A new year brings new faces, new challenges and the same unwavering intention for the Illawarra Steelers junior representative program: to be the best. Angelina Raula Reports.
As all six Illawarra Steelers summer squads prepare for their first pre-season trial this weekend, SG Ball halfback Beau Baldock and Laurie Daley Cup fullback Jarrah Thomas discuss their journeys, preparation, and goals for 2026.
“I grew up here, played footy for Wests since I was six,” Baldock explains.
“I played all the way through to 18s, just finished my top age there.”
After playing in the premiership-winning Laurie Daley Cup side earlier this year, Baldock has enjoyed stepping up to SG Ball and valued the off-season as a reset.
“It was a good break,” he said.
“I rested the body, kept training by myself, but mainly gave the body a bit of a rest.”
Baldock says working with experienced coaches has had a noticeable impact on his development.
“It’s helped me a lot, actually,” Baldock said.
“Being coached by people like Shaun Timmins, who I was with last year too, has taught me little crafts. They’ve played at very high levels, so it’s helped my footy a lot.”
This pre-season, he has focused on physical growth and defence.
“I’ve been trying to get heavier and stronger,” he said.
“Mainly just put weight on and work on my defence.”
Squad Cohesion
Now that the Steelers and Illawarra South Coast Dragons teams are playing under the same umbrella, Baldock says building squad cohesion is easier than ever.
“Last year I trained here two days and down there one day. This year I want to build connections early and roll them through trials,” he explained.
“If we run out of players, we can call boys up because we’re all in the same spot. Jackson Ballinger came straight in because of that.”
There’s also a healthy family rivalry with his older brother, who has walked the rep pathway before him.
“It’s good having an older brother (Clay Baldock) who’s been in all the systems,” Baldock said.
“I can pick his brain because he’s done it all before me.”
As the Steelers prepare for their traditional trial and friendly camaraderie against the Dragons, Baldock says the message is simple.
“We’ve simplified the shape for the trial. Everyone just needs to know their role,” he said.
“Even though it’s a trial, we still want to win.”
Dedication pays off for Thomas
The 2025 season marks a major milestone for Jarrah Thomas: his first year in Steelers colours after years of persistence and steady growth. Growing up in Nowra, the fullback has been playing footy since childhood.
“I’ve been playing footy since I was about six and I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” Thomas said.
“I just completed 18s and won a premiership. After having a good season, I got selected for Steelers.”
Even in just five weeks of pre-season, Thomas feels the intensity has increased.
“I’ve learned a bit, more teamwork and other aspects of footy,” he said.
“The intensity and the lead-up to games is another step above club level.”
His off-season focus has been simple: dedication.
“Just staying dedicated to training,” he said.
“At Steelers and at home, doing extras, trying to improve and be better for the team.”
Thomas also draws inspiration from his family, which is steeped in rugby league tradition.
“My whole family played footy before me,” he said.
“It feels right that I play too. I’m the eldest of four, and two of my brothers also play. It’s good for them to see how dedicated I am.”
Weekend Trials
Friday, 12 December | Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh
Steelers v St George Dragons
6pm – Harold Matthews Cup U17 Boys
730pm – SG Ball Cup U19 Boys
Saturday, 13 December | Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks
Steelers v St George Dragons & West Tigers
4pm – Lisa Fiaola Cup U17 Girls
530pm – Tarsha Gale Cup U19 Girls
Sunday, 14 December | Centenary Fields, Albion Park
Steelers v Cronulla Sharks.
10.30am – Andrew Johns Cup U16 Boys
12pm – Laurie Daley Cup U18 Boys