The Illawarra Steelers extended their undefeated streak to 3-0 with an impressive 26-18 victory over the reigning premiers, the Cronulla Sharks, in their first home game of the season at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong on Saturday afternoon.
In a tightly contested match, both teams finished with four tries each, but the Steelers edged ahead thanks to the reliable boot of fullback Tayleah Handcock, who nailed all four conversions and added a crucial penalty goal just before halftime.
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Steelers Head Coach Courtney Crawford made several changes to the selected lineup, including five-eighth Skye Spencer and centre Liesl Hopoate, fresh from NSW U19s State of Origin duties.
The reshuffled backline also featured centre Tyra Ekepati and Montaya Hudson, replacing last week’s four-try standout, Paige Knapp, on the wing. Interchange players Seriah Palepale (pictured) and Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis were also late additions to the squad.
A strong defensive effort saw both teams scoreless for the first 13 minutes until the Sharks struck through their fullback and captain, Georgia Willey, but the Steelers quickly recovered, scoring their first try in the 20th minute through Hudson in her first game of the season.
The Steelers once again found themselves over the line in the 28th minute through a strong linebreak by back rower Rhian Yeo, evading three defenders to cross under the posts. Handcock’s penalty goal in the 35th minute sent the hosts off at halftime with a 14-4 lead.
An early hit back by the Sharks in the second half reduced the margin to 14-10, before a converted try in the 49th minute, scored by Palepale, who took a 15-metre charge through four defenders, extended the lead to 20-10.
The Steelers were quick to strike again six minutes later, through Ekepati, collecting a chip kick from halfback Georgie Barrett to score in the right corner in the 55th minute.
Cronulla mounted a late charge, scoring for two tries in five minutes, but the Steelers clung to their eight-point advantage for the final five minutes, sealing the win and an undefeated start to the 2026 season.
[Watch] Seriah Palepale crashes over adjacent to the uprights
Hard-fought Win But Satisfying: Lear
Front row forward and Steelers’ captain Mackenzie Lear said the win was hard-fought, but the reward of the two points on home soil made it all the more satisfying.
“It feels really good to get the win, especially at a home game,” the captain said.
“That was probably the toughest opponents we’ve come across in this comp so far, so yeah, it was pretty good to hold on to the end there.
“Obviously, there’s a lot to take away from it and a lot to sort of improve on, but I think all in all, it was a pretty good hit-out.”
Lear also said the undefeated start to the season is the confidence boost the club needs.
“It’s really exciting to consider that we are 3-0 with so much to improve on; there’s so much talent in this squad,” Lear said.
“It’s just so exciting to see where this team can actually go if we just capitalise on those little moments.”
Lear added that having U19 Origin stars backing up for the match has helped the team build greater cohesion and confidence.
“In our team, we have the perfect mix of experience and those younger girls coming through like Skye [Spencer] and Liesl [Hopoate].
“We all just gel really well together.”
The Steelers will face Mounties next week, who are looking for their first win of the season at Aubrey Keech Reserve.
Words: Harrison Mellare
Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza