The Illawarra Steelers faced a challenging weekend at home, with the Sydney Roosters sweeping all four junior metropolitan representative matches at Collegians Sporting Complex..
The Roosters were dominant in the Tarsha Gale Cup (32-0) and Lisa Fiaola Cup (28-6), breaking away after close opening exchanges. In the Harold Matthews Cup, the Roosters overcame an early Steelers lead to finish ahead 22-12, while the SG Ball Cup saw Illawarra narrowly edged out 9-8 in a thrilling contest.
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The Steelers Under 17 girls (Lisa Fiaola Cup) slipped to 0-2 for the season after a 28-6 defeat. The Roosters set the tone early with two quick tries to take control of the contest and silence the home crowd. The Steelers worked hard to wrestle back momentum and were rewarded in the 19th minute when fullback Ava Alaban chimed into the backline to score, giving the hosts a much-needed spark and narrowing the margin.
Despite the Steelers’ efforts, the Roosters responded and took an 18-6 lead into halftime. The Roosters maintained control after the break, adding two unanswered tries to secure a convincing victory.
While the Steelers are still searching for their first win, there were positive signs as the side continues to build combinations early in the 2026 campaign.
In the Tarsha Gale Cup U19s, the Steelers were kept scoreless in a tough 32-0 defeat to the Roosters at home.
The Steelers were under pressure from the outset, defending for long stretches as the Roosters took a 10-0 halftime lead. Illawarra showed grit but couldn’t convert opportunities against a disciplined Roosters defence.
The second half followed suit, with four unanswered Roosters tries sealing the 32-0 result.
Captain Kiara Kostovski nearly broke through for the Steelers late in the game, but was held up by desperate Roosters defence. Despite the lopsided score, the Steelers competed until the final whistle.
In the Harold Matthews Cup U17 boys, the Roosters defeated the Steelers 22-12.
The hosts rued a costly 10-minute lapse before halftime, as the Roosters scored four tries to three in an entertaining contest.
Illawarra started strongly, surging to an 8-0 lead inside 15 minutes with tries to Asher Chapman and Destin Tausala.
The Steelers looked to extend their advantage, but the Roosters hit back with three tries in 10 minutes to surge ahead 18-8 at halftime.
The Roosters extended their lead early in the second half, making it 22-8 and putting the Steelers under pressure.
Tausala’s second try gave the Steelers late hope, reducing the deficit to 22-12 with 12 minutes remaining.
The Steelers pressed hard in the final 10 minutes, but the Roosters’ defence held firm to secure victory.
The Roosters completed the clean sweep with a gripping 9-8 win over the Steelers in the SG Ball Cup U19s.
Both sides defended stoutly in a tense first half. The Roosters broke through in the 10th minute and added a penalty for an 8-0 halftime lead.
The Steelers fought back after halftime, with Cooper Morrison finishing a slick move in the 52nd minute to close the gap despite wet weather closing in.
Beau Baldock crossed in the 66th minute to level the scores at 8-8, setting up a thrilling finish.
But in heartbreaking fashion, the Roosters slotted a field goal in the 69th minute to snatch a 9-8 win after a brave Steelers fightback.
Images: Denis Ivaneza