Illawarra Steelers winger Kiara Kostovski does everything quickly.
She quickly picked up rugby league two years ago after a background in League Tag, Touch, and Athletics.
Rose quickly through the ranks of the Illawarra Steelers, from Lisa Fiaola Cup to a Harvey Norman Women’s premiership debut last year at the age of 17.
Quick off the mark too. Scoring two tries in that debut game and a double in the opening round against the Wests Tigers this year.
“It’s been pretty fast, the journey, jumping from Lisa Fiaola to Harvey Norman, then Tasha Gale this year, now back to Harvey Norman,” the Shellharbour Stingrays junior explains.
“I just love getting the ball, running, you know, my centre Brittney (Constable) helps me a lot. She just gives me the ball and I just run.”
Talent To Burn
HNWP Coach Jamie Szczerbanik recognised her talent early, adding Kostovski to last year’s open women’s squad as a development player after just one season of rugby league under her belt.
“Kiz got her opportunity in that last round last year against St George, scored two tries, and had an outstanding performance that day,” Szczerbanik said.
“Off the back of that, she went into Tarsha Gale this year as a bottom age player and had a really good season, playing multiple positions and seemed to grow in confidence every single week.”
“She came into pre-season here and she just turned up as if she belonged and wasn’t going to let anyone take the position off her. She’s earned it and showed it in the first two weeks.”
[Watch] Kostovki puts on the afterburners to score against the Wests Tigers in the opening round.
Fast Learning Curve
Soccer was the family’s sport of choice, so Kostovki says her parents needed a bit of convincing when the then 16-year-old first raised the subject of playing rugby league.
“My friends started playing footy so I wanted to play with them,” Kostovski said.
“My parents were so against it, now only my mum comes because dad doesn’t like to see me get hit.”
Kostovski knows she still has plenty to learn, especially in defence, but like everything else she turns her hand to, she is learning fast.
“I think that’s part of my game that I really want to work on, and I think I’m just getting better every week. ”
“I just want to keep playing consistent footy with the girls here, just keep getting better and see where that takes me.”
Quick to praise others, such as Constable, she also takes inspiration from her captain, Mackenzie Lear.
“I’ve known her for a few years, she’s not in my position, but just her work ethic, really influences me and a lot of the girls in this team.”
Time And Space
After being part of the Harvey Norman premiership-winning squad last year and a Tarsha Gale Cup team that fell one game short of this year’s grand final, Kostovki believes another title beckons.
“I think the premiership is in the back of our mind. I think we have to take it week-by-week, and then hopefully we get to hold up our trophy again.”
The Warilla High student has little time for anything else at the moment, balancing footy commitments while studying for the HSC.
“I think I’ll get that job when I finish high school, but, yeah, for now, school and footy.”
Szcerbanik isn’t surprised by the fleet-footed Kostovki’s rapid rise.
“Kiz is an exciting footballer and doesn’t need much space to move,” Szczerbanik added.
“We just give her a little bit of space, and you get to see the best of her. I think the best of Kiara is still to come.”
Chances are, we won’t have to wait long.