Illawarra Steelers set for SG Ball Cup finals tilt under watchful eye of Shaun Timmins

Shaun Timmins has been there and done that at the highest level, and the Steelers legend is now hoping to provide guidance for the next generation ahead of their SG Ball final this weekend.

Jarrah Treweek and the Illawarra Steelers are set for the SG Ball Cup finals this weekend. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Shaun Timmins is no stranger to big games and important moments, making him the right man to help Illawarra back to the top in SG Ball Cup.

The Steelers have a chance to keep their season alive this weekend in an elimination final blockbuster against Newcastle.

For a lot of the players running around this weekend it will be their first junior reps finals match, as well as Timmins’ first season in the big chair.

“It’s been an enjoyable season, but a challenging one,” he said.

“We’ve been smashed by injuries. We’ve used every squad member plus a Harold Matthews player.

“We’re fortunate to have a good group with a lot of year young players and a good staff around me. They’ve made it enjoyable to come to training a lot a year young. Everyone is on board and we’re excited (for this weekend).”

Timmins has won grand finals, represented Australia and kicked a winning field goal in State of Origin throughout his illustrious career.

He backed his side to get up for what is the most important match for many of these young men.

“They’re up for it. A lot have been in the system for a while and a few haven’t tasted finals yet,” he said.

“Finals don’t come around too often. We’ve got to take a chance and have a crack.

“They’re excited. We know it’s sudden death and if we lose there’s no tomorrow, but we’re going to put everything into it.”

Illawarra had to leave it until the last round to solidify its spot in the finals with a defeat of North Sydney to snap a two-game losing streak.

They welcome back starters Lyhkan King-Togia and Seth Pearman for this weekend’s clash on neutral turf at Leichhardt Oval.

“Newcastle is a good side with some quality players, but we’re pretty confident with the players we have,” Timmins said.
“Across the board we want our forward pack to get us started in the game. We need to be physical early.

“We have some good halves with good kicking games, hopefully our forwards can start well and they can get going off the back of that, and keep them away from the tryline.”