The Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews Cup finals run hit a major speed bump on Sunday, suffering a 28–10 defeat to a red-hot Newcastle Knights outfit at Collegians Sporting Complex.
Despite the loss, the Steelers remain alive in the competition and will now face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a sudden-death playoff this Saturday at Leichhardt Oval—one final shot to keep their title hopes alive.
It was a tough afternoon for the Steelers, who came into the match with momentum but were outplayed by a fast-starting Knights side that dominated field position and punished every lapse.
Captain Creighton Meafou (pictured) admitted the team failed to convert their opportunities and lacked execution in key moments.
“We didn’t do everything we’d worked on,” Meafou said. “We had chances but didn’t take them, and that’s what cost us.”
In The Grind
The Steelers found themselves trailing early, despite showing resilience and clawing their way back to a 14-6 deficit before halftime, but they couldn’t hold on in the second half.
Meafou said head coach Jamie Szczerbanik kept the message simple during the break.
“He told us to stay in the grind. We were still right in it, just needed to be patient and stick to our game,” he said.
[Watch] Co-captain Creighton Meafou on last week’s loss and approach to this week’s suden-death semi final
Co-captain Cooper Morrison echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how pressure led to rushed decisions.
“We got a bit frantic. Tried to force passes and lost our shape,” Morrison said. “We just didn’t play our style of footy.”
The loss puts the Steelers in a high-pressure position ahead of this weekend’s elimination clash with South Sydney—a must-win if they are to advance.
Despite the setback, the mood within the squad remains focused. Having experienced finals heartbreak, they know what’s at stake.
“No one wants this to be the last game,” Morrison said. “We’ve been through a lot this season. This group is tight. We’re going to give it everything.”
Taking Chances
Meafou, too, believes the team has more to give.
“We just must play as a team, do our jobs, and take those chances when they come. That’s what it’ll take.”
The Steelers take on the Rabbitohs at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday, with a spot in the next stage of the finals on the line. For this tight-knit squad, it’s all or nothing.
[Watch] Co-captain Cooper Morrison on the loss to the Knights and how they’ll get the job done this week against the Rabbitohs
Week 2 Finals Series | Saturday, 19 April | Leichhardt Oval
- 3:45pm | Semi-Final| HMC Steelers (1) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)
Read More >> Semi Final Team List
Words: Angelina Raula