Sharks go back to grassroots in JRL Blitz
Grassroots and elite rugby league joined forces on Wednesday night when the NRL and NRLW Sharks squads visited all 13 junior clubs across the Sutherland Shire in their annual 'JRL Blitz'.
It was an evening to remember for thousands of kids as stars dropped by the fields of the Aquinas Colts, Bosco Bulldogs, Como Crocodiles, Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks, Engadine Dragons, De La Salle, Gymea Gorillas, Kurnell Stingrays, Menai Roosters, Joeys, Sutherland-Loftus Pirates, Taren Point Titans and Yarrawarrah Tigers.
The players signed autographs, posed for photos, participated in training drills, chatted with eager youngsters and thanked the clubs for their ongoing support.
"The players always look forward to these opportunities, which remind them of where their journeys to the top began," Sharks Head of Community Vinh Tran said.
"Importantly, it's a chance to facilitate a true connection between the grassroots and the elite level. Our great game is at its best when both aspects are thriving."
The NRL and NRLW players were split into groups, with Blayke Brailey visiting his junior club Aquinas, De La Salle boy Sam Stonestreet reconnecting with familiar faces and Quincy Dodd also back at her old stomping ground of Cronulla-Caringbah.
A renowned nursery, the Cronulla Junior Rugby League is booming with a total of 6154 registered players this season – an 8.86% increase on last year. Girls/women participation continues to soar to new heights in the region, representing the highest number of female registrations in NSW with 2133 (a 19.5% increase on 2023).
"We are proud supporters of the Cronulla JRL, as they are of us, and it's impactful to have events where our organisations can come together," Tran concluded.
