Illawarra Steelers

[firechild]

before North Sydney who will be last.

Right where they always belonged.

On Illawarra, my grandmother was a Steelers fan but I barely knew her so never had any affinity for the club. My only real recollection of the club was when they scored in the southwestern corner in the dying moments of a game at Brookie to win by 2 (I think) in about 1992-93 - could've been earlier. Would have been good if they could have stayed in the comp on their own but alas Sewer League made sure that didn't happen.

 

[Teddyboy]

Firstly, it is a joint venture, different to a merger.

And there was a run of finals appearances for Illawarra, as part of the joint venture. Given that the partnership strengthened RL in the Illawarra, I can't see the logic in the "if they hadn't" argument.

Unfortunately the Steelers were broke in 1998 and there were no sponsors on the horizon, so they had no choice but to look for a partnership and St George were the sensible choice.

The history of Rugby League in the Illawarra is a proud one dating back to the 1920s. There have already been periods of greatness for the district, particularly against touring English sides. So to suggest the club just emerged overnight with the Steelers in 1982 is a something of a mistake.

An Illawarra side probably should have been admitted into the NSWRL first grade during the Sydney comp expansion in 1967, but I understand that this was blocked by the CRL at the time.

God that would of been better then having Cronulla in back then.

 

[Fingerbang]

I remember watching them play Manly not long after entering the comp....and John Dorahy won it for Steelers with a late field goal. Best post game celebrating from a crowd I have ever seen.

 

[dangerousdave]

Firstly, it is a joint venture, different to a merger.

And there was a run of finals appearances for Illawarra, as part of the joint venture. Given that the partnership strengthened RL in the Illawarra, I can't see the logic in the "if they hadn't" argument.

Unfortunately the Steelers were broke in 1998 and there were no sponsors on the horizon, so they had no choice but to look for a partnership and St George were the sensible choice.

The history of Rugby League in the Illawarra is a proud one dating back to the 1920s. There have already been periods of greatness for the district, particularly against touring English sides. So to suggest the club just emerged overnight with the Steelers in 1982 is a something of a mistake.

An Illawarra side probably should have been admitted into the NSWRL first grade during the Sydney comp expansion in 1967, but I understand that this was blocked by the CRL at the time.

Actually it dates back to 1911. I think the original meeting to set up the league actually occured in 1908/09 in the terminus hotel which I believe is now Dicey Rileys. Either way a very proud history for a true league heartland.

Can't help but think that had the super league war been a year or 2 earlier or later it wouldn't have coincided with the particularly bad financial situation the club had and there would still be a stand alone side in the Illawarra. That being said, I'm still proud of leauge in the area and it's contribution to my club, St George Illawarra

 

[Willow]

One day, I got Western Suburbs, Balmain, Perth, Adelaide to do first. I'll probably do St George before North Sydney who will be last.

And the Northern Eagles?

Some of these teams still exist within their respective joint ventures. For example, if the Northern Eagles were still going, Norths would still be there in the NRL - just part of a JV. I suspect you may not see it that way personally, but that's the actual nature of these JVs.

Your Gold Coast Giants/Seagulls/Chargers, Hunter Mariners and Crushers threads were all great. Same for Adeliade and Perth. But it becomes complicated when you include the Illawarra and other JV entities who are very much part of the NRL competition today.

This is the only problem with your idea - which I think is otherwise excellent.

 

[Willow]

God that would of been better then having Cronulla in back then.

I'm told that Illawarra wanted in and they definitely had better credentials, but it looks like politics got in the way.

Actually it dates back to 1911.

You're absolutely correct. I was thinking more of the players from the Illawarra that started to push for representation. Of course there was the centenary celebration in 2011.

 

[newman]

And the Northern Eagles?

Some of these teams still exist within their respective joint ventures. For example, if the Northern Eagles were still going, Norths would still be there in the NRL - just part of a JV. I suspect you may not see it that way personally, but that's the actual nature of these JVs.

Your Gold Coast Giants/Seagulls/Chargers, Hunter Mariners and Crushers threads were all great. Same for Adeliade and Perth. But it becomes complicated when you include the Illawarra and other JV entities who are very much part of the NRL competition today.

This is the only problem with your idea - which I think is otherwise excellent.

Willow getting butthurt about the Dragons being a merged club. JV, Merger, takeover whatever you want to call it; it was essentially St George swallowing up the Steelers who are relegated to history. Sure, with a few token nods to that club by the new entity every now and then in order to maintain a bigger fanbase and junior nursery, but relegated they are, (which in the main has been objectively been the best course of action for both clubs) Even the NSW Cup team aren't the Steelers anymore.

I like these threads. Keep em up.

 

[Brutus]

One name

Cavill Heugh!!!

I had a good Cavill Heugh the other night actually. Shouldn't mix my drinks.

 

[Willow]

Dear Newman, don't let my opinion upset you so much.

It's actually a good thread. Try to make a worthwhile contribution if you can.

 

[newman]

Dear Newman, don't let my opinion upset you so much.

It's actually a good thread. Try to make a worthwhile contribution if you can.

Dear Willow,

Thanks for the input.

With Warm Regards,

Newman.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

I used to tape old games back in the early 90's. I have one Illawarra game with a very young Ryan Girdler playing for them.

My mate who was born in the 'gong was a fanatic steelers fan, has a few of their jerseys, which looks all bloody similar but the logo is different in some of the newer ones. He used to go to games wearing an NFL helmet painted red with a steelers logo on it, maybe some on here people remember it?

I remember that game vs Norths at NSO where they scored on the buzzer and had a kick from right in front to win the game and somehow Timmins or maybe it was Wishart? Missed it, went under the posts for a draw.

 

[Willow]

Dear Willow,

Thanks for the input.

With Warm Regards,

Newman.

Anytime champ.

Think of it this way. If the right decision was made in 1967, and Illawarra were admitted instead of Cronulla, it is quite possible that we would still have an Illawarra side in the NRL today. And, you'd quite likely be a St George supporter.

That's how close we are mate.

 

[jonno_knights]

yeh, it was Timmins..

They would have had a real strong side in the early to mid-2000's in their own right, such a shame they didnt really get to showcase the talent under the Steelers name.


1. Patten
2.
3. Timmins
4. Cooper
5.
6. Barrett
7. Hornby
8. Bailey
9. Gorrell
10. Ryles
11. Creagh
12. Fitzgibbon
13. Young

14. Poore
15. Smith
16. Sims
17.

Just need some wingers and thats not a bad side.

 

[Parra]

Is there going to be a thread for St. George?

Exactly.


Joint venture in name only.

Steelers are dead.

 

[Hutty1986]

One of my most prized possessions: a Currarong Bowling Club coaster signed by the great Roddy Wishart.
I never bought into the whole 'they took over us' crap...i just think its a great merger between two great clubs.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Let's not derail this train, keep on Steeling.

 

[newman]

Anytime champ.

Think of it this way. If the right decision was made in 1967, and Illawarra were admitted instead of Cronulla, it is quite possible that we would still have an Illawarra side in the NRL today. And, you'd quite likely be a St George supporter.

That's how close we are mate.

I thought you said this thread was no good?

I believe in 67 ( and could be wrong here) Cronulla and Penrith, somewhat controversially got the jump on Wentworthville. Illawarra did not even rate because of the dumbo CRL. They didn't rate then. And sadly, they don't rate now.

 

[newman]

Let's not derail this train, keep on Steeling.

I had a soft spot for them. For some reason I loved the Wishy Workhorse. My brother played for Helensburgh a couple of years ago and was coached by one of the spaghetti brothers. I loved their jersey, particularly the white one, and their logo.

 

[muzby]

any true fan will have this in their library..

 

[Stagger Lee]

yeh, it was Timmins..

They would have had a real strong side in the early to mid-2000's in their own right, such a shame they didnt really get to showcase the talent under the Steelers name.


1. Patten
2.
3. Timmins
4. Cooper
5.
6. Barrett
7. Hornby
8. Bailey
9. Gorrell
10. Ryles
11. Creagh
12. Fitzgibbon
13. Young

14. Poore
15. Smith
16. Sims
17.

Just need some wingers and thats not a bad side.

Creagh? Strewth he is only 28 - would he have even known the Steelers? :?

Dean Young is probably the same age (ish)