Words by Tom Connor
As the name of his NRC team suggests, Steve Cummins is one of Melbourne’s rising stars.
Born and raised in Sydney’s west, Steve attended Westfield Sports High School where he grew up playing Rugby League.
At 2.01 metres tall it was no surprise to see him wearing four or five when he eventually saw the light and made the switch to rugby union in his mid-teens.
Packing down alongside good friend and now Wallaby No.883, Will Skelton, the pair were as intimidating as they were devastating on the field.
Captaining the 1st XV at Westfield Sports, Steve was selected in the Australia ‘A’ Schoolboys in 2009 before he made the top side in 2010. After being name captain of the Australia Schoolboys in 2010, Steve led the side to victories over Fiji, Tonga and Samoa before narrowly falling to New Zealand in Dunedin.
Upon finishing his schooling, Steve joined Shute Shield heavyweights Eastwood where he made an instant impact. Renowned for his strong lineout ability and work in tight and around the breakdown he became an integral part of the Woodies engine room.
In 2012 he was selected in the Australia U20’s side that finished 8th at the Junior World Championships in South Africa.
Developing a taste for the local Boerewors during his first trip to the Republic, Steve signed a short term contract to play with the Eastern Province Kings in the Currie Cup in 2014.
Lining up against regular Super Rugby stars week in week out proved no problem for the 23 year old, who went on to make eight appearances over the course of the season.
At the culmination of his deal in South Africa, Steve returned to Australia where he signed with the Melbourne Rebels.
Continuing to flourish in a professional environment, Steve made his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force in Round Five of this year.
Following a number of eye catching performances in the Dewar Shield and a drive to succeed that would leave most envious, Steve signed a two year contract extension that will see him remain at the club until 2017.
Carrying this strong club form into the NRC, Steve has been impressive in the opening two rounds. With plenty of leadership experience to call upon, Steve will be looking to lead from the front and help guide this young Rebels Rising forward pack around the park in 2015.
Away from the rugby field, Steve has been studying a Bachelor of Applied Science, Exercise and Sport through the University of Western Sydney.
