A premiership with Redcliff in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup, with the chance to play on the big stage on NRL Grand Final day, all after having signed a contract with the Cronulla Sharks for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Things were coming together nicely for former Souths junior Toby Rudolf.
That was until a serious knee injury, suffered in the first half of Redcliff’s National Championship clash with the Bulldogs, changed the course of his immediate future, while emphasising the fact that rugby league at the top level can be a cruel game.
However, in an indication of the potential the Sharks believe he possesses, the 23-year-old Rudolf was welcomed into the fold, his rehabilitation began and his future at Cronulla was locked down, with the hard-running forward and club training staff turning their attention to his recovery and to the 2020 season.
After representing the Rabbitohs in the NYC under-20’s, Rudolf played a season in the NSW Cup with Souths feeder club the Bears, before making the move north and hooking up with Redcliff in Queensland for the 2018 season.
Such was his impact, playing both as an edge forward and in the middle of the field, Redcliff and Rudolf were an unstoppable force as they went on to claim the Intrust Super Cup, his talents were noticed by the Sharks and the rest is history, with the only pity being Cronulla fans will likely have to wait until next year before seeing the strapping second rower in action.
With a great attitude despite the injury and adversity thrown at him, Rudolf is training strongly hopeful of getting on the field in 2019, however the more realistic scenario will see him return the following year.
Rudolf dropped by the Sharks Media studios as we went ‘under the surface’, asking some of the tough questions, and a few not so difficult as well. See what the Sharks newest recruit had to say as we continue our series in getting to know your 2019 Sharks NRL squad.
Toby Rudolf
Born: January 29, 1996, Sydney
Junior Club: South Eastern Seagulls
Position: Second row/prop
Height: 189cm
Weight: 103kgs
