The Illawarra Steelers are thrilled to announce the addition of the Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16 Boys) and the Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18 Boys) to their elite junior rugby league pathway program.
The initiative has been made possible through the support and cooperation of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), Group 7, and Illawarra Rugby League.
Steelers Chairman Graeme Gulloch said the inclusion of these two teams, to be known as the South Coast Illawarra Steelers, marks a significant enhancement to the development opportunities for young players in the Illawarra and South Coast regions.
“We are proud to take this significant step in our junior development pathway,” Gulloch said.
“The Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups offer our young players the opportunity to compete at a higher level, showcasing their talents.
“This initiative is a collaborative effort that underscores our commitment to the community and the future of rugby league in the region.”
Creating Opportunities
Illawarra Steelers SG Ball Under 19 Head Coach Shaun Timmins echoed Gulloch’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of these NSWRL regional competitions in nurturing local talent and fostering a pathway to professional rugby league.
“Integrating the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups into our program not only gives our young athletes valuable experience but also prepares them for the rigours of higher levels of competition.
“It’s about creating opportunities for our youth to succeed and advance in their rugby league careers.”
Fullback Jack Talbot (pictured) exemplifies the Steelers success in nurturing talented young athletes early in their career, and says the new structure will further enhance player mobility between the aged-base ranks.
“The Steelers are very good with the care of their players. Instead of separating, all the boys will be together, sticking around each other for the whole time. I reckon it’ll be better as a club and all the teams will go better,” Talbot said.
“Same play calls, and just training together. It will be easier for everyone going back and forth between teams.”
Talbot was a member of the 2024 Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews Cup U17s, before advancing this year to the premiership-winning Illawarra South Coast Dragons U18s in the Laurie Daley Cup, and was also an SG Ball under-age squad member.
“I reckon SG (Ball) will be strong again this year with some players from that Daley team that’s just won coming into the squad. They’re handy, and with a couple of new signings, we should go well next year,” he said.
The Illawarra Steelers will compete in the following competitions in 2026:
NSWRL Regional Representative Competitions
South Coast Illawarra Steelers (formerly Illawarra South Coast Dragons)
· Andrew Johns Cup (U16 Boys)
· Laurie Daley Cup (U18 Boys)
NSWRL Metropolitan Representative Competitions
Illawarra Steelers
· Harold Matthews Cup (U17 Boys)
· Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17 Girls)
· SG Ball Cup (U19 Boys)
· Tarsha Gale Cup (U19 girls)
Expressions of Interest for the 2026 Summer squads are now being sought, with pre-season training scheduled to commence in November.