The Illawarra Steelers suffered their third defeat of the season, going down 38-10 to the Central Coast Roosters in Round 8 of the NSWRL Women’s Premiership at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex in Tuggerah on Saturday.
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In team changes, Paige Knapp shifted to the bench as Montaya Hudson returned to the wing. Mackenzie Lear (pictured) started in place of Roxy Murdoch-Masila, while Kayla Fleming made her first start at lock forward for the season, replacing Trinity Tauaneai, who was called into the Dragons NRLW squad. Last week’s debutant, Armani Tanioria, also dropped off the bench, allowing Herewaka Pohatu and Stephanie Ball to join the interchange.
The Roosters opened the scoring through front-rower Te Raukura Leafe, before the Steelers responded in the 13th minute from a well-weighted grubber kick from five-eighth Skye Spencer, which set up centre Ella Churchill for her first try of the season. Tayleah Handcock converted to level the scores at 6-6.
The Roosters gained the upper hand from the 23rd minute mark, scoring three tries within ten minutes through centre Anastasia Leatupue, winger Sharni Waters, and interchange player Felila Fakalelu. One successful conversion put the Roosters up 20-6 at the break.
The tri-colours continued their momentum after the resumption of play, scoring their first try in the second half through a dummy half scoot from interchange player Tatum Bird in the 42nd minute. A second try came from the hosts in the 48th minute, after a well-contested kick for Waters to pick up her second.
Rhian Yeo hit back for the Steelers in the 53rd minute, scoring her fourth try of the season after a strong push through three defenders to find the line, reducing the margin to 28-10.
Despite Illawarra’s valiant effort, the Roosters sealed the result with two tries in three minutes, Makenna Hammond powered in the corner over before Sharni Waters completed her hat-trick, securing a 38-10 victory.
The result marked the Steelers’ third loss of the season, while the Roosters celebrated their third win. Despite the loss, the Steelers still sit inside the top four in 4th on 10 points, while the Roosters climb a rank into 6th on 9 points.
The Steelers face the Wests Tigers in Round 9 on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex. Kick-off is scheduled for 3.00pm.
Words: Harrison Mellare
File Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza