Sharks spread Christmas cheer in community blitz

The Sharks embraced the season of giving by bringing festive cheer to the Sydney Children's Hospital (Randwick), The Sutherland Hospital, Civic Disability Services (Caringbah) and the Pathways Cronulla Pines aged-care facility on Friday.

As part of Sharks Have Heart's annual Christmas community blitz – which included visits to Civic and Pathways for the first time – the NRL training squad happily spent the afternoon unwrapping presents and putting smiles on faces.

Gifts were generously donated by club partners, with Sharks Ladies Golf providing more than 85 children's items for both hospitals, Classic Sportswear supplying Sharks merchandise for multiple locations and Quest Apartment Hotels at Woolooware Bay contributing chocolates for the aged-care facility.

Nicho Hynes, Blayke Brailey, Mawene Hiroti, Michael Gabrael, Nikora Williams, Brad Fearnley, Sam McCulloch and NRLW flyer Jada Taylor attended Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick, coming away inspired by the remarkable courage and resilience of kids and their families facing adversity.

The players walked the wards handing out toys and paid an unforgettable visit to the Starlight Express Room, where they belted out songs – including a special rendition of Up Up Cronulla – and played video games with patients.

There were similar scenes at Sutherland Hospital as the likes of Cameron McInnes, Will Kennedy, Teig Wilton, Oregon Kaufusi, Sam Stonestreet, Jayden Berrell, Felix Faatili, Blake Hosking and Taj Ford took on the role of Santa. The group were not just limited to the children's wards, also visiting some long-time fans in the hospital's rehabilitation ward and specialist respiratory clinic.

At Civic Disability Services, Briton Nikora, Kayal Iro, Liam Ison, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Max Bradbury, Billy Burns, Dylan Coutts, Kristian Dixon and NRLW star Emma Tonegato enthusiastically mingled with clients and staff as part of their end-of-year celebrations.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Tom Hazelton, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Daniel Atkinson, Chris Vea'ila, Kade Dykes, Alex Challenor, Kyle Pickering and Lachlan Crouch spent time getting to know the residents at Pathways Cronulla Pines aged care. The players also served meals to all residents in attendance.

Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta also went along, catching up with resident Mike Lyon – a respected former Cronulla administrator and reserve-grade player.

"It's always a privilege for our players to give back to the community, understanding they can make a long-lasting impact with a simple conversation or kind act," Sharks Head of Community & Government Relations Vinh Tran said.

"Our Christmas community blitz is always a wonderful occasion and this year was no different, with heartwarming feedback from everywhere the squad visited. It was an awesome way to round out a massive year for Sharks Have Heart, and we're excited to continue enacting meaningful change in 2025."

To support Sharks Have Heart's community programs and enable more visits like this, CLICK HERE to make a tax-deductible donation via the Australian Sports Foundation.