With just one win and a draw in the first five rounds, the Steelers SG Ball team has been forced to play sudden-death footy ever since to keep their season alive. After three consecutive wins, they have given themselves an outside chance of featuring in finals football heading into the final round.
They played their most complete game of the season last weekend, toppling the previously undefeated Canberra Raiders 26-10, having picked up victories against Balmain and North Sydney in the previous two rounds.
Ahead of the last round of the regular season, halfback Ashton Ward says his team have the momentum to finish the season on a winning note, providing they do the basics right when they take on the Sharks this Saturday.
“I think we should be really confident going into this game, especially coming off last week’s performance,” Ashton says.
Ward has been instrumental in steering the team around this season, combining with players all over the ground throughout the 2023 season.
[Watch] Ward’s winning ways >>
“With our ball-playing middles, we’ve been able to play a bit of footy coming out of our own end, not just when we get down to the line.
“It’s always handy when you’ve got good players around you. It always makes your life easier.”
A win over the Sharks and a loss from either the Roosters or Bulldogs will see Ashton and his teammates climb from eighth to sixth and finish in the finals.
Davis double act
Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership captain Keeley Davis says she was proud of her team for outlasting the Mounties at home last weekend but admitted there are areas they will be looking to improve on this week.
Davis set up Emma Tonegato to put the Steelers in front on Saturday. Only two minutes later, she dived over for a try of her own to seal the 22-12 victory.
[Watch] Davis double act>>
“Our errors are something we need to stamp out and make sure we’re better at on Monday, but it was pleasing to get the win. They’re a very physical team, and they’ve been around the top for a few years now, so it was a pleasing result in the end,” Keeley says.
Winger Ana Raduva debuted for the Steelers senior women’s team on Saturday, scoring the first try and becoming the 27th player to feature this season. Keeley says this is a testament to the depth in the squad, which has been tested through injury and availability across the first eight rounds.
“I think the depth is one of the most pleasing things about the whole squad. Our coaches have done such a great job to make sure everyone is really skilled and up to the level, really making sure everyone knows their role and can fill other roles.
“When we get an injury, it’s the next person up, and they’re doing a really good job when they get that opportunity.”
Keeley and co will take on the Cronulla Sharks at Collegians Sporting Complex on Monday night, with winger Teagan Berry ready to line up again after returning as a late inclusion last week. A finger injury meant Berry missed five matches after starring in Round 1 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
[Watch] Berry goes long range>>
Despite the break for injury, Teagan has been present around the squad and has seen them develop nicely between her first and second games.
“Everyone has come along so well, and we’re all competing for a spot with finals coming up. It’s good to have good healthy competition,” Teagan says.
As for Monday’s game, Teagan is looking forward to taking on the sixth-placed Sharks, who will be looking to chase down the fourth-placed Steelers as the end of the season approaches.
“They’ve got quite a fast team and a big forward pack as well. I think we’ll match up pretty well, so if we can get on top of them early, we can just grind it out.”
Read more>> Round 9 Fixtures & Team Lists
Words | Russ Haylock