An iconic tribute to the historic 2016 premiership win now proudly adorns the home of the Sharks, with a recreated mural of Paul Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen today launched at PointsBet Stadium.
Thanks to the support of Shore Hire, the Sharks engaged renowned street artist Sid Tapia to replicate his famous 'Up Up Cronulla' painting that stood proudly on a local shop wall from 2018 until being demolished to make way for developments in November 2023.
With the artwork covering the entire outer wall of PointsBet Stadium adjacent to Gate 1, fans can relive this moment year-round.
Cronulla supporters and Members attending the blockbuster Easter Sunday NRL clash against the Raiders can be among the first on a game day to admire the piece in its full glory and take a photo. They also have the chance to receive one of 10,000 limited-edition collectors' cards digitally signed by Gallen and Ettingshausen celebrating the new mural.
The emotional embrace between Gallen - shortly after leading the team to a long-awaited maiden NRL Grand Final victory over the Storm - and club great Ettingshausen encapsulated the feelings of pure ecstasy and relief among the Sharks faithful.
NRL photographer Grant Trouville initially captured the legendary on-field moment.
"The original Up Up Cronulla mural was a true Shire landmark, so it's fitting for a new version to live at PointsBet Stadium," Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.
"The image of Gal and ET, the greatest Sharks players of their respective generations, coming together when we won the 2016 premiership after a 50-year wait is permanently etched into the minds of our die-hard fans. Now, it's on display at our home.
"We're grateful for the support of Shore Hire and of course artist Sid Tapia, who worked extremely hard to bring this incredible project to life. The painting is an inspirational reminder of our finest moment as we strive for more glory."
Gallen thanked Trouville, Tapia, Shore Hire and the club for preserving the image, calling it "the best moment of my rugby league career without a doubt".
"Probably, other than having kids, the greatest moment of my life. It's something that I'll never forget. It was a pinch-yourself moment," Gallen said.
"I signed to the club because of a guy like ET back in '99 and to share that moment with him was amazing."
Ettingshausen, who played 328 first-grade games in black, white and blue and skippered the club, recalled the emotion he felt as he ran onto the field when the Sharks clinched the premiership and he found Gallen.
"You can see it right there – tears of joy I call it," Ettingshausen said, gesturing to the mural.
"Even though I wasn't playing the game, it was one of the greatest moments I've ever had with the Sharkies.
"Hopefully it stays up here for a long, long time."
Luke Geelan, Executive Chair, Shore Hire, added: "When the Sharks first approached us to let us know there was an opportunity to support this project and bring a special moment in our club's history back to life, we jumped at the chance.
"As a long-time supporter of the Sharks, it's an incredibly special opportunity to be part of bringing this iconic mural back home to the Shire."
Gallen, Ettingshausen and Geelan will be part of a special pre-game on-field tribute to the new mural this Sunday.
