Tears of joy at full-time as Corrimal Cougars first grade end 777 days winless streak in Illawarra Cup

There were players down on their haunches crying as the Corrimal Cougars finally won a game after two winless years. Hear from the coach on the significance of the victory.

The Corrimal Cougars first grade side celebrate ending a 777 day winless streak. Picture: Corrimal Cougars Facebook

There were wild cheers and tears of joy at the full-time siren on Saturday as the Corrimal Cougars ended a 777 day winless streak in the Illawarra Cup.

The 36-18 win over the Dapto Canaries is the first time the first grade Cougars have won a game of footy since 19 June, 2021.

Since then it’s been a case of getting battered or coming up narrowly close to a win every single week, in a period that has really tested the players, coaching staff and fanbase.

So to finally have a tangible reward at the end of the game was an incredible feeling for all those around the club, with head coach Drew Keys recalling the emotions that were on display at the end of the game.

“There wasn’t one bit of relief on my end, all I felt was overwhelming happiness for the boys,” Keys said.

“No one can question the amount of effort these boys put in, it’s not like they’re laughing every week after the game in the sheds, they’re devastated after every loss.

“It’s been a long time for some of those blokes, there’s about six regulars who have been with us for all of last year as well, so it’s been a hard slog for them.

“To finally have a reward and to have that winning feeling is so great for them.”

Despite losing for 13 consecutive game weeks in the 2023 season, the Corrimal Cougars have continued to turn up week in and week out to ensure there are enough teams to keep the Illawarra Cup competition afloat.

Truly embracing the ‘never say die’ attitude, coach Keys highlights that despite facing constant adversity, they knew a win was on their forecast at some point.

Peni Misinale taking a hit up. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“We knew it was coming, it’s been obvious that we’ve been improving every single week this season,” Keys said.

“If you look at us now to the kind of footy we were playing in the first month of this year, it’s like we’re an entirely different side.

“It’s a group that really enjoys playing with each other and have proved that they can play good footy.

“We have a really talented young group that we want to maintain and build around for years to come, becoming more professional as a club and really creating a culture for growth and development.

“The significance of this win is massive in showing we can achieve this.”

It was emotional scenes at full-time in which Corrimal had players down on their haunches and crying while shaking hands with the opposition, made all the better by the fact it was Old Boys Day at Ziems Park, with past generations of the Cougars family getting to share the special moment.

Viliami Mahe has been a standout for Corrimal this season. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Keys identified halfback Leroy Murray as instrumental to the victory, with the talented 19-year-old taking the game into his control with his excellent kicking game and communication with his back row, such as Kristian Williams who was another standout on the weekend.

Keys also praised Welsh import Gethin Thomas who has been exceptional from the back row since arriving at the club this season, as well as hooker Viliami Mahe who took a massive wrap from the coach.

“I obviously want him [Mahe] at Corrimal next year and beyond, but honestly mate, the Dragons need to be having a look at him,” Keys said.

“We don’t want to keep our best players away from bigger opportunities just so they play at Corrimal for longer, that’s not what we’re about.

Gethin Thomas of the Corrimal Cougars. Picture: Supplied

“He’s consistently been a top three performer on the field despite playing on a losing side.

“He’s so adaptable, he uses his halfback skills from hooker by engaging the line and showing a good running game, while also leading the boys with his toughness and contact.

“Kids like him and Gethin, they’re so young but they’ve already built up such resilience from being on the losing side so often and continuing to show up and play so well.

“You won’t get that kind of resilience from the top teams that the selectors will go to first.

The coach spoke incredibly highly of all the boys who made the magical win happen, as well as the fans who have continued to show up every week.

The Cougars face league leaders De La Salle next week in their final match of the season, before starting pre-season for 2024 in November with a new sense of belief.