If anyone knows what it takes to come through the St George system and make the leap up to first grade, it’s Kyle Stanley.
Kyle’s rugby league journey started in the region with Hurstville United – the same junior club that produced the likes of Anthony Mundine, Lance Thompson, and older brother Chase – before he made his way through the grades earning an NRL debut in Round 11, 2010 just a month-and-half on from his 19th birthday.
Having played seven matches as a rookie, a teenage Kyle watched on as his teammates created history leading the Dragons to a drought-breaking Grand Final victory over the Roosters.
A brutal run of injuries prevented Kyle from playing as much first grade as he should’ve with his final NRL game coming a little over four years after his debut.
Fast forward a decade and Kyle, in his role as St George District Football Manager, found himself one of the chief architects of St George’s 2024 SG Ball premiership-winning squad – their first in 32 years.
“It was huge for the St George area, 32 years in the making,” he said.
“It was a credit to all the staff and players that were involved. It was quite rewarding. The boys were coached by Willie Talau and seeing him out on the field, I learnt a lot. I learnt what success looks like at this level.”
Kyle’s role as a mentor to many of the squad’s standouts was evident throughout their run to the title and beyond with several crediting the role he played.
“We’re just trying to build a good pathway from the St George area into the St George Illawarra Dragons,” he said.

“I obviously enjoy rugby league, but I just think I can relate to the boys as I was the next junior here once as well which is a bonus. Understanding the responsibilities and the expectations at this level is big for the boys… It means a lot. I think just giving back what I’ve learned over the past couple of years. It’s a feeling that is rewarding and it’s just fulfilling for me to pass on that knowledge.”
10 members from St George’s SG Ball Grand Final side transitioned into Jersey Flegg and beyond as the season went on which Kyle says is the main goal each year.
“We’ve had a number of players come through the St George system now and train with the NRL squad and hopefully move on to the next level,” he said.
“It’s the main goal to show that there is a genuine pathway to St George Illawarra. It’s always rewarding seeing those boys go on to bigger and better things.”
Only four players remain from last year’s Grand Final side, but Kyle is confident that Talau’s group of young men helped turned a page for the St George Dragons.
“With success comes expectation,” he said.
“We’re putting that expectation on ourselves to be there. We had a few graduate into Flegg and NSW Cup last year. A few are staying up there but, as I said, the expectation of us is always going to be top eight and that's what I’m looking forward to with this squad.”
Talau’s promotion sees former Dragon Darren Nicholls take the reins as head coach – a decision Kyle believes will pay dividends.
Nicholls played three NRL matches for the Dragons across the 2018 and 2019 seasons and spent close to a decade plying his trade at NSW and Queensland Cup level.
“Dez (Nicholls) came from Queensland last year and started teaching at Endeavour Sports,” he said.
“I think his knowledge and what he’s done in the game will be really handy. Also being an ex-halfback, I think you sort of know a bit about every position, so hopefully we can see that translating into our systems here.”
Kyle also expects St George’s Harold Matthews Cup outfit to put together an improved campaign with an influx of talent set to boost up the side.
“I’m really excited about this Harold Matts team,” he said.
“This is probably the most, I suppose, spread out talent we’ve had in a Harold Matts team and I’m really looking forward to it. (Coach) Reece Regan’s doing a great job with his staff. They’ve got the boys humming at the moment, which is really good and, as I said, I’m really excited about this side.”