School to Work Sharks sound the alarm

In a celebration of their culture and valuable contributions to the Sharks Have Heart 'Heart to Heart' program, two Indigenous Year 12 students were honoured as the Round 14 Volunteers of the Week during the Shark's 'at-home Indigenous Round' in National Reconciliation Week.

Rewarded with the opportunity to watch the game from the Aramex lifeguard tower, Jada Rowen and Samuel Griffith, proudly sounded the shark alarm as the home team took the field ahead of their clash against the Brisbane Broncos.

“It was a pretty cool experience to be up there and be recognised for what I’ve done for NRL Sharks and how I supported them in the NRL School to Work,” Samuel said.

“I felt very proud of who I am and where I come from.

“Watching the game from there was amazing. It was the best view to watch it from.”

“Being interviewed at the Shark’s game and setting off the alarm with Samuel was an experience that I’ll never forget,” Jada added.

Following their participation in the NRL School to Work program and representation of the club at the NRL Youth Leadership Summit last year, Samuel and Jada began volunteering for the Sharks at the beginning of the season, lending a helping hand with a number of game day responsibilities.

“After the camp I wanted to do some game day stuff to get more involved with the Cronulla Sharks,” Samuel said.

“At half time we set up the field for the kids and we look after the NRL player’s kids after the game if they are walking around signing jerseys.”

“I love it,” Jada said. “The kids are so cute.”

Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5-million people volunteer and to show appreciation for their tremendous work for the many organisations and sporting groups in need of their support, Sharks community and sporting partners will nominate a ‘Local Hero’ as Volunteer of the Round.

The community contributions of each Volunteer of the Round will continue to be recognised throughout the season, with their deeds and those of their club or organisation promoted through the Sharks website and Sharks Have Heart social media channels.