Reporter saw Nationals leaders in the steam room (5)

I believe the answer is:

sauna

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'the steam room' is the definition.
(sauna is a kind of steam room)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sauna that I've seen before include "A Scandinavian steam bath" , "Very hot cleansing room from Finland" , "Steam-bath" , "Type of bath" , "Finnish steam bath" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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