The Illawarra Steelers SG Ball side kick off their 2026 campaign this Saturday with a tough opening-round assignment against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Sydney — and hooker Mason Phillips says the focus is firmly on attitude and effort as the competition proper begins.
After a pair of disappointing trial outings, Phillips admits the side is eager to turn the page and play for something that matters.
“Across the group it’s about playing for two competition points this week,” Phillips said. “Getting out there and ripping in for the club and getting a result.”
With finals heartbreak still fresh after last season’s semi-final exit, the Shaun Timmins-coached outfit are determined to start this year on the right foot.
“We’ve got a team that can do well this season,” Phillips said. “Last year we got knocked out in the semis and this year we’re hoping to do better. We’ve got a team that can do a job — it’s mainly an attitude thing.”
Phillips highlighted the importance of consistency in a short, unforgiving season, particularly with seven straight games to open the year before the first bye.
“It’s only a short season, so we’ve got to turn up every week and do our job,” he said. “We don’t have our bye until round eight, so it’s seven straight games, week in, week out. Regardless of travelling up to Sydney, it’s about rocking up every week and getting a result.”
With points on the line and a strong South Sydney outfit waiting, the Steelers know Round One will set the tone — and they’re ready to fire.
[Watch] Steelers SGB hooker Mason Phillips on this weekend’s Round 1 clash with the Rabbitohs