The Illawarra Steelers will launch their 2026 NSWRL Women’s Premiership campaign this weekend when they travel to western Sydney to take on the Wenty Magpies in the opening round.
Under new head coach Courtney Crawford, the Steelers enter the season with a refreshed squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging local talent.
Captain Mackenzie Lear, dynamic fullback Tayleah Handcock (pictured) and former NRLW and New Zealand Ferns representative Roxy Murdoch-Masila headline the squad, while Gerringong product Carly Abbott is set to make her Steelers debut against her former club.
Several graduates from the club’s successful Tarsha Gale Cup program have also earned selection, including Kiara Kostovski, Herewaka Pohatu and Madison Hemopo.
The Steelers will be without NSW Under 19s Blues representatives Tori Shipton, Tahlia O’Brien, Skye Spencer and Liesl Hopoate, who are preparing for next week’s State of Origin clash. Crawford will also coach the NSW Under 19s side.
After suffering defeats to the Magpies in their first two seasons in the competition, the Steelers broke through for their first win over Wenty in 2025 and will be aiming to make it back-to-back victories this weekend.
Defence the best form of attack
For Handcock, who is entering her third season with the club, the long pre-season has laid the foundations for success.
“I think from the start of pre-season our main thing was becoming connected and I think we’ve achieved that over the long pre-season that we’ve had,” Handcock said. “We went on a camp together and that was our big turning point. We’ve formed a lot of friendships through that.”
The talented fullback said Crawford’s appointment had brought a fresh energy and perspective to the group.
“Having Courtney this year, she’s brought in her own kind of aspect to it and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s different, it’s new and I’ve been enjoying the pre-season and looking forward to the season coming now,” she said.
Handcock believes the Steelers’ defence will be the key to unlocking their attacking potential in 2026.
“Our attack’s definitely there, but I think using our defence and working on that first, the attack will come.”
Pictured (L to R): Carly Abbott and Tayleah Handcock at training during the week.
Abbott’s journey to the Steelers has added another intriguing storyline to Sunday’s clash. After spending the past two seasons with the Magpies, the centre returns home to the South Coast and will line up against her former teammates in her first game for Illawarra.
“It’s been really good. It’s felt long, but I’ve already seen such an improvement,” Abbott said of the Steelers’ pre-season.
“The girls have connected really well as a team and it’s something that I think will really pay off throughout the season.”
Abbott said the opportunity to work under Crawford was a major factor in her decision to join the Steelers.
“Courtney’s been great. She’s very honest and I really like that. I respond really well to that,” she said.
“She was a massive factor in making the move to the Steelers. I wanted to be under someone so knowledgeable with the experience that she has.”
From teammate to rival
While there is no bad blood with her former club, Abbott admits there is extra motivation heading into the Round 1 clash.
“It’ll be interesting. They’ve obviously got a new coach this year and a largely new squad, so I’ll only know a few of the girls out there,” she said.
“But who doesn’t want to go out there and smash your mates? At the end of the day we’ll all hug and be friends off the field, but on the field I don’t think any of us will be holding back.”
The Steelers will be looking to make an immediate statement when they open their season against a familiar rival, with both Handcock and Abbott confident the strong culture built throughout the pre-season can translate into success on the field.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11.15am Sunday at Ringrose Park, Wentworthville.