The 1973 Matthews Cup Sharks, a team featuring David Hatch, who would go on to become Club Captain and hold that position for seven seasons, beat all comers to win the title and bring the first NSWRL representative trophy home to the Cronulla club.
An age-group competition conducted in a knock-out style format, the team was coached by Ted Glossop, the Sharks First Grade coach in 1977, a premiership winner with the Bulldogs and the first NSW State of Origin coach in 1980, the team beating the Roosters 18-0, the Bulldogs 15-5 on the road to the final, before defeating the Panthers 10-5 to claim the title.
And to commemorate their historic victory, a group of team members from that 1973 team got together to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their title success in a function held at Sharks at Kareela on Sunday.
The former players renewed acquaintances, recalled some of the magic moments from that memorable season and remembered and raised a glass for those who have since passed in what was an enjoyable afternoon for all concerned.
The day before a handful of the '73 team attended the NRL captains run training session, interacting with and meeting coach Craig Fitzgibbon and the current crop of Sharks players.
Kylie Lucas from the Sharks Commercial department, also instrumental in bringing together old boys and Great White Sharks for functions such as this, addressed the group.
Lucas congratulated the players on their achievement while offering apologies from Chairman Steve Mace and CEO Dino Mezzatesta who were both committed to attending the Sharks v Knights NRL match in Newcastle, with the pair offering their acknowledgement and congratulations for their achievement.
Club Historian Ashley Taylor also hosted the group on behalf of the Sharks, unveiling some media articles and memorabilia from back in the day, with the boys then settling in to watch the NRL match from Newcastle.
The group were also presented with a special gift to remember their victory in 1973 and the anniversary event.
Included in the group to attend were team members Warren Macris, Paul Riley, Colin Eadie, Brett Sykes, Gerard Tubridy, Steve Riley, Bruce Canavan, Bret Appel, Mark Sargeant, Brian Lamerton, Mark Beltran, David Hatch and the son of the late Brian Kember.
