While following in the footsteps of their legendary fathers, 16-year-old twins Elli and Sienna Young, along with Halle Barrett, are determined to make their own mark in Steelers colors.
Elli and Sienna are identical twins and the daughters of former Steelers junior Dean Young. Dean played 209 first-grade games for St. George Illawarra and also represented New South Wales and Australia. He is currently an assistant coach with the Red V.
While that might be a hard act to follow, the twins have already shown incredible promise even after completing their first season with Collegians last year.
Elli, who plays on the left wing, made an outstanding debut in Round1, scoring two tries as the Steelers defeated the Dragons 26-0 in the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
“I was just grateful to be there and excited to be with the girls, getting that done in the first round,” Elli says.
Sienna, who plays right wing, still waiting for her competition debut, is following closely in her sister’s footsteps.
“I’ve been taking all the feedback I get and trying to improve,” Sienna explains.
Family Support
Both girls say that their father, Dean, has been a pillar of support.
“Dad has been helping us with little tips and tricks,” Sienna added, noting that his experience as a player and coach is invaluable.
“Dad has always been there watching our games, giving us advice when needed,” Elli shared.
“He always starts with, ‘Do you want to hear what I have to say?’ so we can take his feedback and apply it when we need it.”
The Young family’s connection to rugby league runs deep, with former Dragons legend Craig Young, affectionately known as “Pop” to the twins, readily available for advice.
“He’s always at our games. He’s watching; he sometimes comes to training and sits in the car. He’s very happy to be watching us.” Elli mentioned.
Having played netball since the age of six, the late switch to rugby league came with ‘Pop’s’ full support as well as the rest of the family.
“I don’t think he expected it. I don’t think Dad even expected us to be playing footy.
‘Things changed very quickly, so they’ve both been good. Mostly, they try and take the pressure off us,” Elli said.
Building Team Chemistry
As new players on the Steelers Lisa Fiaola squad, the twins understand the importance of developing strong team chemistry.
“We’re both very new to the sport, so we’re trying to stay calm and take everything as it comes,” Elli (pictured above) explains.
“It’s really important to always take feedback and share it with each other.”
The twins also emphasise the value of bonding outside of training to strengthen the team’s connection.
“We’ve been doing little hangouts away from footy to try and build that connection because we believe having a strong bond helps our performance on the field,” Elli adds.
Sienna echoed her sister’s sentiment, saying, “It’s been great so far. Everyone is positive and supportive, lifting each other up.”
Both players are excited to be part of the Steelers’ rich legacy.
“It’s special to be part of it,” Sienna said.
“Seeing Dad play for the Steelers and now being a part of it ourselves is amazing.”
In Her Father’s Footsteps: Halle Barrett
For Halle Barrett (pictured above), stepping into the Steelers jersey isn’t just about continuing her career—it’s about honouring her family’s legacy.
Her father, Trent, represented the Steelers between 1996 and 1998, racking up 45 first-grade appearances before stints with St George Illawarra, Wigan Warriors and Cronulla. He also played for NSW and Australia before heading into the coaching ranks, currently assistant coach at the Brisbane Broncos.
But now it’s Halle’s turn to forge her own path, helping lead the next generation of Steelers talent.
“It’s a big thing to take on dad’s legacy, but it’s what I love to do, and I love it honestly.”
She debuted last year in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and recalls her first home game with fondness.
“I still remember Round 1, having that home game running out,” she says
The adrenaline of playing in front of the home crowd was a highlight, and she credits her teammates and coaches for helping her adjust to the competitive environment.
“We had so many great role models in that team, like Tahlia O’Brien. She was our captain, and I’ve learned so much from her.”
As she embarks on her second season, Halle is focused on helping her new teammates while further solidifying her own place in the team at left centre.
“It’s awesome to have a new crew this year,” she says.
Halle says the addition of younger players has brought a new energy to the team, and she is eager to help guide them through the ups and downs of the season.
“I really want to be a role model for the younger girls this year,” she added.
Round 3 – Saturday, 15 February
Hammondville Oval, Sydney
- 10.00am – Steelers LFC v Bulldogs
- 11.30am – Steelers TGC v Bulldogs
Raiders Belconnen, Canberra
- 2.00pm – Steelers HMC v Raiders
- 3.30pm – Steelers SGB v Raiders
Words | Angelina Raula