The Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews Cup side is just 60 minutes away from a shot at premiership glory as they face the Sydney Roosters in a Grand Final qualifier this Saturday on Anzac Day at Leichhardt Oval.
The last time these two teams faced off, in Round 2, the Roosters rallied from an early 8-0 deficit to defeat the Steelers 22-12.
But fresh off a hard-fought qualifying final win over the competition-leading Newcastle Knights, the Steelers enter the clash with confidence and momentum. That victory showcased the side’s ability to grind out results when it matters most.
Hooker Ryland Coelho said the week off has come at the perfect time, allowing the squad to reset both physically and mentally ahead of the biggest game of their season.
“Everyone’s feeling refreshed after the break and ready to rip in,” Coelho said. “We’ve had a tough run of games, so the rest has been really important.”
The Steelers know what’s at stake — and what it takes. Many within the squad experienced the heartbreak of falling one game short of a Grand Final last season, a memory that continues to fuel their drive in 2026.
“There’s definitely motivation there from last year,” Coelho said. “We were one win away and just missed out, so this year we want to go one better.”
Trust In The Process
Despite the occasion, preparation remains unchanged. The message from the coaching staff has been clear: trust the systems, trust each other, and treat it like any other game.
“We’re sticking to what’s worked for us all year,” Coelho added. “It’s about doing our job, backing our teammates and staying composed.”
Standing in their way is a battle-hardened Roosters outfit who have navigated a tough finals path to reach this stage, setting up a high-quality contest between two evenly matched sides.
With a place in the Grand Final on the line and the significance of Anzac Day adding to the occasion, fans can expect a fierce, physical and emotionally charged encounter.
For the Steelers, it’s a chance to turn last year’s disappointment into triumph — and take one step closer to premiership glory.
Saturday, 25 April, Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield
- Steelers v Roosters 1:30pm