Perfect start: Inaugural Illawarra Steelers women victorious in historic season opener

The history making Illawarra Steelers commenced their inaugural season in the NSW Women’s Premiership on Sunday, and emerged victorious. CATCH UP ON THE GAME AND HEAR FROM THE COACH.

THE inaugural Illawarra Steelers Women’s NSW Premiership side has gotten off to winning ways in their first match of the season.

The Steelers downed the South Sydney Rabbitohs 30-16 in a comprehensive display at WIN Stadium to cap off a triumphant ‘Day of Steel’ for the Illawarra side.

The Women’s Premiership match was the main event of the four matches taking place at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Coach Hawke was proud her side was able to rise to the big occasion and get the positive result on the day.

“We tried to play it down but there was obviously a bit of pressure,” Hawke said.

Try time. The Illawarra Steelers celebrating a try against the Rabbitohs. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

“Inaugural side, playing at our home stadium, first game of the season, not knowing our opposition too well.

“There were a lot of factors that contributed to the nerves, but I was super happy it didn’t show and the girls put in the performances they did.”

It had already been a very successful afternoon for the Steelers, with victories for the Harold Matthews Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup sides, with a narrow two point loss for the SG Ball Cup side.

Steelers' Anji Tau taking a hit up. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

The Women’s Premiership side were without a number of big name players, with marquee signings Kezie Apps and Emma Tonegato, as well as a club captain Keeley Davis all rested having only just returned to training after World Cup duties.

On top of this, Shakiah Tungai and fresh signing Tahlia Fuimaono were also unavailable due to Indigenous All Star selection.

Despite this, the Steelers were able to field a talented and competitive unit for the clash against the Rabbitohs, which leaves coach Hawke with some selection headaches looking forward.

Josie Strong for the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

“It’s great having the knowledge that I can put anyone out there, any number of different combinations, and they’ll get the job done,” Hawke said.

“I originally thought I’d be able to plan out the whole season, that’s already been thrown out the window.

“Things change quickly … it’s not the worst thing though, having so much talent to choose from.”

One such change that was only decided on earlier in the week was bringing utility player Jade Etherton into the halfback position.

Player of the Match Jade Etherden for the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

While typically finding herself in the lock forward position, Etherton proved more than capable of filling the number seven role, and ended up putting in a player of the match performance.

“She’s got a great footy head,” Hawke said about Etherton.

“She’s an out and out utility player, which can obviously play against her sometimes but is also a great strength to have.

“She was really calm and organised on Sunday and it rubbed off on the team.”

Kaarla Cowan in action for the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

The Steelers led comprehensively at the break, with prop forward Rose Tafengatoto scoring the historic first try of the new Steelers era.

This would be followed by a first half brace for winger Zali Yeo, before a runaway try for the rapid Teagan Berry from fullback.

Centre Jordyn Preston would cross late in the first half to send the Steelers into the sheds with a commanding 24-0 lead.

The Rabbitohs got on the board early in the second half through interchange player Josephine Maejiirs.

The Steelers would reply shortly after though, with lock forward Kaarla Cowan getting on the scoresheet.

The Rabbitohs would snag two tries in the last five minutes to make the scoreline look a bit less like a blowout, courtesy of Pihuka Duff and Paige Knapp.

All smiles post game for the Steelers and Rabbitohs. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

For coach Hawke, closing out games will no doubt be a focus for her side going forward.

“We have to make sure we’re playing for those full 70 minutes, because we know other teams in this competition will punish us,” Hawke said.

“We’ll be focusing on our headspace, making sure we’re not switching off.

“Maybe a bit of refinement in decision making as well.”

The Illawarra Steelers have a bye in round two, before they travel to face the Wentworthville Magpies on Monday the 20th of February.