Steelers star power has Apps feeling confident
Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues captain Kezie Apps has signed with her third Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership club and is confident her new team - the Illawarra Steelers – can leave a big impression this year.
In fact, the Jillaroos co-captain might make it back-to-back Harvey Norman titles with different clubs, after being part of the Wests Tigers golden-point win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks last year.
“Well let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, but I will admit the Steelers have recruited very well this year,” Apps told nswrl.com.au.
The Steelers squad includes three of the four members of the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues Origin spine that helped win the Ampol State of Origin Shield in 2022 – hooker Keeley Davis, halfback Rachael Pearson and fullback Emma Tonegato.
That trio were also part of the St George Illawarra Dragons’ NRLW team which made the 2021 Grand Final last April. The five-eighth in that game – and now No.6 for the Steelers – is Indigenous All Stars and fellow Jillaroos representative, Taliah Fuimaono.
A member of the 2019 Origin winning Sky Blues team, winger Shakiah Tungai, is also with the Steelers.
Apps is eager to continue her Rugby League journey. She turned 32 in February but is feeling refreshed after a European holiday following the World Cup and some downtime back home.
The potential of the Steelers in 2023 has whetted the appetite of not only Apps but south coast fans as well.
“It definitely has sparked a fair bit of interest,” Apps said.
“I was with Helensburgh forever, then when they folded I went to Wests Tigers and now to Steelers.
“Steelers and St George Dragons both putting in teams for Harvey Norman is now the pathway into the Dragons’ NRLW side.
“Being from Bega on the south coast, travelling to Wollongong reduced my time on the road and since it’s my home area, it made sense to play with the Steelers.”
The Steelers have a female coach in Corrimal Cougars Junior, Alicia-Kate Hawke.
“I know the coach very well,” Apps said.
“Alicia is an awesome person and a great mentor, so I wanted to be coached by her.
“A lot of my friends are in the side and there’s a lot of young girls coming through, who are very talented.
“Being around them and to see their work ethic, while also hopefully teaching them a few things too, has made me really excited to get back playing some footy.”
Apps had a delayed start to her pre-season, following the World Cup, but should make her first appearance with the Steelers within the next fortnight.
The Steelers are 1-1 (win-loss) after three rounds – they had a bye in Round Two.
