I’m writing to tell you about our great mate and beloved rugby league identity Wayne Cousins.
My name is Yvonne Sampson and I’ve been lucky enough to work in rugby league for most of my career. I first met Cuzzo when I moved to Sydney in 2010. He was the media manager for the Wests Tigers, who finished the season in third and courageously lost one point thriller to the Dragons in front of 71,000 fans at the SCG in the Grand Final Qualifier. Benji Marshall would go onto win the Golden Boot.
Wayne was there every step of the way.
Footy fans would have seen Cuzzo in the background of every game day interview and NRL press conferences on Fox League and Channel 9 for the last 20 years. Never in the spotlight, but always there championing the players and helping to tell their stories. NRL clubs don’t run without people like Cuzzo.
On 12 January 2025, Wayne’s life changed overnight when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) a rare autoimmune disorder that affects 1 in 100,000 Australians each year and can cause total paralysis. Severe cases, like Wayne’s, can shut down the ability to walk, speak, swallow and even breathe.
Within days, Wayne was in intensive care, where he remained for more than five months. He spent 171 days in hospital, much of it on ventilators, unable to move or communicate.
To see Wayne completely motionless, without his voice or recognition in his eyes was confronting. On my visits I’d just chat to him about footy and rugby league gossip, hoping he’d still be able to hear and not feel so alone.
When he was transferred to Mona Vale Rehabilitation on 1 July, Wayne arrived with zero movement in his arms or legs. He needed a hoist just to get out of bed.
In late August, he took his first steps. Since then he has progressed from a tilt-table, to a high frame, to a four-wheel walker, and now walks with a crutch. It’s an extraordinary recovery from a condition that can take months to years to overcome.
But this fight has come with enormous financial strain.
Wayne was sadly made redundant from Manly Waringah Sea Eagles in December, weeks before falling ill. With no job to return to, he has faced enormous medical and living costs with no income. His partner Kerryn and his three daughters have stood by him every day, but the financial pressure is overwhelming.
We are asking Wayne’s friends, colleagues and the rugby league community to help.
Every donation will go directly to easing the financial hardship he faces while continuing his recovery.
Wayne has fought every day this year with courage, humour and determination. He’s one of the genuine good people in rugby league and someone who has always shown up for others.
Now it’s our turn to show up for him.
Thank you for supporting. Wayne Cousins, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser. All donations will be transferred directly to him to support him financially get back on his feet after what has been a very difficult year in hospital with no income.
If you’re able, please donate and share the link far and wide. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
We’ll also be hosting a Fundraising Dinner on 7th February 2026 at Manly Leagues Club, tickets are available by clicking on the link https://www.trybooking.com/DIBWH