The Illawarra Steelers have confirmed the appointment of Jamie ‘Scissors’ Szczerbanik as Head Coach of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (HNWP) team for the 2024 season.
Szczerbanik has been involved in rugby league for over 30 years, including stints as a player in the Wests Tigers Pathway and coaching roles with the Penrith Panthers and Western Rams (NSW Country). The 40-year-old is also the Head Coach of his native Poland.
Szczerbanik will coach the Steelers Harold Matthews (Under 17 Boys) before commencing his role with the HNWP side, which fell one game short of the Grand Final in their inaugural season after finishing second on the ladder heading into the Finals.
Illawarra Steelers Deputy Chairman Sean O’Connor oversaw the appointment of Szczerbanik and is confident he can deliver success for the HNWP side in its second season.
“We were impressed with Jamie’s credentials before appointing him to the Harold Matts role,” O’Connor said.
“He has continued to impress since taking charge in the pre-season, so we didn’t hesitate to lock him in when he expressed interest in the HNWP role.”
While Szczerbanik’s focus is on the upcoming junior representative season, he is delighted to have secured a Head Coaching role and play a part in the development of local female players.
“I look forward to the role, connecting with coaches, and observing and meeting players in the coming months.”
HNWP Player Expression of Interest
Expressions of interest are being called from players wishing to try out for the Steelers HNWP team.
Trials will be held at the Illawarra Steelers Training Academy on Wednesday, 7 February, at 7:30pm.
To express your interest in playing in the trials, please register here
The NSW Women’s Premiership will kick off mid-season, allowing the competition to act as a direct pathway into the NRLW, which commences on 25 July.
