The Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews side has made an impressive start to their season, currently in the top four after winning their opening two matches and earning two competition points from a bye.
Two players instrumental in the early-season success are halfback Jett Brookfield and five-eighth Tayler Humphries, both 16 years old and in their second season with coach Jamie ‘Scissors’ Szczerbanik’s team.
Despite being one of the smallest players on the field, Brookfield (main picture) has proven he has what it takes at representative level.
“It’s definitely tough, but I’ve always been the smallest and the shortest on the field.
“You know people saying I’m not strong enough, but I’ve always had to tackle bigger boys, and I’m getting used to it now,” said Brookfield.
The Kiama Knights junior, the younger brother of last year’s premiership-winning Steelers Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership player Koffi, has quickly made his mark in the squad.
Brookfield’s partnership with Humphries in the halves has been a standout feature of the team’s early-season form.
“We have connected really well in the halves,” he said.
Humphries (picture below) has focused heavily on improving his running game this season after receiving encouragement from Szczerbanik during the pre-season.
“My running game… didn’t do it much last year, but I’ve improved on it pretty well,” Humphries explained.
“It’s been a focus from Scissors, and I’m feeling confident with it now.”
The skillful pivot has also taken on the goalkicking duties, with the Corrimal junior’s boot proving the difference in last week’s two-point win over the Raiders.
For Humphries, this will be his second time playing in New Zealand, and he’s eager to make up for last year’s disappointing 26-12 loss to the Warriors.
“I’m excited to get over there again and hopefully come away with a better result,” he said.
The match holds personal significance for Brookfield, as his family hails from New Zealand.
“I’ve been to New Zealand before, but this will be my first time playing there,” he shared.
“My grandmother’s from New Zealand, and there’ll be a family gathering to watch me play.”
With both players playing key roles in the Steelers’ attack, they are confident heading into the contest with the undefeated Warriors.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Brookfield.
“They’ve got bigger boys, but I think we should break them down and get them on the edges.”
While the Steelers strong start to the season has them well-positioned heading into Round 4 the team is focused on the long-term goal.
“My personal goal is to help the team get to the grand final and win the comp. But for now, we’re focused on doing our best each week.”
Round 4
Saturday, 22 February, Redfern Oval
- 10.30 am – Steelers v Souths (LFC)
- 12.00 pm – Steelers v Souths (TGC)
Sunday, 23 February, Pukekohe (NZ)
- 10.00 am (12pm NZ) – Steelers v Warriors (HMC)
- 11.30 am (130pm NZ) – Steelers v Warriors (SGB)
Words: Angelina Raula