The Illawarra Steelers Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side still believes their finals dream is alive, despite tough back-to-back losses.
With two crucial games remaining, the team is determined to rebuild momentum and push for a semi-final spot, starting with the Sharks at home on Saturday.
Head coach Jamie Sczczerbanik admitted last week’s loss to the South Sydney was disappointing, with his side unable to make the most of their opportunities.
“Yeah, it was disappointing. We went out there with the intention of putting our best foot forward and getting our season back on track after the loss the week before.
“We had a simple but clear game plan to go out there and capitalise, and we just didn’t do it.”
Sczczerbanik gave credit to the Rabbitohs but admitted his side gifted them chances they couldn’t recover from.
“The Rabbits are a good side, and they deserve to be where they are on the ladder.
“It was just a matter of us giving them a bit of an easy run at stages during the game, and they made us pay for it. We just couldn’t claw it back.”
Must-win game as season hangs in the balance
Currently sitting equal fourth on the ladder, the defending premiers must win both remaining matches—against the Sharks this week and Wenty Magpies in the final round—and rely on results elsewhere falling their way. Despite their late-season fade, losing three of their last four matches, the coach insists the group remains positive and focused.
“Both of them are crucial. Our season now hangs on these last two games and on results going our way as well,” Szczerbanik said.
“We can only control the controllables. Monday was a good session, positive, and our headspace is still looking forward to playing semi-final football, which is great.”
“We got together as a group and just spoke about controlling the controllables. The focus was on what we can control and letting the rest sort itself out.”
Match Centre
Friendly-rivalry as Brookfield returns ‘home’
Looking ahead to the big clash against the Sharks, Sczczerbanik knows the challenge won’t be easy.
“The Sharks are sitting second on the ladder, and they deserve to be. They’re a well put-together team. They’ve got some exciting players there.”
Former Steelers premiership-winning halfback Koffi Brookfield is one of them, lining up at hooker for the Sharks on Saturday after switching clubs during the off-season.
“There’s a certain individual in that team who would have had this date circled when the draw came out.
“She’s going to be a real target for us, and we’ll need to focus on her with or without the football. She’s an exciting footballer, and we’re going to have to be on our toes.”
On centre stage
Among the shining lights in the Steelers’ season has been 19-year-old centre Jessica Patea (pictured), who has enjoyed a breakout campaign in her second year at the club.
Patea is one of only six players to have featured in every game so far. She has already collected three Player of the Match awards and is the team’s leading tryscorer with seven tries in nine games. For Patea, her motivation is simple.
“I know that I need to perform for the team to perform, and vice versa. They perform; I perform. It’s just like that.”
When asked about her future, the young gun kept her focus firmly on the present.
“At the moment, I’m not sure. I hope to crack first grade one day, but right now my focus is on this season and doing everything I can to help get us into the finals.”
Looking ahead to Cronulla, Patea echoed her coach’s sentiment.
“They’re a different team from last year. We’ve talked about it, and it feels like a bit of a grudge match for us. So, we just know that we need to put it all on the line.”
Words | Angelina Raula
Picture | Denis Ivaneza