The Illawarra Steelers are the only team left undefeated in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, boasting four wins from four to open their season.
At the beginning of the year, Head Coach Jamie Szczerbanik met with his coaching staff to establish goals for the upcoming season.
“The first four weeks, the second four weeks and then the final three weeks,” Szczerbanik explained.
“We broke it down into mini seasons there, and then we can get a gauge of where we’re at and to get to be four from four, it’s very exciting.”
That early success has come despite changes to the lineup each week.
“We’ve played a few different girls over the first four weeks as well,” he said.
“So that not only gives me as a coach, but it gives our squad the confidence that no matter who plays, we can work out.
“Each girl goes out, and we’re going to take the opportunity and make the most of it.”
Derby Ahead: Steelers v Dragons
Next up is a fierce local derby against the St George Dragons, a rivalry with deeper ties due to the shared player development pathways between the two clubs.
“It’s always a tough game,” Szczerbanik said.
“It is obviously that rivalry with us being part of the pathway for the St George Illawarra Dragons. And I think it never matters where each team sits on the table. It’s a good clash.”
With that in mind, he is preparing his team for an early attack from the opposition.
“Our focus will just be on our performance. And then knowing that they’re going to come out, they’re going to try to ambush us.”
Rising Star in the No. 6: Georgie Barrett
A standout addition to the lineup this year is 19-year-old five-eighth Georgie Barrett, a familiar surname in the Steelers No. 6 jersey; however, no relation to Steelers legend Trent Barrett.
The Orange-born playmaker caught Szczerbanik’s attention while scouting for a team player to fill a crucial role in the halves.
“Georgie Barrett was a person that was on our radar for about six weeks before we reached out to see whether she had any interest in joining the Steelers,” he said.
“She’s an exceptional player, but she’s a good person.”
“For someone that is willing to put the team first rather than self-first, that was first and foremost as to why we went after someone like Georgie, and we did do some homework on her.”
And Barrett’s already made an impression on the field.
“She’s doing a really good job for us now. I’m glad she’s worn our jersey and not someone else’s.”
From Orange to the Illawarra
“I’m Georgie,” she smiled as she began her interview.
Moving from Orange and leaving her family behind wasn’t easy, but she says she already feels at home in the scarlet and white.
“Well, it’s a big change, obviously, moving away from my family and everything,” she said.
“But yeah, I like it. I really enjoy it down here and, look, with the team, they’re so welcoming.”
Earlier in the year, Barrett was captain of the Sydney Roosters Tarsha Gale Cup side, helping them reach the grand final.
“It was very good this year. We made the grand final,” she said.
“Well, unlucky because we lost, but yeah, it was a very good team and I really enjoyed it, which made it hard to come here.”
“But since being here, I feel very welcomed here and just very confident with myself, with playing. So, it’s just gotten better.”
[Watch] Barrett backs up captain Mackenzie Lear to score her first try in Steelers colours
Staying Grounded
Despite the team’s hot start, Barrett is keeping a level head.
“They [Dragons] haven’t won a game so far,” she said of the upcoming derby opponents.
“I feel like we still can’t go in cocky. We still have so much room to improve.”
Barrett’s main goal this season is to grow in confidence, especially with ball in hand.
“I probably haven’t been the most confident player in attack. I doubt myself at times. So, this year I’m just hoping to really level up my attack and be more confident with just taking on the line.”
She doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, admiring the achievements of her teammate and halves partner, Maddie Studdon.
“I’d have to say Mads. She’s played in NRLW, Australia, and she’s played Origin,” Barrett said.
“The way she plays on the field, she just sets such a high standard for us, and we just want to meet her standards. I just want to be able to be like her.”
Eyes on the Future
Barrett’s footy journey started in regional New South Wales, playing touch and league tag with her two sisters in Orange.
“My elder sister played, because she was eligible to play first, I started playing, and then that’s just where it went from there,” she said.
After her time with the Roosters, her move to the Illawarra marks the next step in what she hopes will be a long rugby league career.
“Well, my goal is obviously to one day make the NRLW. Even if it’s just, like, a development contract first. I would be happy with any opportunity to be able to play.”
But for now, her sights are on short-term growth.
“I guess my goal for this year is just to hopefully really improve my skill and development as a footy player and hopefully win the final.”
If the Steelers undefeated form continues, that goal might be within reach.
Words | Angelina Raula