The Illawarra Steelers celebrated another successful junior representative season on Sunday afternoon, recognising the club’s emerging stars, leaders and contributors at the annual End of Season Presentation held on May 24.
Players, coaches, staff and families came together to reflect on a memorable 2026 campaign across the Steelers’ pathways programs, with several teams enjoying strong finals runs and many players continuing to establish themselves among the state’s brightest young rugby league talents.
Leading the major Player of the Year awards was SG Ball middle forward Mason Andrews, honoured for his consistent, powerful performances and leadership through the middle, and Paige Tauaneai, who was recognised for her outstanding season and significant impact across the Tarsha Gale Cup competition.
The Steelers’ Harold Matthews Cup side enjoyed one of the club’s strongest campaigns, advancing to the Preliminary Final after upsetting the Newcastle Knights in Week One of the finals, while the Tarsha Gale Cup team also secured a finals berth following a late-season surge.
Club officials praised the dedication shown across all grades throughout the season, highlighting the professionalism, resilience and strong culture continuing to drive the Illawarra Steelers pathways system.
- SG Ball Cup Player of the Year — Mason Andrews
- Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year — Asher Chapman and Oliver Burton
- Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year — Paige Tauaneai
- Lisa Fiaola Cup Player of the Year — Lani Graham and Sinead Buchanan
- Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year — Sonny Jamieson
- Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year — Lachie Sloane
Andrew Johns Cup
The Andrew Johns Cup Coaches Award was presented to Ari Smith for his selfless approach throughout the season. Whether starting, coming off the bench or filling multiple roles, Smith consistently put the team first and earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
The Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year award went to Lachie Sloane after a dominant campaign through the middle. Sloane’s consistency, toughness and leadership proved invaluable throughout the season, setting the standard for the squad week after week.
Laurie Daley Cup
Middle forward Max Van-Loo received the Laurie Daley Cup Coaches Award after leading from the front every week throughout the season. His work ethic and physicality earned widespread admiration within the group and from the coaching staff.
Centre Sonny Jamieson was named Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year following a standout season in both attack and defence. Jamieson was a constant threat with the ball while also proving dependable defensively in one of the side’s most consistent campaigns.
Lisa Fiaola Cup
Jesse Rayner claimed the Lisa Fiaola Cup Coaches Award in recognition of her dedication, attitude and commitment to the team throughout the year. The Lisa Fiaola Cup Players of the Year honours were shared by Lani Graham and Sinead Buchanan following exceptional seasons in the scarlet and white.
Both players consistently set the standard every time they took the field and played key roles throughout the campaign.
Tarsha Gale Cup
Sienna Young received the Tarsha Gale Cup Coaches Award after impressing with her commitment, determination and team-first mentality throughout the season.
The Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year award was presented to Paige Tauaneai, recognised for an outstanding season and her impact across the competition.
Harold Matthews Cup
Ryland Coelho was awarded the Harold Matthews Cup Coaches Award following an exceptional season. Coelho’s influence and impact throughout the year helped drive the side to one of the club’s strongest finals campaigns in recent seasons.
The Harold Matthews Cup Players of the Year honours were shared by Asher Chapman and Oliver Burton. Both players played pivotal roles in the team’s success and consistently performed at a high level throughout the season.
SG Ball Cup
SG Ball captain and five-eighth Beau Baldock received the Coaches Award after being recognised by staff for his commitment, leadership and influence on the group throughout the season.
The SG Ball Player of the Year honour went to middle forward Mason Andrews, whose consistency, leadership and performances throughout the season earned him the club’s top individual accolade.
Jack Talbott was recognised as the Metro Competition High Point Scorer, while Tayler Humphries claimed the Regional Highest Point Scorer award after an outstanding points-scoring season.
The presentation capped off another successful year for the Illawarra Steelers, with the club continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of the premier rugby league development systems in New South Wales.