In a league first, the Cronulla Sharks have collaborated with the Las Vegas Raiderettes to launch the new-look Minespec Parts Mermaids cheer squad ahead of this weekend's NRL season-opener.
As the NRL team prepares for Saturday's much-anticipated clash with the Panthers, the Sharks staged a special meet and greet and photoshoot at the impressive Raiderette Studios in Las Vegas on Wednesday (PST).
The event featured veteran Sharks cheerleader Ellie Bull showcasing the glittering 2025 Mermaids uniform, current Raiderettes Jordie and Kylie, former Raiderette and honorary Mermaid for the week Audrey, new Mermaids Director Robyn Parras and Raiderettes Director Tiphanie McNiff.
The Raiderettes have been the premier cheerleading squad in America's National Football League for 60 years, celebrating women, tradition and sisterhood. It was a unique opportunity for the Sharks to learn about their philosophy and success on and off the field.
As part of the Sharks In Vegas campaign, the Mermaids cheerleaders will appear at the team's signing session at the NRL Fan Hub at Resorts World on Thursday, while also participating in game-day activations at Allegiant Stadium.
The Sharks recently appointed Robyn Parras as Mermaids director to collaborate on the vision to create the NRL's most dynamic and entertaining cheer squad.
"We are proud to be here collaborating with one of the world's most profiled sporting brands and showcasing the Sharks brand on an international stage as part of the NRL's amazing Las Vegas festival," said Melinda Madigan, Cronulla Sharks General Manager Marketing, Brand and Digital.
"This is an exciting new era for our Mermaids, who are such an integral part of our brand, team and community. We look forward to engaging our fans and inspiring the younger generation like never before this season.
"With Robyn delivering a team of strong professional dancers and club ambassadors, the Sharks fans will be entertained from the minute they walk into the gates at Sharks Stadium right up until the final whistle."
With her elite training across ballet, tap, jazz and cheerleading, as well as being the long-time manager and choreographer of the Sydney Roosters cheer squad, Parras has promised to deliver "something special" at all Sharks home games this year.
"Unveiling the 2025 Minespec Parts Mermaids in Las Vegas is an experience I will cherish forever! It's an unforgettable milestone, not just for the squad but for the entire Cronulla Sharks organisation," Parras said.
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Minespec Parts Mermaids Visit the Iconic Las Vegas Raiderettes Studio!
"Game-day entertainment is absolutely essential to the Mermaids brand and everything we do. There will be high kicks, hair flicks and back flips.
"The Mermaids are not just entertainers – they are athletes who bring energy, precision and passion to every performance.
"Our goal is to leave fans eagerly anticipating each match – not only through our high-energy, thrilling performances on the field but also by serving as inspiring role models for younger dancers."
Back home, Sharks fans can expect to marvel at world-class displays from the Mermaids, whose footprint will extend to various off-field initiatives and community appearances.
The 2025 Mermaids will make their entrance at Sharks Stadium on March 22 as Cronulla tackle South Sydney in an NRL blockbuster.
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Ellie chats with the Raiderettes: Advice, Aspirations & Allegiant Stadium
