The Illawarra Mercury daily newspaper was increasing its coverage of the Sydney premiership and Illawarra's inclusion was viewed as the best way of reviving the local league.
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In 1984, BHP Steel saved the club, signing on as the major sponsor.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Illawarra | Pohang Steelers | St. George Illawarra Dragons | Kings Cross Steelers | Illawarra Steelers | Illawarra Mercury | 1969 Pittsburgh Steelers season | 1960 Pittsburgh Steelers season | 1957 Pittsburgh Steelers season |
The station was broadcasting its own live coverage of Illawarra Steelers matches since the team's inception into the NSWRL competition in 1982.
The Illawarra Steelers Rugby League Football Club played in the NSWRL rugby league competition, then the NRL, from 1982 to 1998, and currently forms one half of the St George Illawarra Dragons joint venture.
Phil guided the Chargers to finals glory in 1997, they beat the Illawarra Steelers 25-14 in front of just 8,197 dedicated fans at Parramatta Stadium, believed to be the lowest ever finals series attendance for the ARL/NRL.