The Illawarra Steelers have launched their 2026 NSWRL Women’s Premiership campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering the Wenty Magpies 40-4 at Ringrose Park on Sunday.
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The Steelers crossed for eight tries to one in a commanding display, with winger Kiara Kostovski announcing herself on the competition with a hat-trick, while fullback Tayleah Handcock bagged a double and kicked four conversions for a personal haul of 16 points.
Illawarra wasted little time asserting their authority, opening the scoring when halfback Georgia Barrett fired a long cut-out pass to Kostovski, who finished in the corner.
Barrett then got on the scoresheet herself, backing up a powerful break from lock Rhian Yeo to extend the visitors’ advantage.
Handcock crossed in the 18th minute before Kostovski grabbed her second try of the afternoon, helping the Steelers establish a commanding 20-0 lead at halftime.
The Magpies showed plenty of determination early in the second half, but Illawarra’s defence held firm before Handcock broke through in the 49th minute, converting her own try to push the lead beyond four converted tries.
Kostovski completed her hat-trick shortly afterwards with a long range run down the left edge as the Steelers continued to pile on the points and put the result beyond doubt.
Wenty managed their only points of the match on the hour mark, but the visitors quickly responded, with Yeo crossing to put a stamp on a strong performance through the middle before Gwen Swann completed the scoring late in the contest.