Having supported the Cronulla Sharks for near-on four decades, Shark Crew member Matty Moore told sharks.com.au he has witnessed many a change at the Club in recent times.
The 48-year-old prison officer from NSW’s Southern Highlands is privy to a view that most other Sharks fans are not. In working from behind the lens – in conjuncture with the Club’s official media team – Moore captures all the fan action from Remondis Stadium on game-day.
“I have come to appreciate the Club for being a family orientated club, and a community Club,” he said.
“I have been following the Sharks for about 37 years, through adversity and success. I have always seen the club promoting a ‘never give up’ attitude, in the players, supporters and staff. That’s something that truly resonates with me.”
While Moore’s love for the Sharks has not wavered over the years, his support of the Club and the team has gone to a new level in 2015 thanks largely to his involvement in the Shark Crew program.
In aiming to capture images of fan engagement, fun in the stands and smiles at the end of the 80 minutes, Moore said he is thankful for his game-day role at the Club.
“It gave me an opportunity to continue to show my love of the Sharks, but with the camera in my hand,” he said.
“I had been taking pictures on game day of the players for the last couple of years, and the Club identified this and having seen the results, invited me to join the media aspect of the Shark Crew,” Moore added.
With his involvement not limited solely to when the Sharks host NRL fixtures, Moore often travels up and down the Hume Highway to help the Club with other happy-snap opportunities.
“I work in Goulburn and live on the Southern Highlands and insist on travelling to every home game and as many away games as physically possible. It gets in your blood and becomes part of your life, such a wonderfully awe-inspiring feeling,” said Moore.
“I volunteer with anything else I can do outside of my main duties, which includes capturing the Junior Jaws coaching clinics for the club and the young kids. The next generation of Sharkies is already here.”
While Coach Shane Flanagan and his side’s attentions are focussed solely on the challenges heading into the final third of the NRL competition, Moore said he already has one eye on next season and that he is eager to dedicate his time to the Shark Crew again.
“I am already looking forward to 2016 and relish the thought of being afforded further opportunities to repeat the successes of 2015 and to assist others in fulfilling their dreams that involve the Sharks,” said Moore.
“I would certainly encourage any and every member of the Club to get involved in the Shark Crew, no matter how big or small that role may be, because at the end of the day you are helping your Club.
“You become part of a great family in many different ways and it goes along way for the Club to achieve the success it wants and deserves.”
