The Illawarra Steelers are preparing for another charge at the NSW Women’s Premiership title, with newly appointed Head Coach Courtney Crawford and captain Mackenzie Lear confident the squad can again challenge the competition’s best in 2026.
Crawford steps into the head coaching role after four successful seasons guiding the Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup program, as well as serving as assistant coach of last year’s Women’s Premiership side. She also coached the NSW Under 19 Women to a commanding State of Origin victory over Queensland last year.
Building A Strong Culture
The long-time Steelers pathway coach said the balance and mentality within the current squad had stood out throughout pre-season.
“I think we’ve got a really good balance with the squad this year, a bit of youth but also some experience,” Crawford said.
“The mindset and mentality of the group has been really good. They’re working really hard, they’ve connected really well, so that’s probably what stands out the most.”
Crawford said building a strong culture had been one of her biggest focuses since taking over the side.
“It’s about building that positive team culture,” she said.
“I understand how important that is to success on the field, so bringing in good people with good character and having that translate onto the footy field has been a big focus.”
A Journey Through The Steelers System
A product of the Steelers system herself, Crawford said the opportunity to take charge of the club’s senior women’s side was the next step in a journey shaped by mentors and a lifelong passion for rugby league.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have some really good mentors along the way,” she said.
“I was basically born into the game. Dad was one of four boys who all played footy, so I pretty much had a footy in my hand from when I was born.
“I quickly realised my body probably couldn’t do what my mind wanted it to, so coaching became my pathway into the game and I just love giving back to it.”
After reaching the semi-finals in all three seasons since entering the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, including the club’s historic premiership win in 2024, Crawford said the long-term ambition remained clear.
“At the end of the day we want to play finals and we want to win the competition,” she said.
“But it’s also about helping these girls on their journey. They’re all aspiring NRLW athletes and hopefully we’ll see a lot of them at that level very soon.”
[Watch] Head Coach Courtney Crawford on this year’s squad, team culture, her pathway into coaching and goals for the season,
Lear Driving Standards
Leading the side again this season is front-rower Mackenzie Lear, who enters her third year in the scarlet and white and second season as captain.
Lear was part of the Steelers’ 2024 premiership-winning squad and last season achieved a lifelong goal when she made her NRLW debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“It was such a surreal feeling,” Lear said.
“You grow up looking up to those girls and then all of a sudden you’re training alongside them every day and wearing the same kit.
“I’m really grateful for that opportunity, but I’m also super grateful to be back here with my local club.”
Lear said her experience in the NRLW environment had strengthened her belief in the standards required to succeed at the top level.
“The expectations we put on ourselves here need to be higher,” she said.
“We want to train like the boys and compete like the boys, and for that to happen the standards need to stay high every single session.
“That’s something I’ve tried to bring back to this group from my experience at the next level.”
Eyes On Another Premiership Push
Now entering her second season as captain, Lear said accountability across the squad would be critical throughout the year.
“We’ve got a really good squad where everyone can hold each other accountable and there’s no malice in it,” she said.
“If girls need to drive standards on me as well, then that’s completely fine. That’s the kind of culture we want.”
The Steelers will begin their season preparations with a trial match against the Penrith Panthers at Blacktown this Saturday before opening the regular season away against the Wentworthville Magpies on June 13.
Illawarra will then face the St George Dragons in a local derby at Kogarah Oval in Round 2 before hosting reigning premiers the Cronulla Sharks in their first home game of the season at Collegians Sporting Complex on June 27.
And according to Lear, the squad believes another premiership run is firmly within reach.
“We’ve done it before and we can do it again,” she said.
[Watch] Captain Mackenzie Lear on pre-season training, her NRLW Dragons debut last season, and expectations for the upcoming season.
2026 Steelers Women’s Premiership Squad
Carly Abbott, Stephanie Ball, Georgie Barrett, Halle Barrett, Stevie Botham, Mahina A Rangi Clair, Halle Constable, Blessing Donvenekham, Jaida Faleono, Kayla Flemming, Ella Greatz, Tayleah Handcock, Madison Hemopo, Liesl Hopoate, Lily Holmes, Paige Knapp, Kiara Kostovsi, Katrinka (Mary) Latu, Mackenzie Lear, Makayla McFayden, Shae Muhleisen, Roxy Murdoch-Masila, Charlotte Nicolson, Herewaka Pohatu, Skye Spencer, Gwen Swann, Armani Tanioria, Leah-Rhys Toka, Rhian Yeo. Development Players: Coco Butcher, Mia Davis, Jesse Rayner, Chloe Reh.
Illawarra Steelers – 2026 NSW Women’s Premiership Draw
Round 1 – Saturday 13 June, 4:00pm
(Away) v Wests Magpies
Ringrose Park, Sydney
Round 2 – Sunday 21 June, 1:00pm
(Away) v St George Dragons
St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Round 3 – Saturday 27 June, 3:00pm
(Home) v Cronulla Sharks
Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong
Round 4 – Saturday 4 July, 5:00pm
(Away) v Mounties
Aubrey Keech Reserve, Sydney
Round 5 – Sunday 12 July, 12:00pm
(Home) v Parramatta Eels
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
(Double-Header, NRLW Dragons)
Round 6 – Saturday 18 July, 3:00pm
(Home) v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong
Round 7 – Saturday 25 July, 11:00am
(Away) v Canterbury Bulldogs
Hammondville Oval, Sydney
Round 8 – Saturday 8 August, 3:00pm
(Away) v Central Coast Roosters
Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex, Tuggerah
Round 9 – Saturday 15 August, 3:00pm
(Home) v Wests Tigers
Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong
Round 10 – Saturday 22 August, 3:00pm
(Home) v Penrith Panthers
Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong
Round 11 – Saturday 29 August, 2:00pm
(Away) v Newcastle Knights
Newcastle Knights COE, Newcastle