NSW Women’s Rugby League: Helensburgh Tigerlillies defy the odds in miracle return

After a wild rise featuring some of the biggest names in women’s rugby league, Helensburgh wound up on the scrap heap. Here's how the Tigerlillies roared back from three years in the wilderness.

The Helensburgh Tigerlillies have enjoyed a successful return to the field in 2025. Picture: Helensburgh Tigers

It’s the coastal hideaway linked to some of the biggest names in women’s rugby league. Now, after three years on the scrap heap, the Tigerlillies are back.

Playing under the banner of the famed Helensburgh Tigers, the Lillies are synonymous with champions such as Jillaroos legend Sam Bremner and current NRLW superstars Jess Sergis, Kezie Apps, and Rachael Pearson.

In a decade of dominance from 2011, the Lillies ruled the Illawarra with five titles. But as club president Dorian ‘Dodge’ Cobb recalls, the planets aligned conspiring in a sudden demise following the team’s meteoric rise to the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

“We were stacked with stars and it meant we continued to attract players,” said Cobb.

“Looking back, it was the beginning of a perfect storm. Even though we were successful, we were always fragile.

Kezie Apps in action for Helensburgh in 2020. Picture: April Boughton

“With the expansion of the NRLW, women were starting to be offered proper contracts and we lost all our marquee players. I remember the day Kezie rang me, she was a bit nervous, but they all left with our complete blessing because the club was a part of their success.

“It meant we lost the ability to attract players. The same thing happened to our men’s side after they won in 2015.”

Despite the mass exodus, loyal diehards like Emily Andrews and Sharna Piccinelli — the daughter of Illawarra Steelers legend Neil — were desperate to kickstart a revival.

“It was heartbreaking when we lost our team in 2021,” said Andrews, who, in a quirky coincidence, shares the same name as a former Tigerlillie and 2013 Jillaroo.

“I kept pestering Dodge, but he said we needed 20 confirmed players before he could even think about it.”

Finally, with commitment in numbers and a brains trust in place, the initial pieces of the puzzle began to come together 18 months ago.

“Tough lessons were learned, so we had to do a rebuild using a strategy focused on locals rather than spending big money to ensure a constant flow of young players,” Cobb said.

“Linking our under-16s girls league tag side with the open’s tag team was important, because there’s a fair crossover of open’s who back up to play tackle.”

Looking back, Cobb laughed as he recalled the would-be Lillies’ bravery in removing the elephant in the room.

“Old heads like Emily and Sharna have been around forever playing senior footy,” he said.

“But most of the girls were nervous about heavy contact, so we put them through a Tackle Ready program run by the NSWRL. It was the most amazing thing I’ve seen. Within the space of 90 minutes, the girls transformed from apprehensive to believing ‘I can do this’.

“Jasmine Cox and her sisters Teagan and Kirra teamed up for one drill, where the ball carrier had to run at two defenders. They were worried about the contact, but by the end, all three were crunching into each other at full speed in a fight for family bragging rights.

“It was unreal – that program got us over the line.”

Emily Andrews is happy the Tigerillies are back on the park. Supplied: Helensburgh Tigers

Now, as 16 of the 23-strong squad enjoy their first season of tackle footy, the Nathan Simpson-coached outfit sit among the leaders in the seven-team Southern Corridor competition.

For Andrews, after sharing the glory days alongside some of the game’s biggest names, there’s an overwhelming sense of pride.

“Some of my best times in footy were playing with those girls, but I am so excited for the times now,” she said.

“I actually get quite emotional, because the new girls are starting to see why it means so much to the girls that have come back after so many years.

“I love seeing their faces when someone makes a break and you can hear the crowd roaring. One of our new girls recently scored a try, and it actually brought me to tears because I was so happy – finally, these girls can share the same experience.”

With a proud heritage dating back to 1911, Cobb feels more optimistic than ever about the future of the Helensburgh club.

“Quite a few girls are partnering with the men’s players, so the growth has been infectious,” he said.

“We’ve seen bigger crowds too, and there’s a noticeable difference around the club. It’s the best year we’ve had in a long time.”