After moving from Fremantle in Western Australia to the Illawarra earlier this year, Corrimal backrower Gethin Thomas says he is determined to help the Club in his first season in the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup. Russ Haylock caught up with Gethin recently to learn more about his unusual path to the Cougars.
Gethin grew up in Western Australia and played rugby league throughout his childhood. He was inspired by his Welsh father, who spent time in England playing for Sheffield University, and his mother, who hails from York.
After graduating through the junior ranks, Gethin was selected to play for the Western Pirates in the 2020 SG Ball competition as a centre, before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He continued to work on his game and was scouted to represent Wales in the 2022 European Under 19 Championships, where he helped the nation of his heritage to third place out of seven competing teams.
“After being lucky enough to play in that Wales side, Corrimal got in touch with me, and I thought it’d be awesome to move over here to develop my footy and get more opportunities,” Gethin says.
“The boys really took me in straight away. I loved the intensity at training, and I love the Illawarra comp for its fast style of footy.”
Gethin was a part of Corrimal’s injury list early in the season after sustaining an ankle injury. However, he made his debut against De La Salle in Round 5.
“Learning about Corrimal as a Club and the history the Club has, I was really proud running out there in that jersey. They’ve really taken me in and made my life over here a lot easier. I love the Club, and I’m grateful for everyone who works behind the scenes there.”
The competition will pause on Saturday for the June Long Weekend, with the Cougars set to face Thirroul at home in Round 7 when the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup gets back underway.
