Club Timeline /

Compiled by club historian Ashley Taylor, the timeline below charts the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks from inception to present day.

Note: Content will be added throughout the 2025 season.

1966-1970

1966

In 1966, Cronulla-Sutherland played in the NSWRL Second Division. The name change (from Cronulla Caringbah) reflected the junior district it was now representing and drawing players from. Their origins gave them a unique place in the game's history, becoming the first premiership team to originate from a junior club – a fact that Cronulla Caringbah are very proud of.

In preparation for elevation to the NSWRL First Division, Cronulla appointed Ken Kearney as head coach for the 1966 season. He was subsequently joined by established first graders Monty Porter, Jack Danzey, Brian Cox and John Hynes.

The side played in a chocolate-coloured jersey with a gold V, the colours said to have been taken from the district's hockey club.

On July 4, 1966, it was decided that Cronulla and Penrith were to be included in the First Division for the 1967 season. The vote for Cronulla's inclusion was unanimous. It had taken the NSWRL 20 years to expand since Parramatta and Manly were admitted in 1947.

HIGHLIGHT:
• The club's appointment into the First Division in 1967

1967

In early January 1967, Cronulla players first wore the now-iconic black, white and blue as they posed at training for members of the press. The historic initial design, which was only around for the club's first season, consisted of a sky-blue jersey with a white V and black edging, accompanied by black shorts with white and blue striped socks. The numbers on the back of the jersey were red.

It was reported in the January 1967 edition of Rugby League News that the colours were chosen as they represented the district, however rumour and mystery still remain as to how Cronulla went from wearing chocolate and gold jerseys in 1966 (in the Second Division NSWRFL competition) to black, white and blue the following year.

With Penrith also being admitted to the top level in 1967, some suggest the Panthers were first to register the chocolate-coloured kit with the NSWRFL, forcing the Sharks into a change to avoid a clash. Others say Cronulla beat Penrith to the punch in claiming blue and white, which the Panthers had previously worn.

According to the Sydney Sun at the time, Cronulla's "blue, white and black colours were adopted from the Cronulla Surf Club". There was also some resemblance to the Sutherland Council's colours of blue and white.

The club badge featured a black outline drawing of Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour. Then-Cronulla treasurer Arthur Winn explained: "We used the Endeavour emblem because of our proximity to Botany Bay into which Captain Cook sailed."

Cronulla played their first pre-season game against fellow newcomers Penrith as a curtain raiser to the Souths vs Balmain match at Redfern Oval. Penrith won 18-12; it was the first Sydney premiership game to be played under the new limited four-tackle rule.

Cronulla's first try scorer in that historic game was Jack Danzey five minutes before half time, resulting in a 7-4 lead, but they couldn't maintain it for a win in their first ever outing (albeit a pre-season game.) The double-header drew a crowd of 18,678.

Cronulla's first competition game was played on April 2, 1967 against the Eastern Suburbs Roosters. The match played at the Sydney Sports Ground was won by Cronulla 11-5.

Cronulla's first home game was played on April 22, 1967 against the Parramatta Eels. Cronulla won the match 23-11 before a crowd of 5,245.

Cronulla only managed to win one more match that season, finishing anchored to the foot of the premiership ladder at season's end.

HIGHLIGHT:
• Terry Hughes becoming the club's first representative player when chosen to play in the City Seconds

AWARD WINNERS:
• Jeldi Award (Best and Fairest First Grade Player): Terry Hughes
• Most Promising Forward: Alan McRitchie
• Most Improved Player (Alf Clarkson Trophy): John Dennehy

1968

The 1968 season saw the introduction of the 'Sharks' as the club's moniker. The club's first secretary (Chief Executive) Kevin McSweyn credits Ken 'Killer' Kearney with naming Cronulla the Sharks.

The playing strip also changed, with the introduction of a white hoop, bounded by smaller black hoops. The number on the rear of the jersey was black against a white backing.

Kearney was retained as the first-grade coach. Warren Ryan and Noel Thornton shared the job of captain for the first-grade side.

There were some new faces to emerge in this year, names such as John Monie from the Central Coast, Graham Wilson from the Newtown club, Ray Corcoran from Murwillumbah, Noel Thornton from Wests and John Maguire from St George and Paul Taylor an emerging local talent.

Midway through the season the club moved from the inadequate Sutherland Oval to Endeavour Field and celebrated the move with a 10-7 victory over Parramatta.

Cronulla finished the season in 10th position with six wins from 22 matches.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Terry Hughes was the recipient of the inaugural Rothman's Medal for the best and fairest player in the competition, edging out future rugby league Immortal John Raper.

AWARD WINNERS:
• Jeldi Award (Best and Fairest First Grade Player): John Monie
• Most Consistent Back: Ray Westwood
• Most Consistent Forward: John ‘Bomber' Hynes

1969

On June 29, 1969, British international and future Cronulla Sharks Immortal Tommy Bishop signed with the club, one day before the deadline set down by rugby league rules to allow a player to play that season. Cronulla paid St Helens the $11,000 transfer fee, securing the most important signing in their short history and their first genuine superstar.

Bishop was paid $6000 per season and standard match fees from 1970 to 1973. There were still eight matches remaining in 1969 for which Bishop was paid $300 per match.

The late-season addition of Bishop was, however, not enough for the Sharks to avoid collecting their second wooden spoon in only their third season.

Another future Sharks Immortal made his debut that season, local product Greg Pierce. The Gymea Gorillas junior made his debut as an injury replacement in the Round 5 match against the Penrith Panthers.

At season's end, coach Ken Kearney retired, replaced by Bishop, who was appointed as captain-coach for the 1970 season.

The team finished the season with five wins from 22 matches played.

Success in the lower grades saw the reserve-grade side make the playoffs, bundled out in the semi-finals. The third-grade side finished minor premiers and looked on track to claim the club's first title before losing the final 5-4 against Canterbury.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Signing of British international Tommy Bishop.

AWARD WINNERS:
• Jeldi Award (Best and Fairest First Grade Player): John Monie

1970

The 1970 season saw Cronulla establish a strong connection to their new home ground at Endeavour Field, winning seven of the eleven matches played at the ground.

A marked improvement from the season before, Cronulla finished seventh on the premiership ladder, with nine wins from 22 matches.

The season saw considerable improvement of many of the club's players, notably Greg Pierce, John Maguire, Chris Wellman, Paul Taylor, Barry Andrews, Mick Souter and Fred Dennehy among others.

Stylish winger Ray Corcoran was selected to represent NSW, becoming the club's first state representative.

Hooker Ron Turner earned national representation, becoming the club's first player selected for Australia. Turner played in the World Cup final.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Ray Corcoran and Ron Turner's representative selection

AWARD WINNERS:
• Jeldi Award (Best and Fairest First Grade Player): Tommy Bishop
• Most Improved: Greg Pierce
• Best Forward: Rod Urquhart
• Best Back: Ray Corcoran