Meet George Youssif — the Dragons fan and creator of the infamous “Oust Doust” banner
IT took $5 worth of material and a $2 tin of paint from a Campsie corner store and became a legend. But George Youssif will forever regret the day he burnt his “Oust Doust” banner.
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GEORGE Youssif will forever regret the day he burnt his beloved “Oust Doust” banner.
As the creator of rugby league’s most infamous fan catchcry, Youssif is regularly reminded about his banner made out of $5 worth of material and a $2 tin of paint from a Campsie corner store.
His decade long quest to “Oust Doust” became reality when Peter Doust announced he will be retiring at season’s end.
For Youssif, Doust’s departure is welcomed news.
The only problem is he doesn’t have his original ‘Oust Doust’ banner to celebrate in style.
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“Because when we won the comp in 2010 I made an agreement with myself and everyone involved in bringing the management down that we’d light it up on a BBQ,” said Youssif, who has been a Dragons fan since he was old enough to speak.
“We were on top of the world as long-suffering Dragons fans.
“We thought the club won the comp, it’s now back on its feet — so let’s move on and forgive and forget.
“But unfortunately the management just got worse from there, so I wish I never burnt the banner.”
In a double blow, Youssif created a second “Oust Doust” banner on white material with black writing after 2010 but he’s since lost it.
The second banner hasn’t appeared several seasons because the Dragons faithful have preferred to vent their frustration by voting with their feet and not attending games.
Despite this, Youssif will always have fond memories of his “Oust Doust” banner and why he created it.
“I remember there were a few people that used to mingle on the Kogarah Hill and we kept hearing them say: “Oust Doust”,” the 35-year-old recalled.
“It got to the point where a lot of the fans on the hill were getting frustrated and they wanted change.
“I thought, well I don’t mind being that person. I like causing controversy, so I went ahead and made that banner and took it to every single game leading up to us signing Wayne Bennett in 2009.
“But it wasn’t about wins or losses. It was about the progression of the club and the fans weren’t happy.
“The mighty Red V is a brand that has a lot of history and passion behind it and we shouldn’t have been in such a poor position.”
Youssif never had his “Oust Doust” banner confiscated, but he did receive multiple requests that Peter Doust wanted to speak to him.
“I did get someone from the Dragons army telling me that Doust wanted to speak, but I told them I wasn’t interested,” he said.
“I said the only time I’d be interested in talking to him is when we win a comp. He has got a job to do and he isn’t doing it properly and that is on behalf on the Dragons faithful.”
This win at all costs mentality from the Dragons faithful is why Youssif was rapt to hear of Doust’s looming exit this week.
But he says the current CEO isn’t solely to blame for the Red V’s demise. He would like to see a new board elected, while he called for Doust’s replacement to be external to avoid a “jobs for the boys” mentality.
“It’s about bringing a fresh approach to this mighty club,” he said.
“For someone who has always wanted change at the club, my initial reaction was fantastic and it’s about time when Doust said he was leaving.
“I personally think he overstayed his welcome, but to be honest it is not just about Doust.
“It’s also about the board and them giving all loyal Red V members a say to ensure the club returns to the top again.”