The Steelers have defeated the Wests Tigers 24-20 at Collegians Sporting Complex to keep their finals dream alive, moving into third position on the NSW Women’s Premiership ladder.
Despite the Tigers crossing for five tries to the Steelers four, Illawarra secured the win through the reliable boot of Tayleah Handcock (pictured), who nailed all four conversions, three of them calmly from the sideline.
Among the team changes, Roxy Murdoch-Masila was named in the starting side, shifting captain Mackenzie Lear to the bench. Seriah Palepale also made her comeback for the Steelers, featuring for the first time since Round 3.
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The Steelers had a less-than-optimal start to the game, however, conceding two tries in seven minutes, one to winger Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski on the left side, followed by fellow winger Vasaliva Feleti on the right, putting the Steelers down 8-0.
Illawarra responded in the 17th minute when halfback Georgie Barrett’s grubber was fumbled by the Tigers, allowing Montaya Hudson to pounce and score in the right corner, her third try for the season. Handcock converted to narrow the margin to 8-6.
Palepale made her return known off the bench with solid runs and post-contact metres coming to fruition in the 27th-minute with a crash play under the posts and, with Handcock’s conversion, the Steelers took the lead 12-8.
The Tigers answered with a Litia Fusi try in the 34th minute, but the Steelers quickly capitalised on a costly error from the kick-off, recovering possession off a scrum win after the Tigers let the ball roll over the sideline.
That opportunity allowed winger Kiara Kostovski to dive over in the left corner as the siren sounded, and Handcock’s third successful conversion sent the teams to halftime at 18-12.
Double Blow
The second half didn’t start well for the Steelers, with the Tigers once again striking twice in quick succession.
The first blow came from a strong run by second rower Saige Tautalafua, who crashed over in the 39th minute. Just six minutes later, a wild cut-out pass from halfback Jetaya Faifua sent Vasilovski over for her second try, pushing the Tigers ahead 20-18.
The Steelers reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute after a sharp cut-out pass by five-eighth Skye Spencer to send Kostovski over for her second try of the afternoon. Handcock made it four from four with the boot to make it 24-20.
Despite several late errors and some tense moments as the Tigers pressed for a late winner, the Steelers held firm to secure a crucial victory that keeps their finals hopes alive.
We Needed That: Handcock
Post-match, Handcock emphasised how important the win was for the team.
“We needed that. We made it tough for ourselves, but we pushed right to the end, really happy with the girls,” Handcock said.
Handcock also reflected on her flawless goalkicking performance, admitting there weren’t any nerves when stepping up for each kick.
“Honestly, not nerves, just go through what I usually go through in my head and that’s what I did and got the ball over the sticks,” Handcock said.
“Thanks to Courtney, she’s helped me in training. She’d love that I give her credit.”
Handcock also said next week’s clash against the Penrith Panthers would be an important one, especially up against former premiership-winning Steelers coach Jamie Szczerbanik.
“Definitely some nerves considering it’s our old coach from last year, but if we can just keep working throughout this week, fix things we need to fix, and we show that we can do it.”
Words: Harrison Mellare
Photo Credit: Denis Ivaneza