The Illawarra South Coast Steelers opened their 2026 campaign at Singleton on Saturday in the NSWRL’s inaugural Regional Representatives Magic Round under brutal conditions, with temperatures nudging beyond 40 degrees testing players and officials alike.
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In the extreme heat, both the Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s) and Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) fixtures against the Newcastle–Maitland Region Knights were shortened, with player welfare the priority.
The Under 16s were behind 20–12 when the match was called, having earlier fought their way back into the game at 14-12 after trailing 14–6 at halftime. Despite the oppressive conditions, the young Steelers showed plenty of resolve, with Torr Morley and Oliver Linton crossing for tries. Eugene Oliver was accurate with the boot, converting both attempts.
The Under 18s clash was a tight, physical contest, with the Steelers narrowly defeated 6–4 also in a shortened fixture. Illawarra struck first when Jack Goulder crossed inside the opening five minutes to give his side a 4–0 lead. The Knights responded with a converted try, which ultimately proved the difference in a match heavily shaped by the heat.
Both teams will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Lithgow to take on the Western Rams, who were defeated in both grades last round by the Central Coast Roosters.
Despite the results, the effort shown by the Steelers in extreme conditions provided a strong platform to build on as the representative season continues.
[Watch] Steelers winger Jack Goulder scores in the corner after good lead up work by halves Arlan Grose and Tayler Humphries.