The Sharks Team of the Half Century, selected by the fans in consultation with an independent panel, has come up with an outstanding group, one worthy of the accolade as the Sharks best of the best over the past 50 years.
And what a formidable line up it is.
A team made up of 15 players with international experience, Australian, English and Kiwi captains, NSW Origin skippers, men recognised as being amongst the best in the game during the era in which they played.
Five players from the 2016 premiership winning side, Dally M Medallists and the five Sharks Immortals, were amongst those included in a spectacular 17-man team.
Such was the quality of players available for selection, a number of international players, Origin reps and Grand Final winners unfortunately missed out, however with only 17 places available the voting was close and the final decisions difficult.
Congratulations to those selected in the Sharks Team of the Half Century.
Sharks Team of the Half Century
1. David Peachey
2. Mat Rogers
3. Steve Rogers
4. Andrew Ettingshausen
5. Valentine Holmes
6. James Maloney
7. Tommy Bishop
8. Cliff Watson
9. Michael Ennis
10. Dane Sorenson
11. Greg Pierce
12. Gavin Miller
13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange
14. Andrew Fifita
15. Brett Kimmorley
16. Steve Kneen
17. Jason Stevens
Coach – Shane Flanagan
Honourable mention
The likes of Luke Lewis, David Hatch, Ken Maddison, Ron Turner, Les Davidson and Kurt Sorenson and a host of others, certainly wouldn’t look out of place in this Sharks 50 Year team. Voting was extremely tight and considering there was such an elite group of players to choose from, some classy former Sharks may have missed the team but will forever be remembered for the excitement they provided the fans and for their contribution to the Cronulla Club.
Note: The panel was made up of Telegraph journalists and ardent Sharks fans Phil Rothfield and David Riccio, author and former rugby league reporter Gary Lester, along with long-time Sharks sponsor and club supporter Malcolm Greer.
