The Illawarra region made several attempts to enter the NSWRL competition, firstly with an attempt during the 1950’s which was declined. In 1967 they made a more serious attempt to gain entry but were again denied by Country Rugby League (CRL)
The Illawarra Steelers entered the competition after a long fought effort, 1982 was their first season. Their first ever captain was star fullback John Dorahy and their first coach was Allan Fitzgibbon. During their first two seasons’ recession hit hard and the Steelers were a club in massive financial troubles. In 1984 BHP Steel saved the Illawarra side by signing as a major sponsor until their merger with St George in 1999. The sides first eight seasons produced three wooden spoons and the club needed to improve greatly. The season of 1990 saw a great turn around for the club who finish not very far away from the top 5 and in 1991 new coach Graham Murray turned the Steelers into an almost unbeatable force at Wollongong Showground (WIN Stadium) only loosing once all season. 1992 was a great season for the club who fell one game short of the grand final after loosing to St George 4-0 after being denied several controversial tries. In both 1993-4 the club just finished outside the top 5. Super League hit in 1995 and the Steelers would be in for one rough ride. During the 1998 season talks soon emerged about a possible joint venture talks with the St George Dragons, Western Suburbs and Cronulla, therefore in 1999 emerged the new club: The St George Illawarra Dragons.
Premierships...............Nil
Minor Premierships...Nil
Wooden Spoons...........Three (85, 86, 89)
Played...........................396
Won...............................153
Lost...............................230
Drawn...........................13
