The Illawarra Steelers were beaten 26-16 by Wenty Magpies in a top-of-the-table clash in Round 6 of the NSW Women’s Premiership on Saturday afternoon at Parrish Park.
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The Steelers overcame early adversity after losing halfback Koffi Brookfield to injury to lead 12-6 at halftime, with replacement Sienna Yeo making a good fist of the playmaker role in a player-of-the-match performance.
The Steelers were bolstered by the late inclusion of NRLW Dragons Alice Gregory and Talya Curtis (main picture), who crossed for four-pointers in the first half, along with Trinity Tauaneai returning from injury.
The hosts extended their halftime lead to 16-6 within five minutes of the resumption of play. However, they were unable to contain the more experienced Magpies outfit, who scored four unanswered tries in their come-from-behind win.
With a 4-2 win/loss record, the Steelers hold down the second spot on the ladder behind the undefeated Magpies and face another tough assignment this week with a road trip to Newcastle.
Jamie Szczerbanik’s outfit meets the third-placed Knights coming off three consecutive wins, including a 44-14 victory over the Cronulla Sharks on the weekend.
[Watch] Maria Paseka and Mackenzie Lear on their side’s loss to the Magpies