The Corowa Cougars women’s league tag team concluded their extraordinary 2025 campaign as grand final runners-up, falling 18-8 to Shepparton Eagles in a hard-fought contest, at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve.

Grand Final - A Season’s Culmination

Despite not achieving the ultimate prize, the team’s progression to featuring in consecutive grand finals, represents an outstanding achievement that the entire Cougars community can celebrate with immense pride.

The Cougars gave everything they had in pursuit of their first grand final win, but it simply wasn’t their day.

Missed tags at crucial moments, dropped balls that would normally stick, and several calls that didn’t fall their way contributed to the challenging afternoon against an Eagles side that took their opportunities when they presented.

Despite the circumstances, the team continued to compete until the final whistle.

The Eagles crossed for four tries, including two to their key player Fofoa Tulimafono, while the Cougars responded with tries to Bridgette Lee in the ninth minute and Mackenzie Winnell in the 23rd minute.

Playing coach Tash Johnson reflected on the season with mixed emotions but overwhelming pride.

“While we’re disappointed with today’s result, I couldn’t be prouder of what this group of ladies, and my husband Brenden, has achieved,” Johnson said.

“To reach consecutive grand finals is something special, but what makes me most proud is the community we’ve built.

“The scoreboard didn’t reflect our effort on the day; we had our chances but couldn’t quite execute when it mattered.

“That’s grand final football.

“But this group has shown incredible character all season long, and reaching back-to-back grand finals with the culture we’ve created is something I hope the team is unbelievably proud of.”

Season Reflections - The People Behind the Performance

The 2025 season will be remembered for the individual journeys that combined to create something truly special.

#1: Bridgette Lee

Bridget emerged as the defensive anchor whose attacking instincts and rugby league intelligence made her indispensable. Her try in the grand final typified her ability to create something from nothing when the team needed it most.

#2: Leesa Hawking

Leesa brought infectious energy and explosive pace that lit up every match. Her trademark smile and unwavering support for teammates created the positive atmosphere that defined the team’s approach.

#3: Camryn Andracchio

Camryn developed into a vocal leader whose game plan implementation and defensive communication kept the team organised under the most intense pressure.

#4: Georgia Farrington

Georgia proved herself as the ultimate utility player, equally dangerous with ball in hand or shutting down opposition attacks. Her versatility and physical presence were crucial throughout the campaign.

#5: Montana Hargreaves

Montana provided reliability and flair on the wing, with her support running and finishing ability creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the season.

#6: Skye Rodgers

Skye combined tactical kicking with individual brilliance, both her right-side combinations and ability to break the line proving decisive in numerous victories.

#7: Coach Tash Johnson’s

Tash’s skill lies in her ability to control games while simultaneously managing player development, tactical adjustments, and team culture.

#8: Shanae Murphy epitomised versatility and commitment, seamlessly moving between forward and hooker roles while maintaining the tireless work rate that set the standard for the entire pack.

#9: Captain Eboni Clifton

Eboni led by example from hooker, her composure under pressure and tactical awareness providing the steady leadership that guided the team through challenging moments.

#10: Mackenzie Winnell

A genuine utility threat whose ball-playing ability and defensive work created attacking opportunities while shutting down opposition movements.

#11: Sophie Lee

Sophie terrorised defences with her pace and finishing ability, her trademark long-range tries providing momentum-shifting moments throughout the season.

#12: Jayla Chisholm

Jayla had a season of great individual improvement, running confident lines up the middle and making some crucial tags.

#13: Steph Johnstone

Steph provided energy and adaptability in her first year of the sport, epitomising the team spirit.

#15: Tyler Hocking

Tyler brought power and leadership to our middle. A cool collected head on the field, with a cunning defensive eye.

#18: Paisley Shaw

Corowa’s youngest leader Paisley brought maturity beyond her years by seeking out and implementing feedback, a core to the Cougars middle.

#19: Chevy Parker

Chevy showcased remarkable development in her first season of rugby, her fast paced learning of plays and killer attitude make her a fierce competitor and teammate.

#22: Erin McGregor

Erin added crucial depth and experience to our middle, taking key hit ups that allowed the team to maintain intensity throughout the longest season in the club’s recent history.

While photographer Ashlee Ballhause missed playing the final on the field, she captured the team through the lens, showing support in the rain, hail or shine.

Assistant Coach Brenden Johnson proved his impact.

Serving simultaneously as assistant coach, sports trainer, bench manager, and team motivator, Brenden’s multi-faceted role was crucial to the team’s success.

What sets Brenden apart is his genuine passion for rugby league and ability to find joy in every aspect of the game, creating infectious enthusiasm that became a driving force behind the team’s achievements.

The loyalty and respect his players showed him throughout the season reflected both his coaching expertise and the authentic connections he built with each team member.

A Season to Remember

While the result was not what the team hoped for, the achievement of reaching consecutive grand finals cannot be understated.

The journey from regular season through finals football has showcased a group of players who have grown together both as individuals and as a collective unit.

The impact of the season extends far beyond the rugby league field, with players having flourished both personally and professionally.

Community and Culture

The overwhelming support from the Cougars community throughout the season has been a driving force behind the team’s success.

The bonds created between players, coaches, families and supporters have transformed the club into something truly special that extends well beyond rugby league.

From first-year players like Chevy Parker discovering her love for the game to experienced players finding renewed purpose and connection, the season has created lasting positive change in many lives.

Looking Forward

As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the Corowa Cougars look forward to the Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership League presentation night on Saturday, September 13 and the Corowa Cougars Club presentation night on Friday, September 26 at Club Corowa.

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Monday, 16th January 2023

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