Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup representative Teagan Berry is ready to kick off her off-field career after being awarded the 2021 UOW College Australia (UOWCA) & Illawarra Rugby League Scholarship, part of an annual partnership agreement between UOWCA and Illawarra Rugby League (IRL).
“To be awarded this scholarship means so much to me. I hope to one day become a full-time qualified nurse,” Berry said. “To help people as well as doing what I love will be so rewarding.”
The scholarship follows a breakout season in 2020 for the 18-year-old, including the Under 18’s South32 Illawarra Women’s League premiership with the Stingrays of Shellharbour and a try on debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRLW.
Berry’s achievements on the field are even more impressive considering she managed all this while juggling preparations for the HSC and holding down a part-time job.
“I first started playing in the Illawarra competition after competing in the November 9’s tournament in 2018, from there it’s been an unbelievable journey.”
That journey included becoming a member of the Steelers premiership winning Tarsha Gale Cup side in 2019 as well as the inaugural Under-18s New South Wales Origin team. Berry is currently starring in the undefeated Illawarra Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup side.
Steelers Deputy Chairman Sean O’Connor said the partnership with UOW College Australia at the University of Wollongong was a major achievement for the local rugby league competition.
“This is the fourth year of our partnership with UOW College Australia. It is rewarding to be able to deliver an educational scholarship which provides a great opportunity for someone as deserving as Teagan,” Mr O’Connor said.
UOW College Australia General Manager Felix Lanceley said he was delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for Teagan to begin her studies with the college.
“We are so pleased to announce Teagan as our scholarship recipient for 2021. At UOW College Australia, we are focused on providing talented and hardworking people with the support to help them reach their full potential,” he said.
“Teagan is well-deserving of the scholarship and we are sure it will help her achieve success in the coming years and put her in a position to fulfil her career aspirations in Nursing.”
As part of their annual partnership agreement with the Illawarra Rugby League, UOW College Australia provides financial support up to the value of $10,000 in course fees to a player or volunteer affiliated with the Illawarra Rugby League Competitions.
Previous Scholarship Winners
2019 – Melissa Spero (Corrimal), Tammy Fletcher (Corrimal)
2018 – Nat Blud (Collegians); Matthew Thompson (Avondale)
