SJRC Alumni Blake Steep makes NRL debut

St Joseph's Regional College graduate Blake Steep has cracked the title of fully-fledged first grader after coming off the bench in his debut for the NRL Sydney Roosters on the weekend.

Blake attended the College up until Year 10 before finishing his studies at The Scots College in Years 11-12. He was a natural athlete and a physical presence on the Touch Football and Rugby League field. Along with many College sporting teams, Blake played Rugby League for the Port Macquarie Sharks and Touch Football for the Port Macquarie Makos.

Blake established himself with the Roosters Academy and SG Ball side before pushing into the NSW cup side as an agile back-rower. 

After being named in the top 30 squad for 2024, Blake's childhood dream of playing first grade for the Roosters was realised on Sunday when he debuted in Round 13 against the North Queensland Cowboys. He played 13 minutes off the bench for 38 running metres, 7 tackles and 4 offloads.

Blake is only the third SJRC student to debut for an NRL side. The most notable being Joel Caine who attended in the mid 1990's. Joel debuted in 1998 for St George Dragons before going on to play 97 NRL games across six seasons including 75 games for Wests Tigers. Caine continued his career in the English Super League for the London Broncos and Salford Reds, later returning to Australia for a successful media career with 2GB, Nine, Fox Sports and Sportsbet.

Congratulations on reaching your goals, Blake. Our College community will not only remember your years of hard work and sporting excellence, but your legacy of leadership, humility and determination.

We wish you every success in your professional career.

4th June, 2024

Damien Kelly
Leader of Sport