From lounge room footy to junior reps: Siblings Ella and Jack Koster to represent Illawarra Steelers in 2024

Ella Koster has risen in the ranks to become an NRLW superstar. Little known fact though is her younger brother, Jack, taught her how to tackle when they were young. Meet the Koster duo representing the Steelers in 2024.

Illawarra Steelers siblings Jack Koster, Harold Matthews Cup, and Ella Koster, Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Kevin Merrigan

Ella Koster has come a long way since she first stepped in for an interview in Illawarra Steelers colours.

Gone is the quiet assassin who spoke mostly through her terrific performances on the field.

Now, the 18-year-old returns for a second stint of Tarsha Gale Cup footy as a leader, having the rare experience of an NRLW season with the St George Illawarra Dragons under her belt.

To add to her responsibility, she’s now got to keep an eye on her younger brother, Jack Koster, joining her in Illawarra Steelers colours with the Harold Matthews Cup squad in 2024, a responsibility Ella says she’s happy to have.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Ella said.

Jack Koster is preparing for his first year in the Harold Matthew Cup, while Ella Koster returns for a second year of Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Kevin Merrigan

“Obviously I’ve had my chance being here last year, so I’ve just been waiting for him to get here and get his shot.

“I’m so proud of him, my little brother.”

Ella Koster was the versatile gem discovered by the Dragons last season. What coach Soward might not know is that younger brother Jack, 16, is partially to thank for developing her into the machine she is today.

“I think his (Jack’s) defence is great. I’m not going to lie, he did teach me how to tackle back in the day,” Ella said.

“I was watching him play before I was playing, and I always thought his defence was a standout.”

The Koster duo revealed their rise to the top of the junior rep scene dates back to their days of “knee footy in the lounge room” when they were kids, which Jack said led to a “couple of jarred fingers.”

Ella Koster causing headaches for the Penrith defence in 2023. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

And while not as outspoken as his older sister, Jack was able to return some compliments her way.

“All around she’s doing good,” Jack said.

“Her defence is great, and her running game, she runs hard and runs straight over people.”

Jack, an Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles junior, has his eyes on a starting wing spot in the Steelers’ Harold Matthews Cup side this year, but also plays centre at club level.

“I think my attack and defence has improved,” Jack said.

“Coming into Andrew Johns Cup last year taught me a lot, then coming here this year taught me even more.

Jack says he’s happy to be lining up alongside his centre partner Zane Timmins, another who graduated from the Andrew Johns Cup side, as he gives him some “great balls” and “easy catches”.

The Koster duo. Picture: Kevin Merrigan

For Ella, the sky’s the limit in 2024, having already come so far in the space of a year.

“I can’t even put into words how much I’ve learned from Soward and my NRLW time,” Ella said.

“It’s great to come back here and just develop my skills more, nailing more of the basics.

“We’ve got a really strong group of girls … I loved lining up with Charlotte Basham in the second row, Kasey Reh as well in the halves, her skill is just crazy.

“Hopefully a grand final is there for us this year, I think we have the ability to do it.”