Roar Guru
The Cronulla Sharks may have not won a grand final but they have produced many great players. Today I continue my series with the Sharks.
1. David Peachey
1 NSW cap, two-time fullback of the year winner
Peachey was a just a freakishly talented football player who used his long legs to turn defences inside out with steps and fending people with his long arms. He was very calm under pressure, should have played more rep games.
2. Matt Rogers
11 caps for Australia, five for Queensland
A dual-international who was a very all-round winger and could score tries in very tight places. He also broke his father’s points record for the Sharks.
3. Steve Rogers
24 caps for Australia, four for NSW, lock of the year, and Dally M winner
One of the finest centres to ever play the game. He had it all, flair, nice touch and speed. He is the greatest player to play for the Sharks.
4. Andrew Ettinghausen
25 caps for Australia, 27 for NSW, two-time centre of the year
ET one of the finest players of his era. He had deceptive pace, good hands, and strong defence. He was always the shining light even through the Sharks’ darker times.
5. Mark McGraw
3 caps for Australia, 13 for NSW
Highly underrated and very reliable for the Sharks.
6. Brett Kimmorley
20 caps for Australia, 10 for NSW, halfback of the year, Clive Churchill Medal Winner
Noddy was an elite half but was always overshadowed by Joey Johns. His short kicking game was brilliant and he was a master tactician.
7. Tommy Bishop
15 caps for Great Britain, RLW player of the year
Bishop revolutionised how Cronulla played a cult hero who nearly propelled Sharks to a grand final win.
8. Jason Stevens
14 caps for Australia, 8 for NSW
Stevens was a metre-eater who was the leader of Cronulla’s pack for years. There was a stage when he was best prop in the world.
9. Josh McMartin
1 cap for NSW
Crafty hooker who exhibited great toughness.
10. Andrew Fifita
6 caps for Australia, 4 for NSW, prop of the year
Fifita on his day is one of the most destructive ball runners. His very large frame combined with his speed for a prop is unbelievable His powerful fend makes him unstoppable at times.
11. Greg Pierce
8 caps for Australia
Pierce was one of the fittest players to ever play, he captained his country and was a rock in defence.
12. Gavin Miller
2 caps for Australia, 5 for NSW, Man of Steel Winner, two-time Dally M Medal Winner, Rothmans Medal Winner, RLW player of the year and triple second rower of the year winner
In his heyday Miller was the most dangerous attacking weapon in league, his ball skills and flair tore teams apart. His play won him back-to-back Dally M Medals and a Man of Steel award. It’s a shame his play didn’t translate to State of Origin level.
13. Paul Gallen
31 caps for Australia, 19 for NSW, two-time lock of the year, two-time RLIF lock of the year, RLW player of the year, Wally Lewis Medal Winner, Brad Fittler Medal Winner
Gallen has been the heart and soul of the Sharks for the last 10 years, he was an 80-minute player, ultimate workhorse and inspirational NSW captain. He may be despised by Queenslanders (two heads), but you have to admire his toughness and heart.
Bench
Preston Campbell, Cliff Watson, Danny Lee, Kurt Sorenson
It’s quite a surprise that Cronulla have never won a premiership considering the calibre of players they have. Their backs in particular, as well as their centre pairing of ET and Steve Rogers, have been phenomenal.
This team’s halves possess great kicking games while their props set a great platform for the likes of David Peachey and Preston Campbell, who will be giving teams nightmares.
However, their greatest strength is their backrow with Miller, Pierce and Gallen. All are 80-minute players who will make the all-time Sharks team very hard to beat.