Read below for a real-time recap of tonight's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony at Sharks Stadium, where 11 club legends were inducted.
10pm: That wraps up tonight's proceedings. Thanks for reading!
9.50pm: After Dylan Wright performs a fitting rendition of Simply the Best, artwork for the permanent 'Wall of Fame' on the outside of Sharks Stadium (near Gate 2) is revealed.
9.20pm: Kimmorley the final inductee
Last but not least, Brett Kimmorley has entered the Sharks Hall of Fame.
The man nicknamed 'Noddy' recounts his rocky beginnings at the club, when he experienced a stretch of losses early in his first season, to finding his feet and a home at the Sharks.
"I'm so honoured to be here and so humbled and privileged to be part of this group," Kimmorley says.
"I was lucky enough to spend seven years here ... I'm very appreciative."
A generational halfback, Kimmorley arrived at the Sharks with state and international experience in 2002. He guided the team to a preliminary final in his first year and another in 2008, stamping himself among the game's best players. He finished with 140 NRL matches in black, white and blue.
9.10pm: Gallen stands among greats
Sharks warhorse Paul Gallen becomes the 10th member of the Hall of Fame.
"I owe everything to the club, to be honest," Gallen says.
"Tonight's all about this club and the fact it does feel like a family to me ... I signed my first contract here in 1999 and my last one in 2019.
"Loyalty's a two-way street and it turned out great for both parties."
Gallen is the most-capped Shark of all time (348 games) who will forever be hailed as the man who led the club to a long-awaited maiden title in 2016.
An exceptionally durable lock, he played for NSW and Australia in a 19-season career.
"Winning that premiership was the greatest thing I ever did," Gallen adds.
"I feel very lucky, very grateful that I got to do it, but there's a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it."
9pm: Stevens bullocks way into Hall of Fame
Jason Stevens is the ninth inductee into the Sharks Hall of Fame.
"We had very tough circumstances growing up but footy on the weekend was such a joy. It was something to escape to," Stevens reflects, with his mum, sisters and wife watching proudly from the crowd.
"I owe the club a lot and I just can't believe I'm here on stage to be honest with you, so thank you so much."
A skilful enforcer who never took a backward step, Stevens arrived at the Sharks in 1997 and was a key part of the surge to the Super League grand final. A NSW and Australian representative, he retired after representing Cronulla in 167 games and left a lasting legacy as one of the best props of his generation.
8.50pm: Mat Rogers joins dad in Hall of Fame
Cementing an incredible family legacy, Mat Rogers has joined his champion father Steve in the club's Hall of Fame.
In a heartfelt speech, Rogers starts by thanking his former teammate Ettingshausen.
"I got to play outside ET – and he made me ... I just want to say, ET, I worship you. I loved you as a player," Rogers says.
"The emotion you have for my dad, I have for you.
"I came here as a 17-year-old kid and I left here a man ... I am so grateful for that opportunity to come here and represent this amazing club."
Rogers was a gifted outside back who is second only to his legendary dad as the club's greatest point-scorer.
In seven seasons at the Sharks, he racked up 75 tries and 406 goals in a haul of 1112 points. He featured in the 1999 minor premiership-winning side as well as representing Queensland and Australia.
8.40pm: Peachey earns place in Sharks history
Fan favourite David Peachey has been revealed as the latest inductee, prompting rapturous applause from the Members and fans in the crowd.
He accepts his blazer from Ettingshausen and Gavin Miller.
"It was a nice introduction for me to come to the Shire all the way from Dubbo," Peachey reflects, recalling the "bright lights" of the city when he arrived to be coached by Arthur Beetson.
"This game of rugby league has given me so much and I feel like I've given a little bit back to my family
"It'll take a while for it to sink in," he adds of being a Hall of Famer.
Peachey was an electric fullback who wowed crowds as a Shark for more than a decade. With his smooth running style and creative vision, the Dubbo-born star still ranks second on Cronulla's all-time try-scoring list with 110 four-pointers from 232 NRL matches.
8.35pm: Dane Sorensen joins illustrious Hall of Fame
Kiwi international Dane Sorensen has been unveiled as the sixth member of the Sharks Hall of Fame, receiving his custom blazer from Andrew Ettingshausen.
"I'm glad that it happened," Sorensen says.
"I came from New Zealand, so I was born tough! I knew if you didn't step up, you came second."
Sorensen played 216 top-grade matches for the Sharks after debuting in 1977. The hard-nosed prop represented New Zealand with aplomb in 18 Tests and helped Cronulla to their first minor premiership in 1988.
8.25pm: Last year's Australian Idol winner and tragic Sharks supporter Dylan Wright is providing a special performance as we prepare to get back underway with the formalities.
7.40pm: Ettingshausen rounds out Immortal Hall of Famers
Andrew 'ET' Ettingshausen takes centre stage as the fifth inductee.
In an emotional speech, ET recalls his love for the legendary Steve Rogers – "he was my hero" – and how he inspired him to begin following the Sharks.
"As a five-year-old, I always wanted to play for the Sharkies. That was my dream," Ettingshausen continued, thanking his parents, who are in the crowd tonight.
"I was very fortunate to eventually be able to get on the field in first grade and play with a lot of my heroes. Many years later, I still love this place ... This is home."
Ettingshausen played 328 games for Cronulla – the second-most in Sharks history – as a versatile outside back. He represented Australia 29 times and New South Wales in 27 Origin games, cementing his place as an all-time legend. He holds the record for the most tries in club history with 166.
There is now a break in proceedings with main courses being served to the 160+ VIP guests seated on the Sharks Stadium field.
7.30pm: Mighty Miller's moment
Gavin Miller is the latest Sharks Immortal to be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame.
"It's a dream come true ... It's very special to me," Miller says, paying tribute to his former coach Allan Fitzgibbon, who is on hand to present Hall of Fame pins.
A tough and skilful back-rower who played 180 games for Cronulla, Miller won back-to-back Dally M Medals. He also represented Australia and New South Wales, earning a reputation as one of the game's best ball-playing forwards.
7.25pm: Steve Rogers the third Immortal to join Hall of Fame
Rogers' sons Don and Mat speak of their pride at their late father being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Don finishes his speech with a beautiful poem.
Renowned as the 'Prince of Centres', Rogers played 202 games for Cronulla between 1973 and 1985. He earned 24 caps for Australia – achieving captaincy honours – and represented New South Wales 21 times.
7.20pm: Tommy Bishop joins the Hall of Fame
With Bishop unavailable to attend, his son Neil is on hand to accept the honour.
A lion-hearted halfback who punched well above his weight, Bishop served as captain-coach of the Sharks from 1970 to 1973, leading the club to its first grand final appearance in his final season.
Renowned for his leadership and skill, he represented Great Britain 15 times, leaving a legacy in both English and Australian rugby league.
7.15pm: Greg Pierce becomes first inductee
Pierce's son Drew is called on stage to accept the honour on his late dad's behalf.
A local junior who captained the club from 1975-1980, Pierce was an inspirational lock who represented Australia in eight Tests, featured in the 1975 and 1977 World Cup-winning squads and earned six caps for New South Wales. He also coached the Sharks for two seasons.
7.05pm: Welcome to Sharks Media's live blog of the club's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the special night as we celebrate some of the finest players ever to represent the black, white and blue.
Andrew Ettingshausen, Gavin Miller and Tommy Bishop, along with the late Greg Pierce and Steve Rogers, have been granted automatic entry to the Hall of Fame on account of their previous recognition as Sharks Immortals.
Six more Hall of Fame inductees will be unveiled during the formalities.
An esteemed selection panel, chaired by Sharks historian Ash Taylor, included club CEO Dino Mezzatesta and chairman Steve Mace, Immortals Ettingshausen and Miller, and media personalities Phil Rothfield and David Riccio.
They followed a strict criteria, with players needing to have met four of the following five conditions to be eligible for the Hall of Fame:
- Demonstrated exceptional performance on and off the field
- Been an international Test representative (including Rugby League World Cup matches)
- Played State of Origin
- Played 100 first-grade games for the Cronulla Sharks or won a premiership with the club
- Received a Dally M Medal, NRL-recognised award (e.g. Dally M positional award, Provan Summons Medal, Rothmans Medal, Ken Stephen Medal) or a Porter-Gallen Medal/Sharks Player of the Year award.
