Third-generation Illawarra speed queens extend the legendary Young legacy

They’re the latest twins making a name for themselves in the Illawarra and with two Red V legends in their corner, the famous Young legacy is rolling into a third generation. FULL STORY

(L-R) Twins Sienna and Elli Young are continuing a famous family tradition via the Illawarra Steelers. Picture: Illawarra Steelers

They say blood is thicker than water, and when it comes to twins in rugby league, the Illawarra region is the sibling capital.

It’s almost two decades since Josh and Brett followed in the footsteps of their famous father and St George premiership winner, Steve ‘Slippery’ Morris. These days, Dragons forwards Ryan and Toby Couchman are double the trouble in Wollongong.

But with a third generation of talent knocking on the door, the Young family are bordering on the next level.

When Dean Young picked up a premiership medal in 2010, he joined his father, Craig, an NRL Hall of Fame member and former Kangaroos prop, as a Red V title winner.

Now as twin daughters Elli and Sienna rise through the Steelers pathways, the Dragons NRL assistant coach has multiple reasons to keep smiling.

Tall and rangy, earlier this month Elli broke the family mould, scoring a double on the wing for Illawarra in the under-17s Lisa Fiaola Cup.

Elli Young on the wing for the Illawarra Steelers in the Lisa Fiaola Cup. Picture: Denis Ivaneza, Inner Visions Photography

“It’s great to be able to continue the family tradition in footy,” said Elli, 16, who along with Sienna attends St Mary Star of the Sea College in Wollongong.

“Dad teaches us a lot about work ethic and the sort of effort and consistency that any athlete should have. Pop is always there for us too, he often comes to training and to our games.

“Even though Sienna and I play in the backline, the experiences they share are really valuable.”

Raised on a background of netball, the twins transitioned to league last season through local club Collegians. Despite the long history of family success and their sudden rise through the rep ranks, Elli says there is no burden of expectation.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” said Elli.

“They’ve done their work, and I’m ready to do mine. Both Dad and Pop made it clear from the start that there’s no pressure. They just want both of us to have fun and enjoy ourselves.”

Elli Young enjoys a run for Illawarra. Picture: Denis Ivaneza, Inner Visions Photography

Used to operating in tandem, the left winger says she can’t wait for her identical twin to be named in Illawarra’s top 17.

“Sienna plays on the right wing at club level and we share the same speed and agility,” she said.

“We’ve done a lot of sports together and are usually on the same court or field. She’s in the current squad, so being able to run out together for the Steelers would be very exciting and a great achievement.”

Following an opening round victory over joint venture partner St George, Illawarra comes off a bye ahead of Saturday’s clash with defending Lisa Fiaola Cup champions, Canterbury Bankstown, at Hammondville Oval.

Undaunted by the challenge, Elli summed up the blockbuster contest in typical no-nonsense Young fashion.

“We are all ready for it. This week we have really focused on effort and keeping the team bond strong.”