The Illawarra Steelers put on another gritty and resilient display to defeat South Sydney 32-6 in Round 10 of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership at Ziems Park on Saturday. The win securing a top-two finish for the Steelers with one round of the regular season remaining.
The Steelers scored three unanswered tries in the first half through Kimberley Hunt, Kaarla Cowan, and Jordyn Preston to set up a 16-0 lead at halftime.
The Rabbitohs struck back early in the second half, capitalising on a string of penalties and errors gifted by their opposition before the hosts piled on three more tries.
The Steelers made several late changes to their line-up, with fullback Jessica Patea, halfback Caitlin Moran, and lock Trinity Tauaneai replaced by Herewaka Pohatu, Brielle Luccitti, and Koffi Brookfield returning from injury.
Sienna Yeo (pictured) also moved into the starting 13 from the interchange bench, picking up player of the match honours.
“We spoke about turning up for each other no matter the circumstances or situation, and I thought the girls did that today,” Szczerbanik said after the win.
“To only let one try in and have minimal possession there in the second half, the guts and determination shown from the girls was outstanding.”
[Watch] Halfback Koffi Brookfield and secondrower Olivia Vale speak to Joshua Houldin after the win.
Szcerbanik was also quick to praise his team’s goal-line defence.
“The girls take a lot of pride in their try line D, and as a squad, we trust that no matter who it is on the field, they just keep putting their bodies on the line and just keep turning up for one another.”
The Steelers will host the sixth-place St George Dragons in the final round of the home and away season, with Szczerbanik wary of the improving Red V outfit.
“It’s going to be a cracking game because, as history probably shows, it doesn’t matter where either team sits on the table it’s always going to be a tough game.”