The Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews Cup side will look to cement their place inside the top four when they take on the Central Coast Roosters in a crucial Round 7 encounter this Saturday at Woy Woy Oval.
Currently sitting fourth on the ladder, the Steelers have built strong momentum through consistency and discipline — something five-eighth and stand-in captain Asher Chapman says has been key to their early-season success.
“We’re in a really good position,” Chapman said. “The boys are sticking to our systems and what the coaches have been drilling into us at training, and it’s really converting onto the field.”
Versatility Driving Confidence
Chapman’s own journey this season reflects the team-first mentality within the squad. After playing predominantly at dummy-half last year, he’s shifted across multiple roles — including lock and hooker — before settling at five-eighth.
The experience, he says, has strengthened his overall game.
“It’s made me a better footy player. I can jump in wherever the team needs me, and that’s important, especially with injuries during the year.”
Now finding his rhythm in the halves, Chapman is relishing the opportunity to help steer the Steelers’ attack while trusting the structure around him.
“Everyone knows their role. I just focus on doing mine and backing the systems — if we do that, everything takes care of itself.”
Relentless Approach Key Against Roosters
The Central Coast Roosters present another strong challenge in a tightly contested competition, but the Steelers are clear on the standards required to get the result.
Chapman highlighted a “ruthless and relentless” mindset as the focus heading into the clash.
“If we put points on, we don’t want to stop there — we want to keep building,” he said. “But our pride is in our defence, especially on our try line. That’s been a big focus for us.”
That defensive resolve was on display last weekend, with the Steelers conceding just one late try — a sign of a side committed to grinding out results.
Eyes on the Bigger Prize
With only three rounds remaining, the Steelers are well aware of the opportunity in front of them. After a strong campaign last year as minor premiers, the group is determined to go one better in 2026.
“The goal is to win the grand final,” Chapman said. “We definitely have the team to do it, and with how we’re training and playing, we’re confident.”
A win this weekend would go a long way toward locking in a finals berth — and maintaining the momentum of a side building nicely toward the business end of the season.
Saturday, 21 March
Kirkham Oval, Camden
- LFC – Steelers (12th) v Tigers (5th), 11:00am
- TGC – Steelers (9th) v Tigers (5th), 12:30pm
Woy Woy Oval, Woy Woy
- HMC – Steelers (4th) v CC Roosters (15th), 2:00pm
- SGB – Steelers (15th) v CC Roosters (17th), 3:30pm
Sunday, 22 March
Crozier Oval, Lismore
- LDC – ISC Steelers v Northern Rivers Titans, 11:40am