The Illawarra Steelers Elite Academy is reshaping the pathway for junior rugby league in the Illawarra and Group 7 regions, nurturing local talent, and building strong foundations for future stars of the NRL and NRLW.
Designed to bridge the gap between local club football and established representative pathways, the Elite Academy focuses on identifying and nurturing talented young athletes early in their careers.
The Junior program caters for ages 15 and 16, while the Senior program is for ages 17 and 18, with specific pathways tailored for male and female recruits.
“This is about rewarding the boys and girls coming out of their junior rep seasons or club football, especially those younger age groups who may not have played any representative football yet,” explained Boys Program Coordinator Jy Clapham.
Elite Academy players have the opportunity to progress through the ranks of the Steelers junior representative teams—Harold Matthews Cup (U17 boys), Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17 Girls), SG Ball Cup (Under 19 boys) and Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19 girls)—through to the St George Illawarra Dragons, making it clear where junior athletes fit and how they can progress to elite levels.
Recent Steelers success stories to follow this pathway include Lyhkan King-Togia, Dylan Egan, and Hamish Stewart (NRL Dragons) and Kasey Reh, Bronte Wilson, Maria Paseka and Jordyn Preston (NRLW Dragons).
“It’s about getting them in as Steelers before they’re Dragons and making sure they’re well-prepared for the higher levels when the time comes,” Clapham said.
Man In The Middle: Jy Clapham (Blue Shirt) issues instructions to his troops during a Harold Matthews Cup fixture earlier this season.
More Than Just Footy
For Clapham, the Steelers Open Women and Harold Matthews Cup U17 assistant coach, it’s about creating a strong culture and making sure the athletes become not only great footballers but great people.
“We can set standards, but it’s the players who have to drive those standards,” he explains.
“We’ve got one of the biggest catchment areas for juniors in the area, so it’s about keeping that nurturing going, making sure the talent stays together and develops through the ranks.”
Developing The Stars Of Tomorrow
For many athletes, like Pania Mahe, a hooker/lock from Wests Devils, the Elite Academy has already started making an impact on his approach to the game.
“I felt very thankful for it,” he said.
“We’ve been doing skills, developing our fundamentals. It’s a lot more serious here, focusing on the small things rather than the big things.”
Elite Academy junior recruit Tyler Lewis, a halfback from Shellharbour Stingrays, explained how it is helping his development.
“I’ve seen a bit of change in my game, especially in the little one‑percenters and skills. The energy here and the talent across the squad is different from my local team.
“The coach is big on respect, working hard, and showing commitment at training.”
It’s Changed How I Approach Footy: Talbot
For Jack Talbot (main image and above), a three‑year Steelers veteran, and SG Ball under-age squad member this season, it’s been a big part of his growth.
Talbot was named man of the match while playing for the Illawarra South Coast Dragons in this year’s Laurie Daley Cup U18s Grand Final.
“It’s a good experience. The feedback from coaches, learning things the open grade does has changed how I approach footy,” Talbot explains.
“Being here means learning more and seeing things differently. The goal is to hopefully make it to the top and wear that Red V one day.”
Females In Focus
With the growing strength of the NRLW, the Elite Academy also ensures females have a pathway through an already strong Steelers system, which produced premierships in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and Tarsha Gale Cup U19’s last season.
“It’s about keeping the young girls training together and providing a higher standard for them to build towards NRLW opportunities,” Girls Program Coordinator Harrison Reh said.
“We’ve already seen talents like Kasey Reh and Teagan Berry come through, and we’re hoping for many more.”
Trust In Teammates
Rising star Maddison Bullock (pictured above), who played in the club’s Tarsha Gale Cup team this season, says it has been a life-changing experience.
“The coaching staff have been amazing, I’ve learned so much about myself, and I’m so grateful for that,” she said.
The Elite Academy has also been key for 16‑year‑old Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup representative Laila Poto (pictured below).
“My skill set has increased, and I’ve learned to trust my teammates and work harder for them.
“The coaches have been so supportive; they’re always there for you, on and off the field.”
Trust In The System
With strong connections in the Illawarra and Group 7, the Illawarra Steelers Elite Academy continues to harness the region’s deep talent pool.
According to Clapham, the message is simple.
“Trust the system. Be proud to be a Steeler before you’re a Dragon. The Red V jersey is the goal, but every step you take in this Academy prepares you for that, as a player and as a person.”
Words| Angelina Raula