Big signings: Tonegato and Apps join history-making Steelers women ahead of inaugural season
For the first time the Steelers will compete in the NSW Women’s Premiership, and they have landed some big new signings. HEAR FROM THE COACH AND MEET THE HISTORY MAKING SIDE.
Illawarra Star
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REALITY is setting in for the history-making women of the Illawarra Steelers as they gear up for their inaugural season of rugby league in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
The Steelers are a few weeks out now from their opening competition clash against the Rabbitohs on the 5th of February.
The squad has been finalised by coach Alicia-Kate Hawke, with it now just being a case of cementing a winning starting line-up to compete with.
Hawke considers the opportunity to coach this inaugural Steelers side one of the best of her career thus far.
“Proud, honoured, relieved, excited, I could throw a lot of words like that around,” Hawke said.
“Now that we’re past Christmas the energy is heaps higher among the girls, but so too is the reality of what we’re up against.
“No matter what happens though, these girls will be a part of history.
“It gives me goosebumps just talking about it.”
It has been all systems go to get the side together since the decision to approve the Steelers’ Premiership bid came last September.
Hawke appointed Daniel Lacey into the assistant coach role, a figure who has been very involved with the development of the Steelers’ women over the years.
Lacey also brings some crucial competition experience to the Steelers, having formerly been coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRLW.
“A big thing I wanted from someone in that role was someone who was passionate,” Hawke said on her decision to appoint Lacey.
“He’s been working in the women‘s footy space for seven to eight years now.
“He’s been a massive help, I know I can lean on him and go to him for advice.”
The squad itself features a number of players of NRLW, NSW and Jillaroos experience.
Hawke is yet to finalise her team captain, however Keeley Davis is the current club captain, and will be one of the firm contenders to lead the history-making side out in the first round come February.
Davis comes from the Dragons in the NRLW, bringing plenty of talent and experience to the hooker position having represented New South Wales twice in State of Origin games.
Exciting news coming out of the Steelers camp on the Monday the 16th of January was the acquisition of two Australian and St George Illawarra players Kezie Apps and Emma Tonegato.
Apps is one of the most decorated female players in the sport, being a former NSW representative and winner of the inaugural Dally M Female Player of the Year in 2016.
Tonegato also brings plenty of experience and accolades to the side, most recently a World Cup gold medal.
Another pivotal pre-season swoop from the Dragons is Rachel Pearson, the 29 year-old halfback who will no doubt also be among the leadership pack.
Among the side also is Zali Yeo, sister to Penrith Panthers and NSW superstar Isaah.
Former Illawarra Steelers junior Teagan Berry also returns for the scarlet and white on the wing, with the 20 year-old gun having crossed for 10 tries in her 14 game NRLW career.
Perhaps the most noteworthy of signings to the side of late is Taliah Fuimaono, who also joins the side from the Dragons NRLW squad.
Brother to Dragons second-rower Tyrell Fuimaono in the NRL, Taliah joins the side in the five-eight role, with coach Hawke super pleased with how seamlessly the star signing has slotted into the team so far.
“For me I want people that work hard, train hard and are good people, and she epitomises that,” coach Hawke said about the signing.
“She’ll keep a high standard and lift our squad that bit higher.
“She’s already working super hard and has fitted into the system well.”
The side recently took a break from the heat of pre-season training to spend a night at camp together to undertake some team-building exercises.
The team undertook a number of rescue scenarios such as firefighting, roof collapse and rescues, and team escapes.
The experience allowed the team to build relationships and reliance with each other, while also exercising their leadership skills off the footy field.
When asked what the goal was for the season, coach Hawke was adamant in her response.
“We’re after finals footy,” Hawke said.
“We understand we’re the new kids and there’s a couple of ‘David vs Goliath’ match-ups.
“But I think provided we can stay injury-free, we can go very well and get into the finals.
“As well of course, we want to see some of these girls make a name for themselves and get NRLW contracts.”
February 5 is to be the ‘Day of Steel’ at WIN Stadium, with the side’s inaugural Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side playing at home.
Preceding this game will also be the Steelers sides competing in the Harold Matthews Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup and SG Ball Cup, in what has the potential to be an even more historic day for the Illawarra club.
Updated squad
Kezie Apps, Teagan Berry, Keele Browne, Kaarla Cowan, Keeley Davis, Jade Etherden, Taliah Fuimaono, Tiana Kore, Ella Koster, Mary Latu, Salma Nour, Olivia Patterson, Rachael Pearson, Sharna Piccinelli, Jordyn Preston, Ana Raduva, Lily Rogan, Riley Scott, Anastasia Shum, April Stevens, Josie Strong, Bianca Sutton, Anji Tau, Ula-Mari Time-Cribb, Viena Tinao, Emma Tonegato, Shakiah Tungai, Olivia Vale, Zali Yeo.
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