Illawarra Steelers Women’s Premiership coach Courtney Crawford has named her team for the opening round of the NSWRL Women’s Premiership clash with Wenty Magpies.
The Steelers, who lost their only trial game 16-4 to the Penrith Panthers two weeks ago, field a new-look side blending experience with emerging talent.
Captain Mackenzie Lear and Tayleah Handcock, both from the 2024 premiership-winning team, headline the squad along with former NRLW and New Zealand Ferns prop Roxy Murdoch-Masila.
Gerringong product and former Wenty Magpie Carly Abbott will make her Steelers debut in the centres against her former club.
The younger brigade is led by the Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup captain Kiara Kostovski along with Steelers and U19s Blues representatives Skye Spencer and Halle Barrett.
Head-to-Head
After suffering defeats in their initial two seasons in the open women’s grade, the Steelers broke through for their first win over the Wenty Magpies last season.
- 2025 – Steelers 26-12
- 2024 – Wenty Magpies 26-16
- 2023 – Wenty Magpies 22-4
Ringrose Park, Wentworthville
Sunday, 14 June
Wenty Magpies
11:15 am Kick OffRound 1 – Team List brought to you by KJ Industrial Scaffolding
01 – Tayleah Handcock
02 – Kiara Kostovski
03 – Halle Barrett (WP Debut)
04 – Carly Abbott (Club Debut)
05 – Paige Knapp Sponsored by DCA Recycling Solutions
06 – Herewaka Pohatu
07 – Georgie Barrett Sponsored by AM Ross Transport
08 – Mackenzie Lear (c) Sponsored by Illawarra Security Guards
09 – Madison Hemopo (WP Debut)
10 – Roxy Murdoch-Masila (Club Debut) Sponsored by Alpine Finance
11 – Rhian Yeo
12 – Gwen Swann (Club Debut)
13 – Mahina-A-Rangi Clair (Club Debut) Sponsored by TJD Consulting
14 – Kayla Flemming (Club Debut)
15 – Stephanie Ball (Club Debut)
16 – Mary Latu
17 – Jaida Faleono (Club Debut)
18 – Lily Holmes
Coach – Courtney Crawford Sponsored by Illawarra Security Guards
Pictured: Georgie Barrett
Image credit: Denis Ivaneza