The Illawarra Steelers are back in the top four following a solid win against the Bulldogs and the general bye week. They are now looking to maintain that position as they take on the 7th-placed Roosters at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex in Tuggerah.
Head Coach Courtney Crawford said having the week off allowed the team to get some well-earned rest.
“After the game on Thursday night, we just gave the girls a few days off, and I think it’s been a good mental refresh,” Crawford said.
“It’s been a big start to the season so they’ve come in looking to really work hard and it’s been a really good time to have that mental reset.”
Crawford also highlighted the clash against the Central Coast as an important one and said it wouldn’t be easy.
“It’s going to be a tough game; they’re [Roosters] playing some pretty good footy, and they’ve got some good inclusions from up top [NRLW] this week so we’re going to have to be playing at our best to get the result, but we’re confident we can do that.”
’Marnz’ Making Her Own Mark
Front rower Armani ‘Marnz’ Tanioria made her long-awaited NSW Women’s Premiership debut last round against the Bulldogs, following three years in the extended squad. Her journey through the Steelers’ development system included stints in both the Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup.
Tanioria described her debut as nerve-wracking but ultimately a blessing to play with her friends, especially after her long road through the pathways system.
“I was very nervous because I’ve been in the Harvey scene (NSWRL Women’s Premiership) for three years now,” Tanioria said.
“I was very excited to go out there, play with my best friends, and it was really good to get the win like that as well.
“My first year I didn’t make Lisa Fiaola, but I came back, and then I made it the following year. We made semis, and that was really good. We were undefeated until semis.
“I came back and played Tarsha [Gale Cup] with almost all of my mates who play NRLW now, so that’s really cool as well, and then we lost in semis again, and that was my last year of juniors.”
Family Connection
Tanioria, who used to play on the wing for junior club Port Kembla Blacks, said the transition to different positions and competitions was something she had to adapt to.
“I went wing, and then centre, and then second row. My first year of Lisa [Fiaola Cup], I played second row, but I’d say it’s very different,” the forward said.
After finding her feet in the middle, the 18-year-old is clear about her role this year.
“Obviously impact player off the bench, that’s my job, and hopefully I’ll last big minutes because last week, I was so dead. I’m not going to lie, it’s very different compared to club.”
Tanioria also has Steelers legacy in her bloodline, with her great-uncle Craig Purcell playing for the Illawarra Steelers during their foundation years of 1982-1983, and her great-grandfather Col Purcell being a life member of the Illawarra Steelers and the namesake of the Illawarra Rugby League Col Purcell UOW Centenary Scholarship.
Tanioria said having the family legacy behind her is special.
“It’s pretty cool. I feel like if it wasn’t me, then no-one else because no-one else (in the family) really plays any sport,” Tanioria said.
“I really wish he could see what the game’s like now. I’d hope he would be proud of his great-granddaughter.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 2.30pm at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex, Tuggerah.
Words: Harrison Mellare
Photo Credit: Denis Ivaneza