The Illawarra South Coast Steelers travel north to Lismore on Sunday, where they’ll face the Northern Rivers Titans in a high-stakes Laurie Daley Cup semi-final showdown.
Skipper Sonny Jamieson says the group is embracing the pressure of finals footy, confident their preparation and consistency across the season have them well placed to rise to the occasion.
“We’re in a good spot as a team,” Jamieson said. “The boys have been really committed to our systems, and it’s showing in how we’re playing each week.”
That commitment to structure and discipline has been a hallmark of the Steelers’ campaign, with Jamieson highlighting the coaching staff’s role in ensuring the side remains focused on its role execution.
“Everyone knows their job and sticks to it. When we do that, everything comes together for us.”
Defence To Be Deciding Factor
While Illawarra’s attack has proven potent, Jamieson says it’s their defensive resolve that will be critical against a dangerous Titans outfit on their home turf.
“We pride ourselves on our defence, especially on our try line,” he said. “That’s something we’ve really worked hard on, and it’s going to be massive this weekend.”
Despite the sudden-death stakes, Jamieson insists there’s no added pressure on the side’s key playmakers, pointing instead to a shared responsibility across the team.
“There’s no pressure on any one person. Everyone has their role, and if we all do our job, the results will come.”
However, the skipper was clear on one area he wants to see his side elevate — their ruthlessness.
“It’s about being relentless,” he said. “If we get on top, we want to keep building, not take a backward step. That’s the mindset we need in finals.”
With a place in the Grand Final on the line, the Steelers will need to produce one of their most complete performances of the season — but if Jamieson’s confidence is any indication, they’ll head into Sunday’s clash ready for the fight.
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
Photo credit: Denis Ivaneza