The Illawarra Steelers survived a second-half comeback to defeat the Parramatta Eels 42-24 at Collegians Sporting Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts took an early 6-0 lead with a try from wing Maria Paseka in the opening minutes before a double blow gave the visitors a 10-6 lead after 15 minutes.
Paseka got her second try 20 minutes in to level the score before three unanswered tries to Olivia Vale, Koffi Brookfield, and Shae Muhleisen gave the hosts a 28-10 lead at the break.
The Eels mounted a strong comeback in the second stanza, reducing the margin to four with three unanswered tries of their own.
An Olivia Vale penalty on the hour mark gave the Steelers a six-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
A rampaging try from the Steelers 17-year-old lock and player of the match Trinity Tauaneai in the 65th minute put the result beyond doubt.
Mia-Rose Walsh put an exclamation mark on the win in the 69th minute with a dash down the sideline to score after some good lead-up work from Tayleah Handcock.
[Watch] Prop Trinity Tauaneai and wing Mia-Rose Walsh put the icing on the cake for the Steelers against the Eels in their 18-point win.