For generations, countless boys (and nowadays girls) have gathered at Gibson Park to watch the Thirroul Butchers go round, dreaming of how far they might go with rugby league.
For most, it might be no further than shouting at the Maroons on Origin nights, but there are an elite few who could rise all the way to the top.
Thirroul’s famous club is celebrating the recent selection of dynamic young back-rower Ryan Couchman in the prestigious Australian Schoolboys squad.
Ryan and twin brother Toby began with the blue and white aged five; the Butchers’ home ground must have been like a second home in winter as they cheered on their dad, Ben, a well-decorated clubman who had himself started in the under 7s before going on to play 138 first-grade games.
Ryan is the first Butcher to be picked in the national schoolboys line-up for three decades; the last being Glen Air, of another famous Butchers family, in 1991. And Thirroul being Thirroul, Ryan is best mates with Glen’s son.
“It definitely would have been good to finish off the season,” says Ryan of the cancelled Illawarra competition.
“I was pretty lucky to play a fair bit of footy this year; I have been doing lots of training to stay fit and prepare for next year’s season.”
In a season when the issue of players under 18 being picked for first grade (through NRL player Joseph Suaalii at the Roosters) was fiercely debated, Ryan stepped out for Thirroul’s top grade aged 17.
“It was something I’ve always wanted to do,”he said. “I don’t think playing at 17 is too young; playing at that level has really improved me as a player, I feel.”
Butchers fans spare a thought for Toby, who was just about to get back on the paddock after shoulder surgery earlier this year before lockdown cruelled those plans. The twins are on three-year contracts with St George Illawarra.
Ryan intends to take rugby league as far as he can and is studying a Certificate IV in Fitness, as well as taking on HSC studies at Bulli High School.
He caught the eye of selectors when he scored a try playing for Combined High Schools during NSW trials in May.
“Playing for against NSWCCC and CIS was definitely a high standard it was a really enjoyable camp,” he said. “Our coach made it pretty simple and everyone understood their role which made it easier.”
Australian Schoolboys selector Timothy White had words of encouragement for the 18-year-old.
“Ryan had an exceptional tournament, where he showed great enthusiasm and tenacity,” White said.
“He chased everything and played as tough as he could. With a little more development, I’m sure he can go on and have a great career.”
Brandon Morkos from Figtree High School also made the schoolboys squad.
