They call themselves the Steelers Angels – and if the new rules stick, they might just become one of the most dangerous combinations in international wheelchair rugby.
Bond Bull Sharks Liliana Prucha and Emilie Miller have become central to the Steelers’ future planning under trial classification rules, aimed at increasing female participation.
In a whirlwind debut series for the Steelers at the World Challenge in Adelaide, Prucha proved she belonged and gave Australian selectors a glimpse of what the future might look like in the build-up to the 2028 Paralympics.
That future has now become a little more real with the Bond University John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship recipient offered her first national contract with Wheelchair Rugby Australia.
“It was absolutely hectic,” she said of her first run in a senior Steelers side.
“I was really nervous going into it. I mean, I was looking around – all the big dogs were there. They’ve been to the Paralympics and World Championships.
“But I held my own and I’m happy with how I performed.
“We reviewed the games, and yeah, I made a couple of mistakes, but they came down to a lack of experience, and that will come with time.”
That confidence is backed by a unique and evolving skill set. Prucha’s mix of pace, precision and technical nous gives the Steelers a point of difference – and a tactical edge.
Her inboarding range (passing the ball back into play from the sideline) is exceptional for someone of her 2.0 classification. It allows the Steelers to set up their offence in more dangerous territory which challenges defences.
The coaches have identified her top-end speed as an asset to engage defenders which opens up channels for her teammates.
And thanks to new rules being trialled throughout 2025 by World Wheelchair Rugby, Prucha’s value to the national side has never been higher.
Like all Olympic and Paralympic team sports, wheelchair rugby must provide equal opportunities for female and male athletes.
In wheelchair rugby athletes are given a classification from 0.5 to 3.5 based on impairment and level of function.
To increase female participation, line-ups now receive an additional 1.0 point (up from 0.5) for every female athlete on court who is classified 2.0 or above. That means Prucha (2.0) could form a line-up with other female players such as Ella Sabljak (2.5) or Emilie Miller and two of the elite men and the Steelers can go beyond the usual 8.0 points.
For coaches, it unlocks a whole new set of possibilities.
“It’s really exciting because it opens up the opportunity for Emilie (Miller) and I to be on court together for the Steelers,” Prucha said.
“We’re called the Steelers Angels – and it would be great fun if we could have the Angels and then two high pointers like Chris Bond and Ryley Batt or Brayden Foxley Connolly in a line-up. That would be very efficient and strong.
“I don’t know if the rule will stay, and I think I’m at a level now where I can contribute to the Steelers without any rule changes, but right at this point in time the rules are great for me and are something the Australian team can capitalise on.”