The Illawarra Steelers are pleased to announce the signings of Australian and St George Illawarra Dragons players Kezie Apps and Emma Tonegato for their 2023 NSW Women’s Premiership debut.
Both players attended their first training session with the club this week following an extended break after their recent World Cup success.
“I’m excited to be part of this team, I haven’t worn these colours before. I can’t wait to get out there and see how these young girls go and to be part of making history for the Illawarra,” Apps said.
“I know the Steelers is a massive pathway leading into the Dragons. You can see some of the juniors here that have been part of the system that are now able to progress into the Harvey Norman competition. Hopefully, I can also share some of my knowledge with them.”
Apps and Tonegato join fellow Jillaroos Keeley Davis, Tahlia Fuimaono and Shak Tungai in a Steelers squad with a good blend of youth and experience.
“It’s awesome to see such a great collection of local players come together for the inaugural Steelers women’s team,” Tonegato said.
“I’m really excited to be here. I just live ten minutes down the road, so it is super easy and close. I’ve played a bit of footy with some of the girls now so its lovely to reconnect with them.”
For Coach Alicia-Kate Hawke gaining the signatures of two of the highest profile players in the game was the icing on the cake after a successful offseason recruitment drive.
“I’m pretty pumped to have both Kez and Emma on board, they are both super high-class players,” Hawke said.
“What they are going to bring to the squad on and off the field is going to be invaluable. The other thing that I love is they are girls from our pathways.”
Apps, a member of the Dragon’s inaugural women’s squad, is one of the most decorated players in the game having also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and inaugural Dally M Female Player if the year in 2016. But she’s not done yet.
“I feel like we are going to be real contenders for those last few spots at the end of the season The harder we train now and harder we work the more chance we have at the end of the competition to see where we stand.
“I’d obviously love to win a premiership here and continue that through to the Dragons as well.”