The Illawarra Steelers will look to make it back-to-back wins to open the Harold Matthews Cup season when they face the Sydney Roosters in Round 2 this Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex, while the visitors arrive determined to claim their first victory of the year.
Fresh off a gritty opening round win over the Rabbitohs, the young Steelers have taken confidence from proving themselves in a tough contest first up.
“Good win versus the Rabbits, which we knew was going to be a tough game, and we came out with a win, so it’s a good start,” five-eighth Fletcher Couchman said.
The Thirroul Butchers junior looms as a key figure once again against the Roosters, steering the side around the park and linking the middle with the edges. The talented playmaker is embracing the opportunity to carve his own path while drawing inspiration from familiar footsteps — those of twin older brothers Ryan and Toby, who have already progressed to the NRL with the Dragons.
“Looking up to them my whole life inspires me to make it, hopefully play with them one day,” Couchman said.
While comparisons are inevitable, the young pivot insists he is focused on his own journey.
“A bit [of pressure], but not really, I feel fine. I love playing footy.”
That love of the game, combined with a clear ambition, is driving both Couchman and his teammates as they set their sights high in 2026.
“We obviously hope to win the whole thing, and the whole team has that same goal, and we’re just going to keep working towards that.”
Standing in their way this weekend are a Roosters outfit hungry to respond after an opening round defeat. Expect a desperate and physical contest, with the Steelers aiming to trust their systems and build on the momentum of Round 1.
“We’re all really excited to verse the Roosters and we feel very confident in our tools that we can come out with a win. We’re just going to stick to our systems and process and trust that we’ll do the job,” Couchman added.
Tasca Backs ISC Steelers to Rise to the Task
Meanwhile, the Illawarra South Coast Steelers in the Andrew Johns Cup are also chasing consecutive wins as they prepare to take on the Riverina Bulls. After bouncing back strongly following a Round 1 loss, the side has embraced the energy of a new coaching staff and the standards set across the program.
Vice-captain and Corrimal Cougars junior Isaac Tasca says the group is relishing the environment.
“Really good new coach, which is a bit of a change, but all the boys coming along and really getting around it and training here with obviously the older teams has been really well.”
The Bulls enter the clash after a narrow four-point loss last week, ensuring they too will be motivated to respond. For Tasca, the focus is simple.
“Just to play, just let the footy flow, and support the boys around me. I want them to feel happy and like I’m there with them.”
With both squads eager to build momentum early in the season, the stage is set for another important weekend for the Steelers pathways — as the next generation continues to chase its NRL dreams
NSWRL Metro Reps – Saturday, 14 February, Collegians Sporting Complex
- LFC – Steelers v Sydney Roosters, 1030am
- TGC – Steelers v Sydney Roosters, 1200pm
- HMC – Steelers v Sydney Roosters, 130pm
- SGB – Steelers v Sydney Roosters, 3pm
NSWRL Regional reps – Sunday, 15 February, Centenary Field, Albion Park
- AJC – ISC Steelers v Riverina Bulls, 10am
- LDC – ISC Steelers v Riverina Bulls, 11.20am
Image credit: Denis Ivaneza