The Illawarra Steelers are heading into the 2025 HNWP season with a new mix of youthful energy and veteran composure. Last year’s championship win may have set expectations high, but no one inside the squad is getting caught up in the external noise.
With just two weeks before their pre-season trial against Wentworthville, Head Coach Jamie Szczerbanik is calm but focused.
“You can definitely expect us to compete from the first minute to the last,” Szczerbanik said.
“We’ve got talented footballers, sure, but it’s the trust we have in each other—what we provide in the jersey—that sets us apart this year.”
Trial And Error
With the trial match around the corner, Szczerbanik and his staff are focused less on the opposition and more on what the Steelers can control.
“Every girl in our squad can play more than one position,” Szczerbanik explains.
“We’re going to move some girls around, see how they best benefit the team. The trials about learning and seeing who steps up.”
The premiership-winning coach, now in his second season at the helm, says the squad’s internal culture revolves around a single theme: trust.
That ethos isn’t just on the field—it’s in how they train, speak, and support each other. Mistakes, They’re part of the process.
“They’re not robots,” he laughs.
“They’re here because they’re talented, and we want them to show that. We give them systems, sure, but also the freedom to express themselves. That’s what trials are for.”
We’re Here Because We Love The Game | Studdon
Maddie Studdon (pictured above left), a former NRLW star halfback with a résumé stretching across the Roosters, Dragons, Eels, and Sharks, joined the Steelers with one goal in mind: to fight her way back into the NRLW spotlight.
The 30-year-old Sydney Ferries deckhand brings a presence that already radiates far beyond personal ambitions.
“I’m here because I still want to learn and grow,” Studdon says.
“But mentoring these young girls is just as important. Some of them don’t even need the help; they’re that good, but I’m always here when they need it.”
Studdon’s blend of intensity and lighthearted nature keeps the squad balanced. On the field, she’s a composed general. Off it, she’s the kind of player that makes hard pre-season sessions just a bit lighter.
“You’ve got to have fun out there,” she said.
“If you take it too seriously, it gets heavy. We’re here because we love the game.”
Mum’s The Word For Constable
New recruit Brittany-Lee Constable (above right) is among the more experienced players in the group, but her desire to return to high-level footy is driven by something deeper: her kids.
“Pretty much, my kids keep me going,” she said with a proud smile.
“I want to show my daughter that being a mum doesn’t mean giving up sport. You can still chase your dreams.”
The 27-year-old brings valuable experience and support to a young squad. Starting her rugby league journey at the age of 15, Constable has represented both NSW City and Country, as well as the St George Dragons HNWP side last season.
The Port Kembla junior has battled through two pregnancies and juggled family responsibilities, but she is ready to line up each week to prove she belongs.
“They’re young, they’re fast, and they keep me on my toes,” she laughs.
“But I’m here to work hard, and if I can inspire even one girl to keep going, then it’s all worth it.”
True Believers
Whether it’s Constable managing the demands of football and family life, Studdon supporting younger players with her experience, or Sczcerbanik focusing on clear structures and team growth, the Steelers’ season is shaping up to be less about bold predictions and more about steady progress, belief, and building trust across the squad.
Their upcoming trial won’t define the season. But it will set the tone.
“We trust each other, no matter who’s on the field,” Sczcerbanik says.
“We’ll show up, compete, and play for each other. That’s who we are.”
And with that foundation, the Steelers aren’t just chasing back-to-back titles; they’re building something stronger than silverware.
Words | Angelina Raula