NRL premierships, State of Origin games, Test matches, 307 appearances in the top grade, Luke Lewis has done it all, however this Friday night he ticks off another significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Joining the Sharks in 2013 and debuting against the Gold Coast in round one of that season, Lewis this week plays his 100th game for the Cronulla club.
To date they have been 99 high quality performances, from a player as fit as he was when he started back in 2001 and who continues to deliver at the highest level after 17 seasons in the NRL.
While at the time it was much talked about and a difficult decision to leave the club which gave him his start in the NRL, Lewis has since enjoyed the journey at the Sharks, making every post a winner since moving to the Shire.
“To play 100 games, at such a wonderful club, plus what I’ve had the opportunity to do over the last 100 games, it means a lot,” Lewis said. “To play 100 games for one club is a very special feat.
“Ever since I’ve been here I’ve felt very welcome and the last couple of years have been amazing.”
A player to put team first and not get too sentimental about individual achievements, Lewis quickly turned his attentions to game one of the 2018 season and a clash with the Cowboys in Townsville.
Against the team which knocked the Sharks out of the finals last year, Lewis realises it will be a formidable challenge, especially considering the party atmosphere that will surround Johnathan Thurston’s 300th game.
“It will be a tough game against North Queensland, there’s usually not much in it,” Lewis said.
“I’m looking forward to it and it would be a real feather in our cap to get a win. It would be good to spoil the party but we can’t think too far ahead. We need to play our first 40 minutes, see where we are at half time, go again and hopefully get the two points.”
As has been the case each week he has pulled on the blue, black and white of the Sharks Lewis will again lead the way on Friday, and if his teammates follow suit a positive outcome in Townsville seems assured.
In the lead-up to his 100th match, Lewis spoke to Sharks TV. See what he had to say, with his interview now available.
