When league tag was introduced to the Murray Cup rugby competition in 2017, it provided an opportunity for local women to launch into the game of rugby league with the formation of Corowa Cougars women’s team.
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Since then, the women’s team has gone from strength to strength and proudly boast 17 registered players this year from Corowa, Albury-Wodonga, Yarrawonga-Mulwala, Chiltern and even as far as Geelong.
“The numbers this year has been a great improvement from previous years, and we are starting to see commitment ongoing with players this year already excited for what’s to come next year,” club treasurer and player Emma Webb said.
“The club has worked really hard to bring good culture back. Both the men’s and women’s team gel really well and it makes it enjoyable to be there.
“The culture building has also really helped with getting strong commitment to the game and the number at training, particularly for the women’s team, it has been fantastic.”
With a thriving culture, the club is paving the way for women in rugby league in Corowa, particularly in an AFL dominated area.
“A lot of our players have come from other sports in the region and have expressed how much more they have enjoyed it than the other sports they have participated in,” Emma said.
“I think that is a great example of the culture we have built this year. Everyone gets along, no one is left out and there are no cliquey groups. It’ genuinely a great time for everyone out there.
“Training is Tuesdays and Thursday nights 6.30pm-7.30pm and on the last Thursday of every month we run a meal night after training which is always really fun and gives the teams an opportunity to interact with each other off the field.”
This year, the Cougar women are part of the district Women’s League Tag comprising of five teams on the border.
“It is a fairly fast paced game with similar rules to Rugby League,” Emma said.
“Our defence is played by tagging the opponent rather than tackling.
“We field 11 players, and the aim of the game is the same as Rugby League, to score tries and convert them.”
The women’s Cougars side are coached by Steven Briggs who has more than 12 years’ experience with coaching men’s and junior teams and also plays for the Cougar men’s team.
So far, the Cougar women have had two wins this year out of five games played.
“Covid has made the season a bit of a challenge with the competition stopping due to lockdowns.
“We are not sure where we stand moving forward however the women’s team has dug deep this year with majority of our players having no experience in the game.
“It has been wonderful to see how the team has improved with regular commitment to training. Every lady has in some way, or another showed improved skills and been an asset to the team.”
While there have been plenty of setbacks from COVID-19, the club continue to power on each week with plenty of enthusiasm.
“We would like to thank all of the ladies for their ongoing commitment to the sport this year, the committee who have worked tirelessly on improvements to the club and to our spectators, sponsors and followers. Without all of these people we wouldn’t be able to offer the sport,” Emma said.
Anyone interested in joining the Cougars in 2022 are encouraged to head down to the club rooms at the Corowa Airport during training times or search the club on Facebook-Corowa Cougars Rugby League.
“When we get ready for preseason next year there will be plenty of advertisement on social media platforms. I would encourage anyone who may be interested in checking out the game to come down and have a run. Anyone over 16 can play and there is no experience necessary,” Emma said.
