The Illawarra Steelers will launch their 2026 NSWRL Junior Representative Finals Series campaign this weekend, with both the Harold Matthews Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup sides facing off against the Newcastle Knights in high-stakes Week 1 clashes.
Harold Matthews Cup: Fangupo Ready to Lead the Charge
The Steelers’ Harold Matthews Cup side enters Saturday’s Qualifying Semi-Final brimming with confidence as they take on the top-seeded Newcastle Knights, with a direct path to Week 3 on the line.
In-form prop Hunter Fangupo (pictured) is embracing the responsibility that comes with finals football, particularly in the absence of key leaders.
“Everyone’s pretty excited… there’s been a few changes, but the boys are keen to get out there,” Fangupo said.
With the stakes elevated, the front-rower is prepared to step up and lead from the middle.
“Especially without our captain, I have to step up and be that big prop for the team.”
Fangupo’s recent form has been a major boost for the Steelers, highlighted by a standout hat-trick performance to close the regular season. He credits his improvement to hard work behind the scenes.
“I’ve been doing my extras… a lot of credit goes to (Steelers hooker) Ryland (Coelho), he’s helped me out a lot.”
Having experienced finals heartbreak in previous campaigns, Fangupo says there’s a clear motivation to go further this year.
“We fell short last year, so there’s definitely that fire to go one step further… make a Grand Final.”
The forward pack will again be crucial, with a collective mindset forming in the absence of their skipper.
“We’ve all had to step up and just play our best footy each week.”
Tarsha Gale Cup: Hemopo Embraces First Finals Test
On Sunday, the Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side faces a do-or-die Elimination Final against the sixth-placed Newcastle Knights, with their season on the line.
Hooker Madison Hemopo is preparing for her first taste of finals football at representative level and is embracing the occasion.
“It’s really exciting… my first time playing finals footy in rep, so I’m keen.”
Despite the nerves that come with knockout football, the Kiama Knights junior is focused on her role within the team.
“I’m excited and nervous, but I’ll just focus on what I need to do for the team and get the job done.”
After working her way into a starting role this season, Hemopo has become an important figure through the middle, helping drive the side into finals contention.
“I was coming off the bench last year, now I’ve got a starting spot and I’m really enjoying it.”
The Steelers secured their finals berth with a strong finish to the regular season.
“We always believed we could make the top eight… we just had to stick together and work hard.”
Heading into a sudden-death clash, the message within the group has remained simple.
“Just staying positive and being there for each other when things get tough.”
With the ultimate goal still firmly in sight, Hemopo knows what success would mean for the group.
“It would be something we could all be really proud of… we’ve worked so hard to get here.”