The Illawarra Steelers are gearing up for their crucial matchup against the Central Coast Roosters this Saturday in the final round of the Lisa Fiaola Cup regular season.
A win will almost guarantee them a spot in the top eight, while a loss will open the door for the ninth-placed Raiders to steal their position if they defeat the 12th-placed Sea Eagles and finish with a better points differential.
Co-captain Ella Churchill has been a consistent presence for the Steelers throughout the season, appearing in all seven games and scoring four tries.
After a disappointing 20-0 against the Paramatta Eels last weekend, Churchill says the team plan to leave nothing in the tank against the Roosters, knowing it may be their last game together.
“It’s tough, but we have to keep pushing,” Churchill said.
“Training has been really strong, and the dedication we’ve shown in practice is solid.”
“We just need to lift our heads when things go wrong.”
“There’s no point in dwelling on mistakes like a dropped ball. We need to move on quickly and stay positive,” she said.
On The Attack
Churchill knows the importance of keeping the attack sharp and maintaining composure as a fullback.
“We need to focus on our communication,” she admits.
“Our attack isn’t as set as it should be. We’re rushing too many plays, and that’s something we need to slow down and adjust in the next game.”
Churchill has also set personal goals for the clash with the Roosters to ensure she contributes more to the team.
“I want to focus on getting the ball into my hands more and helping the forwards when they need relief,” she explains.
“They’re doing a lot of hard work upfront, and it’s important to make sure I’m helping them get out of our end.”
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Preparing For The Must-Win Game
Churchill has observed an increase in nervous energy within the team this week, given the do-or-die nature of the game.
“The energy is high and a little nervous, but we’re all pumped to play this weekend,” Churchill explains.
“This could be our last game together, but we’re going to give it everything we have to make sure it’s not.”
“Our goal is to score first and get our heads up,” she says.
“If we get that first try, I believe we can finish strong and get the win.”
Encouraging Words
As a captain, Churchill knows the importance of maintaining morale, especially during critical moments.
“I just tell the girls to keep their heads up,” she says.
“No matter what happens, we have to keep pushing until the final whistle.
“We believe in each other and we know we can do it.”
Round 9 – Saturday, 5 April
Woy Woy Oval, Central Coast
- 11.30am – Steelers LFC v Central Coast Roosters
- 1.00pm – Steelers TGC v Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
- 10.30am – Steelers HMC v Balmain Tigers
- 12.00pm – Steelers SGB v Balmain Tigers
Words: Angelina Raula