South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC) has signed a new agreement to sponsor the Illawarra Rugby League’s women’s and junior competitions and the Illawarra Steelers representative teams for the next three years.
South32 IMC has been a long-term supporter of the Illawarra Rugby League’s women’s and junior competitions, helping to grow the game locally and encouraging more people of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport of rugby league, from grassroots through to the elite level.
As well as supporting Illawarra Rugby League’s women’s and junior competitions during the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons, South32 IMC’s new sponsorship agreement also includes the Illawarra Steelers representative teams, including the open women’s team who are competing in the New South Wales Women’s Premiership for the first time in 2023.
The Steelers begin their season with a clash against South Sydney Rabbitohs at WIN Stadium on February 5 in the fourth leg of a quadruple header, with the Steelers Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale Cup, and SG Ball junior representative sides taking on the Penrith Panthers at the same venue.
Final squad lists and Round One match times
South32 IMC Vice President Operations Peter Baker (pictured, back row 2nd from left) said “South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal is pleased to renew its sponsorship of the Illawarra Rugby League’s women’s and junior competitions for the next three years.
This new agreement will help support local people of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport of rugby league; to stay fit, well and active and have some fun out on the pitch with teammates and friends.
“We wish all players, fans, and participants a safe and successful season ahead. We are particularly excited to watch the Illawarra Steelers compete for the first time in the NSW Women’s Premiership.”
Two of South32 IMC’s team members are are part of the Illawarra Steelers squad. Rachael Pearson and Sharna Piccinelli (pictured) are both Mechanical Apprentices at South32 IMC.
Illawarra Steelers Chairman Graeme Gulloch said the club was proud to work with South32 to support the growth of rugby league in the Illawarra region, particularly for women and girls.
“South32 is a global business with a strong workforce in the Illawarra and a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, so we see this as an excellent fit for us,” Mr Gulloch said.
“A little over a year ago, we approached the New South Wales Rugby League to be a part of the NSW Women’s Premiership and now we are looking to be a force to be reckoned with in our inaugural season. South32 is helping us do that through this sponsorship and we thank them for being an integral part of our team.”