LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Illawarra Steelers' title defense in the Tarsha Gale Cup ended with a 30-14 loss to the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy during the Preliminary Final held in The Oaks.
The match showcased a back-and-forth struggle, beginning with the Roosters' five-eighth Georgie Barrett scoring by muscling through the Steelers' defense shortly after the kickoff.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but resilient defensive efforts from each side kept the scoreline close.
Early in the second half, Mahlie Cashin scored for the Roosters from dummy half, granting them their first lead.
In response, Siu Richter brought the Steelers back within two points with a determined individual effort.
The Tricolours then extended their lead with a try from Jayda Durham, who successfully converted a pass from Tyra Ekepati to score in the right corner, bringing the score to 14-8.
Despite efforts from both teams, the Steelers couldn't clinch a victory, culminating in their exit from the competition.