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Apart from my Parramatta Eels, there are three teams in the NRL which I have an extreme soft spot for. I do not apologise for this.
These three teams are the St George Illawarra Dragons, Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters. They all have an equal place in my NRL-appreciating heart.
Out of all these teams however, there is no team that I enjoy seeing win more than the Cronulla Sharks.
The main reason for this is perhaps because of the lack of success that the Sharks have had over their time in the NRL and I love an underdog. We all know the story. The Sharks are yet to win a premiership. The Sharks haven’t looked like winning a premiership in the last couple of years.
The Sharks went into their clash against the Roosters today without any competition points and very few people had given them a chance. All these factors coupled with the trauma of the last couple of seasons – including financial woes, Todd Carney, the ASADA investigation and difficulties in the front office – has meant that it certainly has been a tumultuous time to be a Sharks fan.
But the Sharks fans continue to turn up in their thousands.
It’s for this reason that Sharks fans are among my favourite in the NRL. Despite their team’s lack of success, the Sharkies fans are always there.
They are passionate and optimistic, even in the face of defeat and have shown how fiercely committed they are to their team after everything they have been through. I love this about Sharks fans because this is what being a fan is all about. Sticking by your team through thick and thin – even when times are tough.
Indeed, when times are tough, the support of the fans often means the most.
Not only do Sharks fans have heart, but so do many of their players. The Sharkies line up usually has an ex-Eel or two in there and some of my favourite NRL players don the black and blue.
Let’s start with Jeff Robson. Not a player with the natural ability of an Inglis, Hayne or even a Guerra, Robson is instead a player who always tries his best and is extremely diligent and hardworking. This often goes unnoticed and unrewarded.
It is rare that you see razzle dazzle from Robbo, but what you will get every week is 100 per cent effort – my sort of player. In today’s game, where ego so often gets in the way, Jeff is a no fuss type player and humble for the opportunity to play the sport he loves week in and week out.
He is such a positive role model in the NRL community and it was wonderful to see him receive praise today following a Sharks win.
Then we get to Luke Lewis. Community representative, country representative, state representative and proud club representative. I have always had a soft spot for Luke Lewis. A hard-hitting forward and a pleasure both on and off the field, he is one player I would never say no to having in my side.
Following today’s win, I would also like to celebrate the new up and comers for the Sharks. The future looks bright with players like Jack Bird and Sosaia Feki leading the way.
Big congratulations also to Chris Heighington – who had my moment of the game. Heighington showed why he is the ultimate team player, standing on the side line and patting each Shark on the back at half time as they walked into the sheds.
It gave me the warm and fuzzys while watching the game. Legend.
So massive congratulations to the Sharks and their supporters on their win today. Even though you had to defeat one of my other favourites to do so, your courage, persistence and determination was admirable. Enjoy the celebrations.
Up, up Cronulla indeed.
This is @mary__kaye from @ladieswholeague
P.S. This story is dedicated to my friend Marc Leabeater who was tragically killed in a horrible accident in December last year. Apart from being a bright young lawyer and tremendous athlete, Marc’s smile lit up a room. He was the biggest Sharks fan I knew and today’s victory would have brought him pure joy. Marc, we love and miss you always.