While Hull FC didn’t win its English Super League match against Wigan, Kiama did win the hearts of the team and its supporters.

“It wasn’t our night last night, but it has been a great experience,” said the club’s owner Adam Pearson at the farewell BBQ at Surf Beach.

“The atmosphere at the match was great. We had 2000-2500 of our fans there, but half of the 12,000 crowd was following us so it was just like at home.”

The team stayed at the Sebel Harbourside Kiama and had training sessions at Mick Cronin Oval at Gerringong.

“The facilities here were excellent,” said Josh Bowden.

“The boys and fans have had a great time. Everyone has just been so welcoming. We’ve never experienced anything like it elsewhere.

“The match was a tough one – we just couldn’t get over the line and we have been struggling with injuries. Now we have to prepare for the match against the Dragons next week. We wish we were staying here to do it.”

Mayor Mark Honey went to the match, and is a fan of the different type of play he saw by the English teams, saying “It was one of the best games of rugby league I have seen in the last decade.”