It was Sunday, July 23, in 2016 when Wellington Cowboys captain-coach Aidan Ryan walked off the field with tears in his eyes.
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The Cowboys were going through one of their darkest periods in Group 11 and had just been handed a 106-12 belting by the Forbes Magpies.
And while it was one of the toughest moments of his career, it's one which now stands out for Ryan following his retirement announcement this week.
It was a brief chat with Darren Ah See, a former Cowboys player and someone he'd developed a real bond with, that day which left a lasting impact on Ryan and the club.
"I remember I walked off the field and I was a bit teary-eyed and Darren, who hadn't been at the footy for years, came and wrapped an arm around me and said 'mate, I'm going to come and be president of the club and get you that premiership you deserve'," Ryan said.
"I got so emotional. It's all because of him and the committee he built, really.
"Without that day I don't think he would have come onboard so it's special because I feel like he did that for me personally because he saw the struggle I was going through, getting my arse kicked every week, and I can't thank him enough.
"We've got a really special bond and it's something I'll cherish."
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The rebuild, and Ryan's career, was highlighted by the Group 11 premiership win in 2019.
Ryan was captain and co-coach for the club's first grand final win in first grade in 25 years and that achievement was made even more special by those few difficult years where he admits the club was close to folding.
"I was getting beat by 100 points and I was still honoured to wear that jersey," he said of the times when victories were few and far between.
COVID-19 forced all Group 11 and the Cowboys' title defence to be cancelled but it was still a big year for Ryan, his partner, and daughters as they made the move from Wellington to the Penrith region following a change of employment.
He registered with the Cowboys for 2021 and had planned to travel back and play but the more he thought about it, the more it seemed unrealistic as work and family has become much more of a bigger focus for the man they call 'Mad Dog'.
"For the last seven years in first grade, or since I was 18, my priority was probably footy," he admitted.
"My family was sort of second so it's time to put my family first and that's my priority now."
Ryan won three premierships during his time with the Cowboys.
I know when I'm back home I'll be out there running the water and getting revved up.
- Aidan Ryan
There was one in the under 16s, the 2019 drought-breaker, and also one as the coach of the under 18s in 2016.
That junior Cowboys side included Kotoni Staggs, who has since gone on to become a genuine star in the NRL with Brisbane, and Ryan said that was "was amazing year" to be a part of.
One of the real characters of Group 11, who was as well-known for run-ins with officials and rivals as much as his try-scoring feats at some times, Ryan continually played above his weight.
A hard-running winger who wore his heart on his sleeve, Ryan also achieved a dream by earning a spot in the Western Rams side which took on France in 2019.
"I still remember when I scored that last try. The crowd was going nuts and it was something I always wanted to do," he said.
"I always thought I was good enough but I think because of my height it was a bit of an issue but I knew I played like I was six foot four and I had the belief in myself.
"Timmy Ryan (former Western coach) believed in me so blokes like that I'll be forever grateful for. I've been very lucky and fortunate."
Ryan's won't be in any way lost to Wellington following his retirement.
While there won't be any club footy, the proud Indigenous man will still be a regular come Knockout time while trips back to Kennard Park to support the Cowboys are also expected.
He joked he's as fit and healthy as he's ever been and as he's still part of the Cowboys players' group chat he's regularly been passing on fitness tips and updates.
"I know when I'm back home I'll be out there running the water and getting revved up. I know people keep begging me to play, but that's it," he said.
And while the committee and teammates will forever be special to Ryan, he also took time to praise those who've always been there for the Cowboys.
"I'm thankful for everyone, especially the supporters who stood by us through all those years and kept turning up. It's been a pretty good journey with the club and I've really enjoyed it," he said.
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