Rising Illawarra young gun, on family inspiration and tackling the big boys

He’s not the first Brookfield to turn heads in junior reps footy, and with a sister already knocking on the door of higher honours, this South Coast product is eager to make his own mark.

Halfback Jett Brookfield has helped the Illawarra Steelers to a perfect start in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Denis Ivaneza - Inner Visions Photography

He’s not the first Brookfield to turn heads in junior reps footy, and with a sister already knocking on the door of higher honours, this South Coast product is eager to make his own mark.

A rising playmaker for the unbeaten Illawarra Steelers in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s), Jett Brookfield continues to tick all the boxes.

And the younger brother of NRLW hopeful, Koffi Brookfield, knows first hand what it takes to continue climbing the ranks.

Last season, a teenage Koffi claimed a premiership medal for Illawarra in the open age Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

Blessed with all-round utility value, it was a performance that caught the eye of talent scouts and one that ended with the skilful halfback/hooker agreeing to terms with the Cronulla Sharks prior to the start of this season.

Jett Brookfield for Illawarra South Coast Dragons during last season’s Andrew Johns Cup. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

“I started in the under-6s, and then Koffi joined the under-14s,” said Jett, 16, reflecting on their early days at the Kiama Knights.

“She has inspired me with how far she’s gone, and down the track hopefully she gets a crack in the NRLW.”

After playing a key role and scoring a try in Kiama High’s Country Cup title in 2023, Jett joined the rep ranks the following season with Illawarra South Coast Dragons in the Andrew Johns Cup - a stepping stone to Harold Matts.

Now part of a lethal attacking combination with Corrimal five-eighth Tayler Humphries, the No.7 continues to thrive at the higher level.

Koffi Brookfield fires off a pass for Cronulla in round two of the Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

“There’s definitely more intensity,” said Jett.

“You have to be switched on at every training session and be ready to go from the start. We train three times a week, and in the games, the boys are all bigger and more competitive.”

Which for one of the side’s shorter members, could pose a serious concern.

“I’ve always been the smallest bloke on the field. Sometimes it takes a lot of heart to tackle the bigger boys, but defence is an area I continue to work on,” he said.

“Dad and my coach Jamie Szczerbanik help me with technique, just getting my head in the right position and little things like that.”

Despite clear differences in style, the self-confessed Nathan Cleary fan has taken a shine to the four-time Penrith premiership winner.

“I’m a left-footer. I don’t know too many left-footers in the NRL, but I like the way he controls the game, especially with his kicking.”

Coming off last week’s nailbiting two-point victory on the road to Canberra, this week the Illawarra boys are set to take flight.

They head to Auckland on Friday before they look to end the Warriors’ unbeaten start on Sunday.