THE Illawarra Steelers are still in contention for the 2021 SG Ball premiership after winning Saturday's elimination final 46-14 against South Sydney.
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At Leichhardt Oval, Glenn Buffolin's under 19s side, who finished sixth on the ladder, ran in eight tries to three against the third-placed outfit.
The win was set up by tries to Benjamin Lavender (ninth minute), Tyrell Sloan (14th and 28th), Jackson Shereb (33rd), Cooper Roberts (38th), Tyrell Sloan (46th), Junior Amone (54th) and Jackson Shereb (67th).
Winger Alexander Lobb landed seven of his eight conversions too.
During the 32-point win, Buffolin's was headlined by Albion Park-Oak Flats' Benjamin Lavender and Josh Coric, Stingrays' Trey Barlow, Gerringong's Cooper Roberts, Milton-Ulladulla's Riley Wooden, Kiama's Travis Barrett-Hancock and Shellharbour's Clive Brett.
This sets up a preliminary final showdown with the second-placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles - with the Roosters and Raiders locking horns in the other playoff.
The other Steelers team remaining in contention this season, after the revamped six-team finals series saw Aaron McDonald's Harold Matthews side miss out after finishing eighth, is Alicia-Kate Hawke's Tarsha Gale squad.
After finishing second, they enjoyed the weekend off and will now take on the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy in next Saturday's preliminary final - with the winner taking on the victor of the Newcastle and St George fixture.