He first donned the mighty green and gold at just six years old.
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Once those colours touched his skin in 1992, they haven't left his heart.
Playing for the Mittagong Lions from 1992 to 2015, Corey Shepherd enjoyed a very successful playing career for his beloved club.
After he hung up the boots, he set his sights on teaching the future of the club and became a coach for several different squads.
On Monday, October 12, 2020, unbeknownst to him as he walked through the Mittagong RSL's doors, he would be leaving the venue a life member of the Mittagong Lion's Football Club.
With a huge portion of his life immersed in the club and the game of rugby league, Shepherd was a natural coach right off the bat.
"I started coaching the reserve grade in 2013 and we made the grand final that year," Shepherd said.
"We lost that year, but in 2014, we made up for it and won the grand final."
The Mittagong Lion's Club is like a second home to Shepherd. Seeing everyone's faces and being at the oval is just normal everyday life.
"I'm there usually three days a week, but lately it's been more," Shepherd said.
"Six months of the year we're working at the club.
"The club means everything to me. I've become a part of the family and it's just everyday life to head down to the oval and go to my second home."
Walking into the club's annual general meeting, Shepherd had no clue he was about to be rubbing shoulders with the club's greats in the life members group.
"I didn't know going in," Shepherd said.
"Once the nominations were read out, I was lost for words.
"I didn't see it coming at all. I've been previously inducted as a life member to the junior side of the club, but didn't see this one coming at all."
Committing even more time to the club for next year, Shepherd has had to make some tough decisions, but he will still be with the club for many years to come.
"Unfortunately I won't be coaching next year," Shepherd said.
"I've stepped back from the seniors and more in the background now. I've taken on a role as secretary for the juniors next season.
"It's more of a work commitment in that position, so I've cut back with other things.
"But, I've really enjoyed coaching the girls tackle and also the girl's league tag (GLT) team this year.
"To get the GLT into the grand final this year was great. I am really proud of them."
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