Former Illawarra Steelers premiership-winning players Teagan Berry and Keele Browne were on hand during the week to present the grand final jerseys to the Tarsha Gale Cup side ahead of Saturday’s decider.
Berry and Browne were members of the Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side that beat Newcastle in the 2019 grand final. Both have since gone on to stellar careers with NRLW Dragons.
Before introducing Berry and Browne, who were also members of the inaugural Steelers Harvey Norman open women’s team last season, coach Courtney Crawford acknowledged the critical role played by family members who gathered for the jersey presentation.
“The girls and I appreciate all the effort that the parents and the family go to,” Crawford said.
“Obviously, it’s a big commitment for the girls three, four days a week since November, and it’s not just their hard work that goes into it. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes hard work as well.”
“It’s a special time for the families. To have the girls representing in a grand final is really exciting.”
“The girls are firing, and they are going to go out there and do us really proud no matter the result.”
Stay connected
Berry, 21, who scored a double in the 2019 Grand Final before going on making her debut for the Dragons NRLW side just 12 months later, couldn’t help but be impressed with the girls season-to-date.
“To go undefeated the whole way is something you should be so proud. The way you girls have been connected all season has been something very special to watch.
“I’ve seen everyone shine each and every week, and heaps of you girls will be coming up to NRLW this season, and I can’t wait to see you girls on the weekend.”
Read More >> Sisterhood Keeping Steelers Connected
Play your role
As a Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs junior, Browne knows the commitment required to succeed at this level.
During her tenure in the Steelers juniors, she made the four-hour return journey to Wollongong each week for training and games.
“It definitely takes a whole squad—more than a whole squad—parents, staff, and everyone else to get to where you are.
“To the girls who aren’t playing, you still play a role on game day. Whether you are injured, have not been picked, or just resting, everyone plays a role on game day, so that’s really huge.
Soak up the experience
Browne urged the girls to soak up the experience because moments like these only come around occasionally.
“Another thing that we’ve always been reminded of along the journey when big games come along, or the end of the season comes along, is that you never get to play with the exact same team again.
“So as sad as it is, make sure you embrace it together as a group, especially as you guys have become such a tight-knit group, which is really exciting to see.
Enjoy the ride
Browne also highlighted how quickly the pathways have progressed since she and Berry entered the system.
“There’s definitely a pathway there, and so many of you, if not all of you, are going to come through and have a very successful future in rugby league, wherever that journey may take you.
“Best of luck, make sure you give it everything you’ve got and make sure you get that win for the club.
“It’s a very special day for the club and for yourselves.
“It’s definitely one you’ll not forget. It was one of my favourite footy memories to date, so embrace every moment and enjoy it most of all.”
Pictured: Teagan Berry, Ella Koster (10), Keeley Browne, Kasey Reh (7)
Read More >> Grand Final Team List
Grand Final Saturday, 27 April | CommBank Stadium
- 1:30pm – Tarsha Gale Cup U19’s | Illawarra Steelers v Newcastle Knights