The Illawarra Steelers open women’s team is gearing up for their first trial game against Wentworthville next week. One player ready to rip in for the defending premiers is Tiarna West (main picture, right).
The 21-year-old middle forward doesn’t need to say much to make an impact. She lets her footy do the talking.
In her second year with the Steelers, West is more than just a returning player; she’s become a quiet anchor for a team full of fresh faces.
“It feels really good, actually,” she said, reflecting on pulling on the red and white again.
“I feel honoured and grateful to have another opportunity to play in the same jersey.”
Impact Player
Last year, West made her mark coming off the bench in nine appearances, a powerful impact player who earned her spot in the grand final. She admits she’d love a starting spot this year, but if not, she’s ready to do what she always does: rip in.
“Doesn’t really matter where I am on the field,” she said.
“If I am a bench player again this year, then I’ll just take it with two hands and still be the impact player that I can be.”
She’s not the loudest in the room, but her experience is felt. There’s a whole crop of new girls this year, younger, greener, and West is doing her bit to help settle them in.
“Yes and no,” she said when asked if she gives advice.
“I just give my knowledge off when I can, but mostly just try to make them feel connected to the team. Everyone’s a bit nervous, but it’s about keeping that connection.”
Back-to-back
Last year’s premiership win is history now, and West knows it.
“Just a new tournament really. Last year was last year. This year, we’ve got to focus on going back-to-back.”
Off the field, West has had to push through much more than defenders. A pituitary brain tumour, which still gives her migraines and side effects, could have ended her career before it began.
“I didn’t know if I was going to actually play again,” she said.
After being medically cleared, she played through it last year with the help of medication. This year, she’s off the meds, but still fighting.
“It’s an everyday thing now,” she said.
“Just turning up every week at training, fighting through all the migraines and stuff… that really is what motivates me.”
Second Shot
Her journey to the Steelers wasn’t straightforward either. League tag at 16. Muswellbrook for a season. Then, Cessnock, who wasn’t able to form a team. She kept moving, club to club until she landed with Central Newcastle’s Butcher Birds. From there, she got picked for the Newcastle Knights Tarsha Gale side.
And then, when it looked like her time might be up, she got a second shot, thanks to her manager.
“That led me to Steelers,” she said.
This year, her focus is clear: keep improving, help the team connect, and do her job.
“I took a lot of time in the off-season to focus on myself and my body. So hopefully, this year, I can really improve my game.”
West plans to keep it simple when she steps out in the opening trial against Wentworthville.
“No special plans,” she grins.
“Just put my body on the line.”
Through it all, the physical battles, the off-field setbacks, the migraines, West keeps showing up. And it’s that consistency, that heart, that fuels her.
“Just showing that I can still do it,” she said.
“That’s what keeps me playing.”
New Recruit Jade Harding Fitting Right In
While West anchors the forward pack, new recruit Jade Harding (main picture, left) is finding her feet out the back.
The 20-year-old Canowindra product, who can play centre, wing, or fullback, only started playing league last year.
“I grew up in athletics,” she said.
“I wasn’t allowed to play contact sport until I turned 18. But as soon as I did, I was like, ‘Mum, I’m playing. You can’t stop me.”
Her first-ever game was a trial in late 2023 for the Canberra Raiders Tarsha Gale Cup squad, and she made the team in 2024, playing all but one game that season.
After that whirlwind debut, she moved to Wollongong recently to join the Steelers.
“This is my first year here,” she said.
“Everyone’s been so welcoming, helped me get work, find a place, settle in. It’s made the transition so much easier.”
Country Road
A country girl at heart, Harding works mornings at Kembla Grange racetrack and trains in the afternoons, a balance that brings her a little comfort from home.
“I’ve been around horses since I was three. It gives me that little bit of familiarity.”
Harding’s ultimate goal is to play in the NRLW. And she’s clear on how she’ll get there.
“I want to learn as much as I can. I want to get one percent better every session.”
In a team full of experience and potential, she’s found a mentor in Captain Mackenzie Lear, but she’s also surrounded by players like West, showing her what it means to show up, no matter what.
Two Different Paths. One Jersey.
For West, it’s about proving she still can, no matter what she’s up against.
For Harding, it’s about proving she belongs and building from the ground up.
Together, they’re part of a Steelers side determined to go back-to-back, and they’re doing it with grit, purpose, and that signature Steelers spirit.
Words | Angelina Raula