The Illawarra Steelers got their NSWRL junior rep season off to a flying start with three of four grades recording first-up wins over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex.
The Steelers’ SG Ball, Tarsha Gale, and Lisa Fiaola Cup teams recorded wins, the only blemish coming in the Harold Matthews competition, with the hosts beaten 52-6 by the Rabbitohs.
In a tight affair first-up, the Lisa Fiaola girls held their composure late to record a 14-12 victory over the visitors.
Trailing 6-0 early, Brad Reh’s side hit back with a try to halfback Ella Greatz before the Rabbitohs crossed for a 12-6 lead midway through the first stanza. The Steelers hit back through a try to Tori Shipton to level the scores at the break. A Maddlyn Bullock penalty 10 minutes into the second half would prove the difference as both sides defended grimly.
The Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side showed their class in a 30-12 win over the Rabbitohs, scoring six tries to three after leading 14-8 at the half.
Evie McGrath crossed for the Steeler’s first try in the 7th minute, also playing a hand in many attacking raids. Captain Kasey Reh was amongst the try scorers, including Chelsea Savill, Mia-Rose Walsh, Tegan Smede, and Maria Pasek.
Jamie Szczerbanik’s Under 17 boys started brightly, holding the visitors to a 10-6 lead at the break. Jack Talbott scored for the Steelers in the 25th minute.
The Rabbitohs attack clicked into gear early in the second stanza, one of seven second-half tries, with the Steelers unable to respond, eventually going down 52-6.
In SG Ball action, the hosts trailed 12-4 early in the second half before captain Daniel Meafou sparked the attack with a four-pointer, one of four unanswered tries, presenting coach Shaun Timmins with a 26-12 win in his first game at the helm.
SG Ball and Tarsha Gale U19s take on the Raiders away while the Lisa Fiaola Cup side take on the Central Coast Roosters away. Harold Matts has the bye.
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