Premiership-winning Tarsha Gale Cup Coach Courtney Crawford is back at the helm for her second season in charge of the Steelers U19s, which includes seven players backing up from last year’s star-studded lineup.
With the defending premiers heavily focused on pre-season training Crawford is reluctant to reflect too much on past glory or back-to-back titles but says her charges will be ready for the challenge.
“Obviously, it’s a goal, but we’re not putting too much pressure on this group. It’s young.
“We’ve obviously recruited some girls that are coming into the system as well, so it’s the goal, but we’re definitely not talking about it.”
Crawford says establishing connections on and off the field was one of the critical ingredients for last year’s premiership success. And she plans to stick with that winning formula.
“Making sure that we are setting standards that these girls take not only here when they’re on the field but also off it when away from footy and making sure they’re working hard.
“One thing about the group last season was they worked hard for each other and didn’t want to let each other down. That’s probably one of the key things that meant we were so successful.”
While there will be a number of ‘under age’ players in the squad, Crawford has the luxury of being able to call upon dual premiership winners and NRLW and NSW Blues representatives in captain Kasey Reh, who starred for the Dragons, picking up the NRLW Dally M Rookie of the Year, winger Maria Paseka and prop Bronte Wilson.
They are joined in an extended Summer squad by Indie Bostock, Koffi Brookfield, Herewaka Pohatu, and Rhian Yeo, who also picked up their second title for the year with the Steelers HNWP team.
The experienced Tori Shipton, Tahlia O’Brien, and Kiara Kostovski are among several players moving up from the U17s after being part of the HNWP championship squad.
Spoilt For Choice
With Trinity Tauaneai, also a member of the Steelers HNWP team, and her 2024 Bulldogs Lisa Fiaola Cup U17s premiership-winning teammate Seriah Palepale in the mix, Crawford will be spoilt for choice come Round 1.
“I think it’s going to be tough, but that’s the good part about this team is that every week they are going to make it hard for us to pick that 17.
“As long as they are working hard, building as a team, and putting their best foot forward, they’re definitely going to get an opportunity.
“They understand the team comes first. the girls know they might not play every week, but when they do that, they’re ready, and they put the team first.
“It’s a good challenge to have as a coach, and hopefully, we can stay injury-free, and I have that every week.
Season To Remember
Wilson, who scored four-pointers in both grand finals and in NSW’s 46-4 win over Queensland in the U19s State of Origin, capped off a massive season by making her NRLW debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons after being granted an age exemption to play NRLW with the Dragons at just 17 years of age. Now back in the grind of pre-season training, the hard-running prop reflected on her season to remember.
“Especially to be able to play with some of my closest friends and winning premierships, it was amazing,” Wilson said.
But like Crawford, Wilson has quickly turned her attention to the 2025 Tarsha Gale Cup season, hoping to improve her game and those around her.
“Being able to get more knowledge for myself and learn different skills, helping the younger girls develop, having a really good season, and bringing the trophy back home.”
And can we expect to see more of Wilson’s big-game try-scoring feats?
“Hopefully, when it’s important, I seem to score tries.”
Steelers Junior Rep Trial Games
• Saturday, 14 December v St George Dragons (All grades – Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh)
• Saturday, 11 January v Canberra Raiders (Lisa Fiaola & Tarsha Gale Cup Squads only – Corrimal)
• Saturday, 18 January v Roosters (All grades – Central Coast)