The Illawarra Steelers have opened their 2025 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership campaign with three straight wins at home, building early momentum as they charge into a challenging five-game away stretch.
But while the scoreboard shows a dream start, HNWP Coach Jamie Szczerbanik says it’s all part of the plan.
“Our goal from the get-go was to win our first three at home,” he said.
“That sets us up heading into five on the road. We knew internally what we were capable of, and we would’ve been disappointed if we didn’t go three from three.”
The Steelers’ early success has quieted pre-season sceptics who questioned the squad’s fresh faces and notable roster changes, after the reigning premiers headed into their title defence without several of last year’s premiership-winning team.
Players from last year’s roster securing permanent gigs in the NRLW include Captain Lily Rogan (Wests Tigers), Player-of-the-Year Jordyn Preston (Canberra Raiders), lock Sienna Yeo (Newcastle Knights), and Dragons trio Indie Bostock, Trinity Tauaneai, and Bronte Wilson.
However, the loss of that experience made room for rising talents and strategic additions, none more impactful than former Wests Tigers player Sophie Curtain.
After a six-year stint at the Tigers working her way to the top through their junior grades, Curtain, made the move south to Wollongong, a shift that has energised both her and the team.
The Missing Piece
Szczerbanik recognised he had a gap at dummy half to support gun young rake Tori Shipton, identifying Curtain as the missing piece of the puzzle.
“We went chasing Soph,” he said.
“She brings leadership, professionalism, and she holds herself to a high standard.
“The way she conducts herself makes the other players around her want to be the best version of themselves as well.”
While the 23-year-old was recruited as a back-up hooker, her versatility has seen her start at lock and transition to dummy half mid-match, adding a tactical edge to the team’s structure.
And her Steelers career got off to the perfect start, awarded the team’s player of the match in the opening round against her old club.
“She’s not only important to our team and the performance on the weekend, but also a key leader in our squad between Monday and Friday,” Szczerbanik added.
Home Away From Home
For Curtain, the move to the scarlet and white made sense both professionally and personally.
“Knowing that they were quite successful last season, winning the premiership, it was a bit of a no-brainer for me, as well as being linked to the NRLW Dragons pathways.”
“And obviously coming from NRLW, that’s my goal; to get back. I think I’m in the best position to be able to do that here.”
Hailing from a family of passionate Dragons fans and a current University of Wollongong student, Curtain’s ties to the region run deep.
“I’d been with the Tigers since 2018, so leaving felt like leaving family. But coming here, the culture’s been really welcoming. The coaching staff and the girls have made it easy.”
Accidental Hero
Curtin admits she “accidentally” started her footy journey at the age of seven after tagging along with her brother to his registration day.
She played alongside boys until the under-12s before diving into emerging female pathways. She was playing against under-18s at just 12, then made the NSW U18s side at 16 before moving into Grade.
After debuting with the Tigers’ NRLW squad in 2023, she remains hungry for a return to the top tier.
“Whether it’s through injury cover or earning a contract next season, getting back to the NRLW is the goal, always has been,” she said.
“But right now, I’m doing everything I can for the Steelers to make that happen.”
Eyes On The Road
With three home wins under their belt, though with late venue changes that tested their adaptability, the Steelers now face a tougher run. First up: the Penrith Panthers, a new side to the competition but one with serious grassroots pedigree.
“They’ve got some injuries, but that area always produces strong players,” Curtain said.
“A lot of top NRLW athletes come out of Penrith, even if they’ve ended up at other clubs.”
Szczerbanik isn’t concerned about the travel schedule; his team’s mindset is built on resilience.
“The players have responded well to changes already this season,” he said.
“Our focus is simple; it doesn’t matter where we play. Once we cross that white line, it’s about what we do on the field.”
More Than Footy
Beyond footy, Curtain balances training with her tertiary studies and another creative outlet: music. A guitarist and bassist, she comes from a musical family and credits those interests for helping her stay grounded.
“I’ve had some serious injuries in recent years, and having things outside of footy is really important,” she said.
“Music gives me something else to focus on, a bit of a reset when I need it.”
Although her rugby league career may have begun with a spontaneous moment, playing a key role in the Steelers’ premiership defence, and possibly securing another shot at the NRLW, comes as no accident.
Words | Angelina Raula