NSW Under-19's captain Kasey Reh has revealed a unique training program with her uncle Glenn Stewart set the platform for her emergence as one of the most exciting youngsters in the NRLW.
The halfback is the niece of former Manly premiership winners Glenn and Brett Stewart and the pair have played a key role in her development.
Working alongside Reh's father Greg, himself a legend of the Illawarra Rugby League competition, the trio adopted a hands-on approach when it came to teaching the defensive side of the game.
The results were clear to see on Thursday night, where Reh led NSW to a dominant victory over Queensland in the Under-19's State of Origin clash.
"Uncle Glenn made me tackle him a couple of times, and dad did as well," Reh said with a smile. "You learn the hard way.
"My uncles definitely help me, whether it's on or off the field. They help me whatever way they can. They're always asking me how I'm going and ringing me, I'm grateful to have them around me and have their support."
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Reh was one of nine Illawarra Steelers to feature in the 46-4 win at Leichhardt Oval.
The halfback was named player of the match after a superb performance that saw her orchestrate the NSW attack as they ran in nine tries.
Every try from Women's U19 Origin
Such is Reh's talent, the Dragons have already locked her up on a three-year NRLW deal and she shapes as the centrepiece in coach Jamie Soward's plans for the future as she eyes a debut in the upcoming season.
"I definitely want to put that Dragons jersey on and I'm working for that," Reh said. "That's the next goal I've got in my head.
"I'm training hard and whatever comes off the back of that, comes off the back of that, but until then I'll just train hard and make sure I'm improving every time I get on the field."
The Dragons have moved to secure the bulk of the Steelers premiership-winning Tarsha Gale Cup side to NRLW contracts, with Bronte Wilson granted an exemption to join Reh in the senior squad this year.
Centre Indie Bostock, brother of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock, has signed a development contract and will be promoted to the top squad next year. The 17-year-old scored a scintillating try on Thursday night to provide a glimpse of what is to come.
Bostock coming through!
Not all Steelers, however, have progressed through to the Dragons and some have opted to forge their own path.
Illawarra and NSW Under 19s teammates Chelsea Savill and Evie McGrath have signed development deals with the Wests Tigers after being lured west by coach Brett Kimmorley.
While it was a difficult decision to make, McGrath is excited by the prospect of a new challenge in an unfamiliar environment.
"He wanted me, he backed me, he saw something in me and I wasn't going to let the opportunity go," McGrath told pan66.com.
"He saw a good player in me. I thought it was time to back myself and take the leap for my own journey."
