RENOVATING the former Bulli Newsagent and Post Office in preparation for their new bridal and catering business last week, the new owners were surprised to find a rare piece of sporting history.

While removing paint and paper from the front window of the shop, opposite the Bulli Heritage Hotel, a large Illawarra Steelers logo was discovered.

The Illawarra Steelers entered the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in 1982, with financial backing from local leagues clubs. Their first captain was fullback John Dorahy now a Wollongong City Council councillor.

The Steelers left the NRL at the end of the 1998 season when Illawarra amalgamated with St George.

The St George Illawarra Dragons now represents the region in the NRL.

The new owners are transforming part of the former newsagent and post office into a catering business. The other section of the building (on the northern side), is currently being used as a hairdressers.

Meanwhile in other local business news, a source tells the The Bulli Times that the former Bulli Butcher, on the corner of Park Road and the Princes Highway, will be opened as a seafood store. We also hear that Woolworths propose to build a new service station on the site of the former Caltex station on the Princes Highway, opposite Organ’s Road.