The Corrimal Cougars are on the verge of rewriting their club’s history books, with a semi-final berth now within reach for the first time since 2009.
Under the leadership of 31-year-old head coach Sean Tabet, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation, both on and off the field.
The Cougars stunned local rugby league fans with a dominant 8–0 victory last week, taking down the defending premiers Wests, for a second time this season, in wet, grinding conditions.
For Tabet, the win was a testament to his squad’s adaptability and belief.
“It just shows you that we are a team that can play in any conditions and, yeah, we’re just very good on adapting on the go,” said Tabet.
“The club and the community are really starting to get back involved. I can see it.”
Back In The Hunt
Having started the season 0-6, few would have expected Corrimal to still be in the hunt for finals football. But back-to-back confidence-boosting wins and a resilient group of players have revived the club’s culture.
“Everyone just gets along well. It’s probably one of the more enjoyable years I’ve had culture-wise,” said Tabet.
“We were 0-6. And the boys being able to turn that around, that speaks volumes about the culture itself.”
Tabet, who previously coached in the Shire, believes that his past experience in rebuilding struggling clubs gave him the confidence to lead Corrimal this season.
“Coming to a struggling club and trying to turn it around, that’s definitely something I’m familiar with.
“The way things have gone so far this year, I can comfortably say that I’ve probably achieved more than what most expected.”
The Team Has Belief: Plecas
Lock Braith Plecas (pictured), who made his first-grade debut for the club in 2023, has been a key figure in the Cougars’ resurgence.
A proud Corrimal junior, Plecas is son of passionate club president Grant, and also plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons Jersey Flegg team.
Although the beachside club has lifted the silverware only twice in its history—once in 1948 and again in 1974—Plecas can feel the tide turning.
“Everyone in the team has a belief now,” said Plecas.
“The confidence and energy has lifted a lot with this new team because everyone believes. Everyone wants to do it for each other.”
Plecas also paid tribute to club leaders Kamren Cryer and Tom Carr and said his focus remains on the team’s success rather than personal accolades.
“It would be awesome to make the grand final, but win one. That’d be pretty awesome,” he said.
“As long as I’m playing good footy and consistent footy, that’s all I’m happy with.”
Battle Of The Beaches III
This weekend, the Cougars, currently in fifth place, face a Thirroul team that is in a must-win situation after an inconsistent season by their standards, having reached last year’s decider.
Little separates the two sides on paper, with Thirroul defeating Corrimal 18-12 on their home turf in the first ‘Battle of the Beaches in Round 4 before the Cougars’ 24-22 victory in Round 9 at Ziems Park.
Plecas understands that a victory for the Cougars would virtually secure their return to finals football.
“Sort of do-or-die for us this weekend, this is probably one of the biggest games of the year,” said Plecas.
As for Tabet, he remains grounded but optimistic. With the club eyeing its first finals appearance in over a decade, the rookie coach is proud of how far his side has come.
“Once you get [to the finals], anything can happen,” he said.
Match Centre
Words | Angelina Raula