The Winning Try

After a fall from the limelight, former rugby standout Joo Ga-ram takes the unexpected step of coaching the struggling team at his old high school. He returns to a program low on confidence and resources, where he bumps into Bae Yi-ji, his former girlfriend who still works at the school. The new coach clashes and connects with the team's driven captain, Yoon Seong-joon, while trying to rebuild fundamentals and morale. The series focuses on practices, locker-room tensions, and small victories as the team learns to trust one another and push for a turnaround without revealing how their season ends.

The show premiered in 2025, created by Im Jin-ah and directed by Jang Young-seok. It features Yoon Kye-sang, Lim Se-mi, Kim Yo-han, Kim Dan, and Kil Hae-yeon in the principal roles, blending comedy beats with sports drama.

Critics and early viewers have praised the ensemble performances and the show's energy, reflected in a strong user score of 8.65 out of 10 from early votes. Reviewers note its steady mix of humor and emotional honesty, while viewers have highlighted the chemistry between the leads and the realistic depiction of team work and discipline.

Major themes include second chances, leadership, and how everyday decisions shape a group. The series looks at masculinity, mentorship, and personal pride without turning any single scene into melodrama. It spends as much time on small training drills and character conversations as on match sequences, which keeps the focus on growth rather than spectacle.

While it's too new to have a long awards history, the show drew attention on release for its cast and tone. It hasn't been tied to major festival prizes or industry awards yet, but it has generated steady online discussion and fan interest around the performances and its sports-centered storytelling.