The Illawarra Steelers enjoyed a strong finish to the regular season, highlighted by the Harold Matthews Cup side’s emphatic 36-6 win over the Warriors to lock in a top four finals berth, while the Tarsha Gale Cup team also surged into the postseason with a commanding 32-10 victory over the Melbourne Storm.
The SG Ball squad signed off on a high with an entertaining 30-22 win in a fitting farewell for head coach and club legend Shaun Timmins, while the Lisa Fiaola Cup side’s campaign came to a close against a dominant Storm outfit.
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Steelers Harold Matthews Secure Top Four Finish
The Illawarra Steelers have surged into the finals with momentum, securing a top four berth in emphatic fashion with a commanding 36-6 victory over the Warriors at Collegians Sporting Complex on Saturday.
Led by a dominant forward display, prop Hunter Fangupo (pictured) proved unstoppable, crossing for a hat-trick in a standout performance as the Steelers ran in seven tries to one in their sixth consecutive victory of the season.
Hooker Ryland Coelho was equally influential, controlling the tempo from dummy half and contributing 10 first-half points through a try and three conversions, helping the Steelers establish a decisive 28-0 lead heading into the break.
While the second half was more evenly contested, the Steelers maintained control, with Asher Chapman adding to the tally before a rampaging Fangupo completed his treble. The Warriors managed a consolation try early in the second stanza, but the result was never in doubt as the home side closed out a dominant win.
The victory caps a strong regular season for the Steelers, who now carry confidence and form into the finals series. Next week, they will face the top-seeded Newcastle Knights in the qualifying semi-final. The winner progresses directly to Week 3, while the loser will compete in Week 2.
[Watch] Unstoppable: Prop Hunter Fangupo splits the defence before surging to the line for his hat-trick
SG Ball Steelers Finish Season on a High
The Illawarra Steelers SG Ball side signed off their season in style, producing an exciting 30-22 victory over the Warriors to record their second win of the year.
The Steelers exploded out of the blocks with four tries in the opening 15 minutes from Tyson Walker, Cooper Morrison, Sonny McGregor and Marley Mclaren to take a stunning 20-0 lead.
The Warriors responded through centre Parekaahu Keepa, who produced a first half hat-trick to drag his side back into contention, narrowing the deficit to just two points at 20-18 by halftime.
The Steelers regrouped after the break, with Flynn O’Mara and McGregor — who bagged his second — crossing to restore a 10-point buffer with 25 minutes to play.
A late Warriors try set up a tense finish, reducing the margin to 28-22 inside the final 10 minutes. However, a crucial penalty goal in the dying stages ensured the Steelers had breathing room and ultimately secured a deserved victory.
The result was a fitting farewell for head coach Shaun Timmins who is stepping away after more than three decades in the game. Timmins made his first grade debut for the Steelers at just seventeen in 1994, having progressed through the club’s junior ranks. He later enjoyed an illustrious career with the St George Illawarra Dragons and represented both NSW and Australia.
[Watch] Finisher: Steelers flyer Sonny McGregor finishes off a slick backline play
Tarsha Gale Steelers Surge Into Finals With Statement Win Over Storm
The Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side has punched its ticket to the finals in convincing fashion, powering past the Melbourne Storm 32-10 in a clinical performance.
With plenty on the line, the Steelers showed composure and intent from the outset, building a 12-4 halftime lead courtesy of tries to Sienna Young, Kiara Kostovski and Michala Hardy. Their early execution laid the platform for what would become a commanding victory.
The Storm threatened to stay within reach, but the Steelers shifted gears after the break. Hardy completed a standout performance with her second try of the afternoon, while Halle Barrett crossed for a well-earned double. Madison Hemopo also added her name to the scoresheet as the home side ran away with the contest.
The result ensures the Steelers head into the finals with momentum and confidence, having delivered one of their most complete performances of the season when it mattered most.
The Steelers are set to face the sixth-placed Newcastle Knights in next week’s Elimination Final, with the winner advancing to Week 2 while the loser’s finals campaign comes to an end.
[Watch] Power Play: Steelers centre Halle Barrett powers over for her fist of two tries
Storm prove too strong as Steelers’ Lisa Fiaola season ends
In earlier action, the Illawarra Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup side saw their season come to an end with a tough 46-0 defeat to the Melbourne Storm.
Despite their efforts, the Steelers were unable to contain a polished Storm outfit, who controlled the match from start to finish.
While the result didn’t fall their way, the campaign provided valuable experience for the squad, laying a strong foundation for future development within the Steelers pathway.
Main Image: Denis Ivaneza