A number of activities took place throughout the week, game day was a massive celebration with three games including the first appearance in the NRLW competition for the Cronulla club, as the Sharks showed their appreciation in thanking their loyal membership base during Members Appreciation Round.
In thanking the 14,500-plus members to have pledged their support in 2023, the weekend kicked-off with hundreds of Members attending the NRL and NRLW Captains’ Run at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday.
Members watched the two Sharks teams finalise preparations ahead of their games on Sunday, before players from both sides signed autographs and interacted with those who had come to offer their support.
Included in the captain’s run experience, Members witnessed a history making event when the NRL boys presented the NRLW girls with their debut jerseys to be worn in their round one clash with the Raiders the following day.
On Sunday, Sharks Members and fans lined up outside the gates at PointsBet well before opening time to make the most of the triple-header of matches, with the Jersey Flegg under-21 team kicking off the day with a gutsy 22-16 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles in front of what was already a healthy crowd.
Members and fans were then treated to a spectacular performance from recording artist Samantha Jade, which set the mood before the Sharks inaugural NRLW game got underway.
With our Sharks stars shining in scoring a convincing 28-14 win over the Canberra Raiders, in front of over 6,000 supporters to arrive in time to catch the NRLW action, and we now look forward to an exciting season to follow.
Upon arrival to PointsBet Stadium, the Canberra and Sharks NRLW squads were greeted by a special guard of honour from Member and fans from both clubs, creating lasting memories for the players and staff.
Unfortunately, the NRL match didn’t follow the script on Members Appreciation Day, the Sea Eagles surviving a ferocious finish and holding a 30-26 victory, however the excitement of the historic triple-header was evident throughout the afternoon, with thousands of 2023 Members caps and other merchandise given away to fans entering PointsBet Stadium.
Other activations leading into and throughout the weekend included a Junior Member Colouring-In Competition, which saw some great submissions of artworks from our younger Members who were given the opportunity to colour-in their favourite Sharks players.
Earlier in the week, Sharks NRL and NRLW stars surprised a number our special Members with phone calls, thanking them for their support. Some of our Members have been with the Sharks for decades and were delighted to hear from the playing squads.
Sharks Members Stephen R (NRL) and Mel H (NRLW) had the responsibility of the coin toss for the NRL and NRLW games, there was an on field warm up experience where 40 Members were offered the chance to watch NRLW and NRL warm-ups from the sideline, an experience usually offered to Diamond Members. The warm up experience was thoroughly enjoyed, particularly by our Female Inclusive Network of the Sharks (FINS) Members prior to the inaugural NRLW game.
Then also on game day, a guard of honour of 20 Sharks Members welcomed our NRL side as they took to the field for the Sea Eagles clash, while 17 Junior Members, maybe a future Shark amongst them, ran out with the NRL players in front of a packed PointsBet Stadium prior to kick-off.
Two lucky Members were given a signed NRL and NRLW Sharks home jersey at half time of each game courtesy of the Aramex Special Delivery, a double pass to the Southern Comfort Upgrade Box was given to Michael S and Bonnie S, two lucky Sharks Members, where on such a special occasion, the Members had the best seat in the house.
The Sharks Players, Coaches and Staff take the opportunity to thank the Members for their involvement and support in 2023 season and during Members’ Appreciation Round.
