The lone centre in the Team of the Half Century from the current crop of Sharks, Ricky Leutele is our final nomination for Centre in our Team of the Half Century.
Arriving at the Cronulla Sharks in 2009 from Logan Brothers, Leutele featured in the Sharks’ then Toyota Cup side in both 2009 and 2010 seasons prior to moving into the Club’s NSW Cup team.
The solidly built centre made his first-grade debut in Round 24 of the 2010 season, in his side’s loss to the Melbourne Storm and from there has gone on to play 78 games in Sharks colours.
Having drifted in and out of the NRL side for a number of years, Leutele made first grade his own in 2014 where he took to the field on 23 occasions, capping the year off with selection in the Samoan side for the Four Nations Tournament.
Leutele continued to progress his game in 2015 where he was a regular in coach Shane Flanagan’s side week in week out, and was in turn rewarded with a new three-year deal.
Like most players in the current Sharks squad, 2016 was a real highlight for Leutele with his side creating history in securing the Club’s maiden Premiership.
Congratulations Ricky on the nomination and we look forward to another great year in 2017.