Congratulations, Casino Cougars.
The junior outfit has been named the NSW Rugby League Grassroots Club of the Year.
The club has grown from 130 players in 2012 to 340 in 2021.
Even with covid restrictions interrupting play, membership continues to rise.
And the team has some famous players to keep the spirit going.
Past junior Cougars include South Sydney’s Cody Walker and NSW State of Origin’s Matt King.
Cody led the under-16s and under-18s on training runs.
Matt comes to Casino whenever he can to see the Matt King Shield vied for at school carnivals.
Photo: DC Sports Photography
Indigenous NRL player Preston Campbell also visited the team.
He talked to players about being healthy and looking out for each other.
The Cougars were awarded the Reconciliation in Sport club in June this year.
This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 22 September 2021.
