Report: NSW Women's Premiership Round 1 vs Steelers

Despite a spirited fightback in the second half, the Tigers were left to rue a slow start and a couple of key moments late in the match, as the Steelers ran in six tries to three.

The home side capitalised on an early error from the kick-off to score in the opening minute, with Makayla McFayden crossing under the posts to give Illawarra the perfect start. When Jessica Patea added another in the 8th minute following a penalty for high contact, the Steelers were up 12-0 and in control.

Veteran half Maddie Studdon was instrumental in steering the hosts around the park, creating a third try through a classy cutout ball for Kiara Kostovski, extending the lead to 18-0.

Wests Tigers began to steady after a tough opening quarter and got on the board in the 26th minute through Montana McLean, who darted over from dummy-half to score the team’s first try of the season.

However, just before the break, the Steelers struck again off the back of a brilliant Studdon 40/20, with Maria Paseka scoring in the corner as the siren sounded to give the hosts a 22-4 lead at halftime.

The Tigers came out with renewed energy in the second half and quickly narrowed the gap. A strong set on the Steelers’ line led to another try for McLean, who pounced once again in the 50th minute to bring the margin back to twelve.

That momentum continued just moments later when the Tigers found space through the middle and capitalised on an Illawarra error. With the defence stretched, Tiresa Leasuasu crashed over from close range, setting the score at 22-14 and giving Wests genuine hope of a comeback.

But the Steelers responded in clinical fashion. Georgie Barrett sliced through down the sideline to create a momentum-swinging try for Kostovski in the 54th minute, before Tahlia O’Brien sealed the result just minutes later off a pinpoint grubber from Studdon.

While the result didn’t go their way, the Tigers showed resilience and potential, particularly in the second half. The performances of McLean, Sienna-Mae Montgomery, and Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua were among the positives, with coach Mitch Sargent likely to take heart from the team’s fightback after a difficult start.

Wests Tigers will look to bounce back in Round 2 with a home clash against the Bulldogs at Lidcombe Oval, as they continue to build combinations and sharpen execution across the park.

Steelers 32 (Kostovski 2, McFayden, Patea, Paeska, O'Brien tries; Handcock 4/6 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 14 (McLean 2, Leasuasu tries; Bamblett 1/3 goals) at Ziems Park.