Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup captain Ella Koster says her team has their eyes on the prize leading up to their sudden-death Finals clash with the Parramatta Eels on Saturday.
The Steelers finished fourth overall, recording four wins, a draw, and three losses across their eight matches. The team will be looking to bounce back from a loss against Cronulla in the final round of the regular season and settle the score with the Eels, who they played out a draw against earlier in the season.
“Last weekend didn’t quite go to plan or how we would have liked, but now we’re focussing on the bigger picture as semi-finals are anyone’s game,” Ella says.
The Steelers have been particularly solid in defence this season, conceding just 10 points per game while scoring 20 on average with the ball in hand. Ella says this and overall cohesion as a team will be their primary focus come game day.
“We’ll be looking to bring effort and energy. We really thrive off that and thrive off each other. We’ll have to stick together and keep completing our game plan.”
Last season’s Tarsha Gale Cup side also finished in the top six and was narrowly beaten by the Wests Tigers in the first round of the finals. That team included current back-rower Sulieti Ahio, injured forward Sienna Morgan, and current senior women’s premiership players Lily Rogan, Jordyn Preston, and Tiana Kore.
Koster hopes the team can do at least one better and qualify for the final four this season. She will be looking to lean on their experienced players to help them in this sudden death clash.
Campbelltown Stadium, Saturday 15 April
- 1.30pm – Illawarra Steelers v Parramatta Eels
Words | Russ Haylock