Growing up as a Cronulla Sharks supporter, you quickly learn a few fundamental truths, with none more significant than this: we do not like the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
This deep-seated disdain is forged through decades of painful memories, from the crushing defeats in the 1973 and 1978 grand finals to the heartbreaking last-round loss in 2015 that cost us a top-four finish. Throw in consecutive finals defeats in '95 and '96 and the 1983 KB Cup Final, and the picture is starting to form as to why those men in maroon and white are regarded as our mortal enemies.
It is because of this hatred that this week is so fondly remembered amongst the black, white and blue faithful, as it was on this day in 2005 that we inflicted their biggest-ever defeat, a 68-6 drubbing in front of 13,325 fans at Toyota Park.
The season for the Sharks began with high expectations, as the team won eight of their first ten matches. With a strong blend of seasoned first graders and promising young talent, the squad under coach Stuart Raper looked set for a successful year. However, the season took a drastic turn mid-year. The Sharks entered a severe form slump, managing to win just four of their next 13 matches. As a result, the team's promising start was overshadowed by a challenging stretch leading into the crucial Round 24 fixture.
As inconsistent as the Sharks' form had been, not even the most diehard supporter could have anticipated what was to follow when Manly's Chris Hicks kicked the ball off on that fateful August 21 day.
Without halves partner Adam Dykes who withdrew through injury, halfback and captain Brett Kimmorley, playing in his 200th first-grade game, put on an absolute clinic.
The state and Test halfback showcased his skill with three tries, ably supported by makeshift halves partner Nigel Vagana. Centre Beau Scott added two tries to the tally, while Matt Hilder, Paul Mellor and Paul Gallen also crossed the line. The most celebrated moment came when retiring club veteran Jason Stevens scored his only try of the season and the last of his career.
"When I scored that try, I walked off the field and the whole of the Andrew Ettingshausen Stand stood up and clapped. I was taken aback by it," Stevens said. "I was kind of like 'hang on, it's not over yet'. It was almost like a farewell, and then the next week I popped my shoulder and I never played again."
Winger and cult hero Luke Covell was near faultless with the boot, kicking 10 of 12 attempts.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the Sharks at the end of 2005. Cronulla limped into the finals, losing their remaining two matches, and saw their season come to an end despite a valiant effort in their semi-final loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons. The conclusion of the 2005 season also marked the end of Sharks careers for Team of the Half Century members David Peachey and Stevens.
The 68-6 defeat remains the Sea Eagles' heaviest defeat in club history. Cronulla on the other hand equalled this point-scoring record in 2016 when they put the cleaners through a hapless Newcastle Knights side on the march to their maiden premiership
