The Illawarra Steelers show no signs of a HNWP hangover, the defending champions remaining undefeated through five games as they reach the halfway point of the season.
Head Coach Jamie Szczerbanik says his team is handling every curveball with maturity and focus, not getting too carried away with their five-game winning streak.
“It’s not something that’s never been done before; it’s just more about not getting ahead of ourselves and thinking that it’s just going to happen for us. We must work hard every single week,” he said.
Last-minute changes, no panic
Szczerbanik revealed his side experienced a major reshuffle just 24 hours before last week’s local derby with the St George Dragons.
Due to the late call-up of key players to the Dragons NRLW squad, several young talents were drafted in on the day of the game.
“Tori Shipton got ruled out by Nathan Cross because he needed her up there at NRLW level due to a couple of injuries,” Szczerbanik said.
“Then there were more phone calls with Marie Paseka and Tahlia O’Brien. On the morning of the game, Maddie Studdon was also called up.”
Despite the last-minute changes, last year’s premiership-winning coach praised his side’s composure and resilience against the Dragons.
“We had four 17-year-old girls playing against women that are physically stronger, and they looked like they were meant to be there.”
One of the players to receive an unexpected call was Ella Greatz (pictured), a student at Warilla High.
“To ring Ella yesterday morning to tell her she was making her debut last night, that was a pretty cool moment,” Szczerbanik said.
The rise of Shipton and Paseka brings the total to eight players from last year’s grand final squad graduating to the top grade this season, including captain Lily Rogan (Wests Tigers), Jordyn Preston (Canberra Raiders), Sienna Yeo (Newcastle Knights), Indie Bostock, Bronte Wilson, and Trinity Tauaneai (Dragons).
Trust and depth in the squad
Szczerbanik said the continual changes haven’t rattled the squad’s mentality; in fact, it’s strengthening them.
“We trust that no matter who wears the jersey on game day, they’re going to go out there and do their best.
“We haven’t put out the same team two weeks in a row, but internally, it gives us more confidence that whoever pulls on the jersey will deliver.”
While the constant player rotation may not be ideal, Szczerbanik said the club’s focus is player development, not just results.
“You want some type of continuity, sure, but reserve grade is about developing NRLW players,” Szczerbanik explains.
“The positive results are just a by-product of preparing these girls for the next step.”
Looking ahead to the Bulldogs
Despite the early season success, Szczerbanik is still wary of this Sunday’s opponents, Canterbury, as he readies his team for the backend of the season.
“The Bulldogs are a team that can come out and put on a bit of a clinic if you let them. They’ve got strike across the park and powerful forwards.
“There’s going to be a storm we need to weather early in the game. But we’ve proven we can do that time and time again.”
Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah | Sunday, 10 August | 12:15pm
- Illawarra Steelers v Canterbury Bulldogs
Words | Angelina Raula