Illawarra Steelers
The Illawarra Steelers were the first expansion team in the NSWRL, which later became the ARL and NRL competitions. Illawarra had attempted to enter the "big time" in the 1950s and 1960s, but due to Country Rugby League constitution arrangements, were blocked. In 1980 an Illawarra committee made the case for the future of the game in the region to be safe it needed to field a team in the Sydney competition. On the 13th of December, 1980, the NSWRL admitted Illawarra as the 13th team for season 1982, with Canberra later admitted as team number 14.
The Steelers battled through the financial difficulties of the 1980s before becoming a credible force in the 1990s, finishing in the top half of the competition consistently and finishing 3rd in 1992. Sadly, 1995 saw the outbreak of the Super League war and the Steelers future existence, along with other loyal ARL clubs, was up in the air. In late 1998 the Illawarra Steelers and St George Dragons formed the first rugby league joint venture.
Steve Larder Try 1989 vs Brisbane
Graham Murray Sacked | Illawarra Steelers | Super League War 1995
Paul McGregor - All Tries for NSW in State of Origin
1992 ANZAC DAY: Winfield Cup, Rugby League | Illawarra vs Manly
Local Legend: Craig Simon vs Manly 1994 | Illawarra Steelers
Western Suburbs Magpies vs Illawarra Steelers | 1991, Round 9 | HIGHLIGHTS
Canberra Raiders vs Illawarra Steelers | 1998, Round 8 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs St George Dragons | 1990, Round 7 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs | 1997, Round 1 | HIGHLIGHTS
Balmain Tigers vs Illawarra Steelers | 1997, Round 2 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Parramatta Eels | 1997, Round 7 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs South Queensland Crushers | 1997, Round 5 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | 1990, Round 4 | HIGHLIGHTS
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Illawarra Steelers | 1990, Round 20 | MATCH REPORT
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Illawarra Steelers | 1990, Round 14 | HIGHLIGHTS
St George Dragons vs Illawarra Steelers | 1986, Round 6 | MATCH REPORT
Melbourne Storm vs Illawarra Steelers | 1998, Round 11 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Parramatta Eels | 1998, Round 7 | HIGHLIGHTS
Gold Coast Chargers vs Illawarra Steelers | 1998, Round 13 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Balmain Tigers | 1997, Round 13 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs North Sydney Bears | 1997, Round 15 | HIGHLIGHTS
South Queensland Crushers vs Illawarra Steelers | 1997, Round 16 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs | 1987, Round 14 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 1996, Round 19 | HIGHLIGHTS
Illawarra Steelers vs Canberra Raiders | 1989, Round 6 | HIGHLIGHTS