The Illawarra Steelers 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative season begins this Saturday with a quadruple header at Collegians Sporting Complex. The hosts face the St George Dragons in the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale competitions and Melbourne Storm in Harold Matthews and SG Ball.
Angelina Raula caught up with newly appointed SG Ball captain Kade Reed and Tarsha Gale Cup co-captain Maria Paseka ahead of the opening round.
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Kade Reed: A Halfback with Big Ambitions
Reed, entering his fourth season in Steelers colours, possesses all the hallmarks required of a No. 7 including exceptional organisational ability, a top-tier kicking game, and sharp instincts with the ball in hand. The Wests Devils junior reflected on his journey when asked about the honour of leading the SG Ball team.
“Yeah, it’s an honour. To play one year is an honour, so to play four is pretty cool,” said Reed.
Despite his youth, the 18-year-old, who turns 19 during the season, sees himself as a senior player within the team, given his experience.
“I’ve tried to look at myself as a senior player, a bit of a senior player among the boys,” he said.
As for his personal goals, Reed’s focus remains on building his strength and fitness. “Everything is around my body getting bigger and getting stronger,” he explained.
Reed is determined to remain injury-free in 2025, which proved challenging for him last year. “Last year, I didn’t get through injury-free, so it would be good to get through this season injury-free,” he added.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against the Storm, Reed acknowledged the excitement building within the squad after a long pre-season.
“It’s a long pre-season, so when you get to the end, it’s all you wanna do is just play,” he said
As for standout players, Reed is particularly excited about the arrival of Queensland recruit Saifiti Saifiti, who he believes will make an impact this season.
“Yeah, I think, the new player from Queensland, Saifiti, he’s gonna be pretty good, I think, so he’s a pretty good signing, so hopefully, he goes well.”
Maria Paseka: Ready to Lead Tarsha Gale Defence
Kiama Knights and Collegians junior Maria Paseka (pictured above right) has been named co-captain of the Tarsha Gale (U19 Girls) team alongside lock Trinity Tauaneai (above left).
A dual premiership winner in 2024 (HNWP Open Women & Tarsha Gale Cup), Paseka also represented the NSW Blues U19s and made her NRLW debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
After a breakout season, the dynamic winger is eager to play a leadership role in defence of last season’s title. She spoke about her rapid rise and the opportunities that came her way.
“It was crazy, everything kind of happened at once, but I was grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
Paseka credited last year’s captain, Kasey Reh, for guiding her development both on and off the field.
“She’s the one that pushed me a lot. She’s a great leader, especially being our captain for Origin Country and our Tarsha Gale Steelers.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Paseka acknowledged the challenge of a premiership defence, but emphasised the importance of team effort.
“It’s a big expectation, especially after everything that happened last year. I just feel like it’s going to have to be a team effort.”
Paseka also touched on the complementary leadership styles between herself and co-captain Tauaneai.
“Trinity is a great person and an amazing athlete,” Paseka said. “I feel confident in showcasing my skills and communication with the team.”
Much like Reed, she sees the physical side of the game as an area of growth after focusing on her strength training in the off-season.
“Yeah, I guess strength-wise, I’ve put on a bit of weight, and it seems to be a bit of a trend,” Paseka said.
As for the upcoming season, Paseka focuses more on her team’s preparation than individual opposition.
“We have a lot of new faces in our team, and a lot of new friendships created as well,” she said. “I’m keen to see where this season will take us.”
Read More>> Round 1 Team Lists (All Grades)
Round 1 – Saturday, 1 February – Collegians Sporting Complex
- 11.30am – LFC v St George Dragons
- 1.00pm – TGC v St George Dragons
- 2.30pm – HMC v Melbourne Storm
- 4.00pm – SGB v Melbourne Storm
Words: Angelina Raula
Main Picture (L to R): Jackson Smith (vc), Kade Reed (c), Charlie Heidke (vc)