The Illawarra Steelers HNWP squad is filled with confidence after a strong pre-season and an impressive performance in their trial match against Wenty Magpies two weeks ago.
Led by premiership-winning coach Jamie Szczerbanik and captain McKenzie Lear (pictured), the defending premiers are gearing up to start their 2025 campaign against the Wests Tigers this Saturday at Ziems Park.
For many of the younger players in the squad, the trial match, which the Steelers won 28-10, was their first taste of women’s footy. Lear says the team gelled quickly and showed resilience that bodes well for the season ahead.
“We worked really well together,” said Lear.
“Especially the younger ones, they can take a lot of confidence out of it. A lot of them, it was probably their first game playing women’s footy.”
Fresh Faces
In the open women’s grade for the first time are Billie Va’a and Makayla McFayden, who are both moving up from the club’s Tarsha Gale Cup U19s team.
Seventeen-year-old Tahanni Kaufusi will also make her HNWP debut off the interchange bench after starring in the Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup team earlier in the year.
Experienced playmaker and former Australian Jillaroos halfback Maddie Studdon will don the scarlet and white for the first time. Studdon, 30, is one of eight players making their Steelers HNWP debut.
With a mix of returning players and new talent, Lear said the squad looks sharp and united, praising the collective effort and leadership across the board.
“There’s a lot of new faces in there, but we worked well together on the weekend. These girls make my job really easy. They work super hard.
“There’s a lot of other leaders in the team that don’t necessarily have the captain role, but they do a great job as well.”
The hardworking prop’s personal focus this year is consistency and doing whatever the team needs.
“I just want to play super consistent across all my games,” Lear said.
“Just get in and do my job and hope that’s enough to get the win on the day.”
Read More>> Steelers Round 1 Team List
Hit The Ground Running
Coach Jamie Szczerbanik echoed Lear’s sentiments, noting that the trial match showed strong team cohesion without relying on individual standouts.
“It was a team performance,” said Szczerbanik.
“We only had one trial match, but we made the most of it. It was important to hit the ground running.”
With three home games to start the season, followed by five games on the road, Szczerbanik emphasised the importance of starting fast and securing early points.
“It’s important we capitalise on the first three home games,” he said.
“We want to get our season rolling in Round One.”
It’s About Rolling Our Sleeves Up: Szczerbanik
Szczerbanik admits the Tigers will be a formidable challenge.
“They’re a very skillful side,” Szczerbanik said. “They’re mobile and fast but also have some size and power in the middle.”
The recent bout of wet weather could level the playing field, but Szczerbanik is confident the team is ready to battle through any conditions.
“It’s just going to be about rolling our sleeves up and going out there for 70 minutes. I’ve got a good squad going into Round One.”
Match Centre
The side will also be bolstered by three Steelers juniors, recently awarded NRLW Dragons development contracts, Tahlia O’Brien (pictured above), Paige Tauaneai, and Maria Paseka, who bring top-tier experience and leadership.
“They’ve been training with the top squad for eight weeks,” he added.
“They’ll fit seamlessly because they’ve been around these girls in junior programs too.”
With talent, teamwork, and tenacity on their side, the squad is locked in for a big season.
As Lear summed up: “We just go into it trying to be the best we can, and hope that’s enough to get us the win at the end of the day.”
Words | Angelina Raula
Footnote: Saturday’s game has been moved from Collegians Sporting Complex to Ziems Park, due to the recent wet weather.