Illawarra Steelers SG Ball centre Charlie Heidke has been a constant threat in the backline this season, scoring five tries in six games.
The Berry Magpies junior is proof that overcoming adversity can lead to strength after successfully making a comeback from a head injury that sidelined him for 12 months.
“I had a pretty significant head injury early last year and had roughly 12 months off,” Heidke explains.
“Getting back was daunting and a little bit scary, but I had a lot of time off, just sort of prepared, not only physically but mentally as well.”
“I’m just happy to be back on the field.”
Now in his third season in Steelers colours after debuting in Harold Matthews Cup in 2023, Heidke hasn’t forgotten the influence of former coach, Aaron McDonald, who was instrumental in his early development.
“My first year in, he helped me set goals for myself, and you feel a lot of personal and professional growth.”
Putting the challenges of the last 12 months behind him, Heidke is focused on the team’s success and has warned his teammates against taking the winless Panthers lightly this weekend.
“We know that the Panthers have potential to play a good game, so we’re going to treat them like a normal game and hopefully come away with the win.”
“I feel like we’re getting better and better, so I feel like we’re heading towards the finals and performing well.”
Saifiti: I Want To Make My Family Proud
Born in Queensland, powerful SG Ball winger Saifiti Junior Saifiti joined the Steelers pathways program this year after catching the attention of the St George Illawarra Dragons on the back of a stellar 2024 season with the Ipswich Jets U19s.
“Last year was good for me. I scored a lot of tries and points, but it was a bit of a tough time for me, too. I still pushed through,” Saifiti said.
“This year has been really good.”
Saifiti, who only started playing league three years ago after switching from rugby union, acknowledged being away from family has been challenging, but he remains focussed on helping his team secure a spot in the finals.
“We’re sitting pretty in fourth position, but we’d like to move up to second or first to secure our spot (in the finals),” he said.
“All the hard work we put in, we’ve got to continue pushing, making sure we focus, and improve every day. Mistakes are part of the process; we’ll learn from them.”
“We’ve got a game against the Panthers; they haven’t won a game yet this season. We’re preparing for them, but it’s all about taking it one game at a time.”
Saifiti is proud of his performances and strives to make his family proud, using it as motivation to succeed for them.
“Yeah, my whole family is proud. It means a lot to me because they sacrificed a lot for me, and now I can do this for them,” he said.
“I can’t believe I’m here; it means a lot to me to make my family proud,” he laughed.
While Saifiti hails from a sporting family, he is the first in his family to play rugby league.
“Yeah, I am the first one in the family to play rugby league,” he added.
“Maybe if I make finals, I can do something better for my family.”
Round 8 – Saturday, 29 March
Mascot Oval, Sydney
- 10.00am – Steelers HMC v Sydney Roosters
Eric Tweedale Stadium, Sydney
- 10.30am – Steelers LFC v Parramatta Eels
- 12.30pm – Steelers TGC v Parramatta Eels
Cec Glenholmes Oval, Lake Illawarra
- 2.30pm – Steelers SGB v Penrith Panthers
Words: Angelina Raula