'Bend, don't break': How a State of Origin mindset inspired CYMS' triumph

It's a phrase synonymous with the NSW State of Origin side, and it's what Dubbo CYMS players had in their minds during Sunday's incredible Peter McDonald Premiership grand final.

Bend, don't break.

Through 80 minutes of gruelling grand final intensity, 10 minutes of extra-time, and a further seven minutes of golden point, the Fishies did all they could to stave off the Forbes Magpies.

"I think at one stage there we were bent all the way over, but we didn't break," coach Shawn Townsend said post-game.

A Jeremy Thurston field goal was the difference on Sunday, September 7, at Apex Oval as Dubbo CYMS downed Forbes 23-22 in a grand final that will live long in the memory.

CYMS captain Jarryn Powyer admitted doubts started creeping into his mind as the game dragged on.

His side was perfectly set-up to give Thurston a shot at a match-winner at the end of normal time, but opted to run the ball.

Another chance went begging in the second period of extra time, but a close-range Alex Bonham shot at goal went under the crossbar.

"Honestly, in that last stanza, I had my doubts," Powyer said.

"Everoyne was out on their feet, we were going against the wind, Forbes knows how to finish big games."

Bend, don't break.

"I can't believe the effort from today," Powyer added.

"We had four or five blokes with shit knees or hammies, and every team does, but to get it now, I'm so proud."

Powyer said the 2025 grand final win was "the best one yet".

The captain and prop had previously won premierships in green and white in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2023, but the nature of Sunday's decider and his side's past record against Forbes made it stand out.

The Magpies defeated CYMS in three grand finals in the space of six years, having started as an underdog each time.

There was also immense pride and satisfaction within CYMS after bouncing back from last year's disappointment in the best way possible.

While still one of the best teams in the competition, the Fishies didn't reach their usual great heights in 2024 and were knocked out by eventual premiers Mudgee during an extra-time preliminary final thriller.

That sparked something not just within the players, but also Townsend.

"It was a really sombre and empty feeling last year," the coach said.

"Especially for me, because I know I made mistakes last year and probably didn't give the team an opportunity to win.

"This year, there was a big focus on preparing well, getting fit, and if you didn't want to jump in, that's fine, you can go somewhere else.

"We set our standards a bit higher and held everyone accountable. Right from the start of the year, we were going three nights a week, and there were extra sessions on top of that, and if you didn't do it, it was time to hit the road.

"We set our standards a bit higher, and it probably worked for us, in the end."

Another motivating factor for CYMS was family.

After initially jumping on Thurston's back after the game-winning field goal, hooker Alex Bonham ran in the opposite direction to the celebrations to be with his wife, Belle, and their children.

Thurston, too, found his family after escaping the throng of people who swamped him immediately after his match-winner.

When it was time for the team to pose with the trophy, kids from everywhere were called in to share the moment.

"That's the part you can't put words on. That's what keeps me coming back," Powyer said.

"We had a breaky yesterday morning, and it was just the amount of kids there. Everyone has families now, and it's bigger than any individual at the moment. That's what we love."