Mahina-A-Rangi Clair travelled across the country in search of an opportunity to test herself at a higher level and now the tough Steelers lock is playing an important role in the club’s push towards the NSW Women’s Premiership finals.
After relocating from Western Australia with her five-year-old daughter, “Mahi” earned an opportunity to train with the Steelers and grabbed it with both hands.
The 26-year-old arrived with no guarantees, initially expecting to play in the local competition before a connection with Steelers coach Courtney Crawford opened the door to the Women’s Premiership squad.
“I was looking to come over here on my own terms,” Clair said.
“I was actually looking to play normal club footy because footy is my passion and I was happy playing anything. Through a mate of mine, I got in contact with Courtney and here I am.”
Clair’s introduction to the Steelers came through a demanding 11-week preseason, which quickly showed her the standard required at this level.
“I wanted to experience a different level from Perth and Western Australian footy, and I got that here,” she said.
“I came straight into preseason and got smoked pretty badly.”
Balancing football, work and motherhood
Tough, versatile and willing to perform whatever role the team requires, Clair has played seven of the opening nine rounds at lock.
“I’m a full-time mum and I work as much as I can, but I hope everything I’ve put into this team has shown and the coaches and staff can see it.
“To be in this team is really amazing, to be involved and experience another level.”
From WA pathways to the Steelers
Before moving east, Clair played five-eighth for the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs in the NRL WA Women’s Premiership and helped the club reach the 2025 grand final against the Fremantle Roosters. She has also represented Western Australia at Under 23 level.
Clair has watched women’s rugby league grow considerably in her home state and believes she was part of the generation that helped establish its current pathway.
“Over the last 10 years, the women’s game has grown a lot through the pathway for younger girls,” she said.
“I was probably in the first age group to kick-start women’s rugby league in WA. There aren’t a lot of teams, but the quality of footy over there is still amazing.”
Inspired by the next generation
Now one of the more experienced players in a youthful Steelers squad, Clair has also been impressed by the talent emerging through Illawarra’s pathways.
“It’s honestly amazing to see,” she said.
“A lot of these 18-year-olds are stronger, they’re fitter and they’re coming for your position. They want to be here, and they want to do it. I’m just glad to be around them and learn from them as well.”
One win away from the finals
The Steelers climbed into third place following last weekend’s victory over the Wests Tigers, but their position inside the top five remains far from secure.
Only one competition point separates third from sixth, placing added importance on Saturday’s Round 10 clash with the sixth-placed Penrith Panthers.
A Steelers victory would guarantee their place in the finals ahead of a challenging final-round meeting with competition leaders Newcastle.
“If we win this weekend, we lock in the top five, so it’s a really important one for us,” Crawford said.
“There’s only one point between third and sixth at the moment, so it’s a really close competition. Anyone in that top six can make the top five and, in the end, win the competition.
“We play Panthers this week, who are fighting for a finals spot, and then finish with Newcastle, who are first at the moment. We get two shots at finals footy before the finals come around.”
Familiar face adds intrigue
The Panthers will arrive desperate to keep their season alive after consecutive defeats. Adding further intrigue, Penrith are coached by former Steelers premiership-winning coach Jamie “Scissors” Szczerbanik, a former mentor of Crawford’s who knows the Illawarra system well, having guided the team to a premiership in 2024 and the Finals again last season.
Despite the looming finals series, Crawford insists the Steelers cannot afford to look beyond the immediate challenge.
“This team has worked really hard. It’s been a big season, so they deserve finals and anything short of that would be disappointing,” she said.
“We’ve got a good opportunity to secure that this weekend.”
Clair said Crawford had continued to demand improvement from the squad, regardless of the result.
“Courtney has been into us every week,” she said.
“Even if we win and still have points scored against us, she gives us the hard word in a very good way. It’s motivating because, if we don’t get that, we’re not going to push as hard as we should.
“The intensity has definitely grown. We started the season strongly and we’ve won some and lost some, but without those losses we’re not going to grow.
“We’re excited, and we hope to be there towards the end of the season winning.”
The Steelers face the Penrith Panthers at Centenary Field, Albion Park on Saturday, 22nd August, at 3:00pm.