In the lead-up to the Illawarra rugby grand final this Saturday, Kiama are using the lessons from last year’s defeat to make that “one last step” for redemption against Shoalhaven.

Kiama No.8 Dante Patrick says coach, James Patrick, who is also his father, has the team ready to go one better.

“We’ve been living off a little message that our coach ingrained in us at the start of the year and that is to go one step further for both grades and hopefully we can get that,” Dante said.

Having last weekend off, Kiama used the extra time to reflect on areas of improvement and rest the bodies.  

“The first training session this week was probably our best that we’ve had all season,” Dante said.

“But it only counts out on the paddock this weekend.”  

Leading into a big match, many players have different rituals with Dante sharing that while each team member has different routines, there was more of a focus on club culture.

“There are a few boys that like to watch movies or cartoons before, and others just want to get out there and play 80 minutes of footy,” Dante said.

“We make sure that the club culture stays intact and by that, I mean being punctual, staying on time, if you count that as sort of a ritual then I guess we’ve got it.”

Overall this season, the team has been fortunate enough to avoid any serious injuries.

“We’ve managed our injuries and our time off really well,” Dante said.

“I think coming into the ‘business end’ of the season everyone just sort of grew an extra leg. A bit of concrete and pickle juice.”

Dante paid tribute to the club’s loyal fans for their contributions to the club’s success in 2025.

“Our supporters, our families are the ones that sort of make the sacrifices and allow us to do what we love on the weekend,” he said.

If successful, coach James Patrick will complete a rare feat of captaining and coaching a premiership-winning Kiama team, albeit 24 years apart.

Kiama were back-to-back premiers in 2001 and 2002 with James’ brother Trevor Patrick (assistant coach) captaining in 2002.

The reserve and first grade grand finals will be played at Collegians Sporting Complex in Figtree on Saturday at 1pm and 3pm respectively.