It doesn’t get much better than scoring a hat-trick in your Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (HNWP) Finals debut against the defending premiers.
But Steelers centre Indie Bostock modestly states she had a good day at the office in the 30-16 win over Mounties, despite her three tries proving the difference on the scoreboard.
“I guess that day was just my day; I don’t know if there’s any secrets; I just had a good day,” Bostock said.
However, it isn’t the first time Bostock has scored in big games when it matters.
Bostock also scored a double as part of the Steelers premiership-winning Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final side, picking up player of the match honours, and scored a try on debut for the Blues in this year’s U/19 Women’s State of Origin.
Bostock’s Dream Run
Between her Steelers success, pulling on the sky-blue jersey for her state, and being part of the NRLW Dragons system, Bostock says it’s been a dream year.
She hopes to continue it next year, but first, she is eyeing off another title.
“My dream would be to play Origin again; that was one of the best experiences of my life.
“Not just playing but the whole camp before it, meeting the new girls, coaches, and the atmosphere around it.
“Obviously, playing in the NRLW, that’s everyone’s goal.
“And, of course, a win on the weekend with the girls, definitely!”
Getting the job done
Up against a formidable Newcastle Knights outfit this Sunday at CommBank Stadium, the 17-year-old is confident they can get the job done, given their performance in the sudden-death clash on the weekend.
“It gives us a lot of confidence seeing us girls in full flight; it was really exciting and good to see.
“I feel like it’s [the game against Mounties] going to have a big impact on our game on Sunday.
“We can beat them [Newcastle], and we are a better side, just purely from our bond and how well we played on Saturday, but regardless, it’s going to be a tough game.”
Bond Of Steel
With a win this Sunday, Bostock will have won silverware from all three major competitions (HNWP, Tarsha Gale, and State of Origin) she participated in.
Regardless of the outcome, she is grateful to be able to share the experience with her teammates.
“It would mean so much, especially with those girls; we have a really good bond. They are some of my best friends that I’ll cherish for life.
“So having those two grand finals plus Origin and winning them would be pretty cool.”
Coach Jamie ‘Scissors’ Szczerbanik says Newcastle plays in a style similar to his outfit. The game came down to the wire in the Steelers’ 22-16 victory in Round 7.
“I expect nothing less than a tight game this week,” Szczerbanik said.
[Watch] Illawarra Steelers HNWP Coach Jamie Szczerbanik on the 30-16 semi-final win over Mounties, what he expects the Knights will throw at his charges in the decider and making the grand final in his first foray into women’s rugby league.
Steelers Second Row Jordyn Preston says that if her side sticks to their ways, she has every confidence to pick up her first trophy as a Steeler.
“I think just sticking to what we know, like what we’ve been doing, has been working for us and trust in the system that we’ve built.
“I want to win a grand final with the Steelers.”
Preston was a member of the inaugural Steelers women’s team that was eliminated in the preliminary final last season and was adamant that history would not repeat entering last week’s prelim against Mounties.
“I had a lot of confidence in our team and never really considered that it could’ve been our last week.
“I always had the confidence that this [the preliminary final] wasn’t it for us.”
Preston’s Perfect Ending
Preston, who has enjoyed a breakout season for the Steelers, earning herself an NRLW debut, expressed high praise for Szczerbanik for bringing the best out of her game.
“Scissors is great, I can’t speak higher of him; he’s been so good.
“He just knows what he’s doing, and all of us girls understand him so well.
“He knows how to get results out of the team, and I’m really excited to put it all to work for the final big dance.
“I’ve really just loved every minute of being in the Steelers this year; we have a really great side.
“We all get along well, and you play good footy when you enjoy it, and I think I owe it to Scissors and the girls for being a great bunch.”
Words: Joshua Houldin