 Port Kembla had to pull out of first and reserve grade due to financial constraints but were able to compete in the VB Cup (third grade), who won the minor premiership and in the U18's.

Competition honours

First Grade Titles (23)

1922, 1923, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1949, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1962, 1963, 1965

Reserve Grade Titles (15)

1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1977

Third Grade Titles (15)

1950, 1951, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1995

Club Championships (13)

1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 2004

External links

• mightyblacks.com.au