After a strong win at home against last year’s premiers, the Cronulla Sharks, in Round 3 of the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, the undefeated Steelers shift their focus to Mounties this Saturday at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook.
The Steelers aim to secure their fourth consecutive win of the season and preserve their top position on the ladder as they face the eleventh-placed Mounties, who are still seeking their first victory after narrow defeats to the Eels, Sharks, and Knights.
After a perfect start to the season, Illawarra Head Coach Courtney Crawford said the most recent win against the reigning premiers, along with the return of Liesl Hopoate and Skye Spencer from U19s State of Origin duty, was a special one.
“We really spoke about creating a fortress at our home ground and wanted to just put on a good performance for our family and friends, and we definitely did that, so proud of the group and another good win,” Crawford said.
“They’ve [Hopoate and Spencer] had a really good pre-season; they’ve been working really hard, and they’re only young, but they’ve got plenty of experience behind them so they fit in well with the team and added an extra bit of skill set to our attack.”
Crawford also said their upcoming match against the Mounties will require the squad to bring their A-game.
“They’re going to be tough; they’re getting quite a few NRLW girls drop back from the Raiders squad,” Crawford said.
“They’re 0-3, but they’ve got a lot of experience back this week so we’re going to have to be at our best to get the result.”
Journey Fuelling Fleming’s Dream
Kayla Fleming’s rugby league career has been a journey, making her mark with multiple clubs and tackling significant travel demands along the way.
Fleming (pictured) made her Tarsha Gale debut with the Raiders in 2023, soon moving to the Cronulla Sharks in the NSW Women’s Premiership in 2024, the Burleigh Bears in the BMD Premiership in 2025, before landing at the Illawarra Steelers for the 2026 season, all from the nation’s Capital.
The 22-year-old Cooma Stallions junior said that, despite the long travel distances, she is embracing her new teammates and the Steelers culture.
“I do the travel from Canberra, I usually go to work during the morning, and then between one or two o’clock, I leave and drive down, and then train and then go back home,” Fleming said.
“I come from Cooma, so I’m really used to the travel. I did it a few years ago for Sharks with Liv [Ahlivia] Ingram, who is now in NRLW for St George Illawarra. Court knows me from NSW Country, and she just gave me the call-up and said, “We’ve got an opportunity”.
“I like the way she coaches, I like the way she is as a person, and I was really excited and grateful for that from her.
“It does [get tiring], but being here makes it worth it.
“It’s part of it. If I want to play NRLW, that’s part of the sacrifice I have to make.”
She also attributed her motivation and inspiration for rugby league to her mother, Australian Jillaroos and NSW representative, Nicole Pollard-Fleming.
“She’s definitely one of my biggest supporters and biggest motivations. She’s always pushed me and supported me with all my moves, all my travel, just everything surrounding football, and she really keeps me going,” Fleming said.
“I can’t explain it, really. She’s always backed me; she helps me be better as a player because she coaches as well. She definitely tells me what I need to improve on, but she also gives me that encouragement to keep going, and I’m really grateful for her.
Spencer making moves
Steelers five-eighth Skye Spencer has also had her fair share of travel through rugby league, only this time internally through the Illawarra Steelers pathways.
Spencer made her Lisa Fiaola Cup debut, progressing to Tarsha Gale Cup, before making her NSW Women’s Premiership debut in 2025, all through the Steelers.
Spencer has also represented both Australian Schoolgirls in 2025 and Under 19s State of Origin this year, earning a development deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team in 2027.
Spencer said achieving so much in her career already is a confidence booster that helps her do her best.
“I’m lucky enough to have people around me to help me get there, but it’s just really nice. I’m just really keen to keep building,” Spencer said.
“It’s really good to play with girls, like I’ve played with Halle [Barrett] since juniors; it’s good to be going into the next level with her.
“It’s nice staying at a local club and getting to build with players all around you.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 5.00pm Saturday at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook.
Words: Harrison Mellare
Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza