The Illawarra Steelers have appointed team captains for the 2024 NSWRL Junior Representative season.
Daniel Meafou has been named SG Ball U19’s captain for the upcoming season, which kicks off this Saturday. Daniel, a Wests Devils junior, is entering his third season in Steelers colours after playing Harold Matt’s for the last two seasons.
“First of all it’s a big opportunity playing SG Ball and to be able to captain the group of boys we have I’m pretty proud,” Meafou said ahead of Round One.
“My first goal was to make the SG Ball side, and once I got comfortable around the boys, especially being a year young.”
“I was a bit cautious of what it would be like, but after training and building my confidence, I felt like I have been able to step up.”
It was an easy decision for SG Ball Coach Shaun Timmins to appoint the hard-working forward to the role after witnessing firsthand how he trained in the pre-season and played in the trials.
“He is a real leader, not so much by the way he talks; he leads by his actions and the way he plays, and I know the players respect him.”
“That’s how I like my leaders. I don’t need them ranting and raving. He is one of those players I know the players will get behind. I am very happy with him, and he deserves the captaincy.”
Kasey Reh has been named captain of the Tarsha Gale Cup U19s. The 18-year-old is in her second season with the Steelers after playing in the condensed Lisa Fioala competition last season. The Shellharbour Stingrays junior represented the Australian U18 Schoolgirls last season.
“I’m honoured to be captain with these girls. There’s a good leadership group, and we share our role equally, which shows on the field,” Reh said.
“Most of us have played together for a long time, so I think that definitely comes in handy, having close bonds between the girls, because that really helps you on the field.”
Coach Courtney Crawford says Reh is a natural leader who has earned the respect of her teammates.
“Kasey is someone who leads with her actions and her voice, and the girls follow.
“For her, it’s about playing her game and using her voice to lead the team, which she does naturally, so it was a pretty easy decision and one she is really excited about.”
Backrower Tahlia O’Brien will wear the captain’s armband for the Lisa Fioala Cup U17’s.
Meanwhile, halfback Lexin O’Dea will skipper Harold Matts, making his Steelers debut alongside identical twin Rhys, who will play in the second row.
Collegians Sporting Complex, Figtree | Saturday, 3 February
- 10.30am – Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17 Girls) | Steelers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
12.00pm – Tarsha Gale Cup (U19 Girls) | Steelers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
1.30pm – Harold Matthews Cup (U17 Boys) | Steelers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
3.00pm – SG Ball Cup (U19 Boys) | Steelers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
