FOR more than a decade, the Gerringong Lions have been the benchmark of the Group Seven Rugby League competition.
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A large part of that success stems from the exceptional play of halfback Rixon Russell, who will this week chalk up his 200th first grade game for the Lions.
"It's pretty special to do it for a club like Gerringong which has had so much success over the years, with such a proud history," Russell said.
"To play in the sides I have done over the years it's very humbling."
Russell started his rugby league career with the Culburra Dolphins before joining the Michael Cronin Oval-based club in 2004 as a 13-year-old.
"Since I came to the club, everyone has been extremely welcoming and the support I've been given along the way has been unreal," the 30-year-old said.
"I feel like if I can play strong, consistent footy, it's a way I can give back to the community for the support I've been given over the years."
Since debuting in the top flight in 2009, the Kiama High School alumnus, who has also played two reserve grade games after backing up from the under 18s, has played in 13 straight seasons for the Lions - with five of them resulting in premierships.
"I've been lucky throughout my career to win five competitions," said Russell, whose Lions side has never finished outside the top-four during his time in grade..
"It's hard to compare which one was more important but 2013 probably sticks out though as the most memorable.
"I've also won three competitions with my younger brother Isaac, which is really special.
"We played a heap of backyard footy together growing up - it was always competitive but it's probably shaped us into the players we are now.
"We probably both didn't imagine winning competitions and playing first grade together but to run out again with him on Saturday is a memory I'll have forever.
"Some people are just happy to play a first grade with their siblings but to win three first grade competitions together is something I'll never forget."
A big part of those premierships was Russell's former coach and rugby league legend Michael Cronin, who was on the sidelines for 12 of his 13 seasons in grade footy.
"I can remember the first time I saw Rixon play as a 16-year-old, I thought to myself he needs a clip around the ears but that was before I had the pleasure of coaching him," Cronin said.
"He was a joy to coach - even if we didn't always agree on everything, was as hard of a trainer as you'll find and is one of the guys you want at your club.
"Not to mention he's extremely tough and it was near impossible to take him from the field or to get him to miss a game when injured.
"When you go through the history books when his career is all said and done, I have no doubt he'll be regarded as one of the best and most successful players to ever pull on a Lions jersey.
"You have to go back to the period of 1918 to 1925, when the club won six titles, to find a more successful period for the club than that of Rixon Russell, Nathan Ford and Tim Moore."
As well as titles, Russell has entrenched himself in the Group Seven try-scoring record books, by crossing the line on 153 occasions during his career - including 27 in the 2012 season alone.
"I've been privileged to play in some very strong sides with numerous talented players," the former NSW Country representative said.
"Especially in the early years, I prided myself on turning those half opportunities into points.
"Playing inside guys like Pat Cronin, Nathan Ford and Brad Davidson, who did most of the hard work, I just played off the back of them and was lucky enough to be in the right position more often than not."
Making the milestone more memorable for Russell will be the fact he will be in front of his own fans, and next to his halves partner and younger brother Isaac.
"It's always special to play at home - hopefully we can get a big crowd to turn out and watch us go around and most importantly get a win," said the halfback, who will lead his side onto the field on Saturday.
If the defending premiers are to win and continue their strong 2021 campaign, they are going to have to knock-off the improving Stingrays of Shellharbour.
"We had a bit of disrupted start to the season, it felt like we would play one week on one week off," he said.
"We are starting to get handy good combinations going now.
"It's a strong competition again this year between the top six or so teams, including the Stingrays who we are expecting to be really physical on Saturday.
"Unfortunately there is a bit of a gap with the bottom few sides but hopefully they can all stay together and continue to have a strong Group Seven."
The round nine first grade fixture between Gerringong and Stingrays will kick-off at 3pm Saturday.
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