He’s an imposing figure, standing some 198cm tall, hails from Goulburn and has impressed with his attitude, application and ability since arriving at the Cronulla club to represent in the under-20’s in 2018, with Tom Hazelton now earning an NRL debut.
With the late withdrawal of Wade Graham due to a foot injury, the 23-year-old Hazelton has been elevated into the 17-man NRL squad and is set to become Shark #552 when the Sharks clash with the Roosters tomorrow night.
After learning of his promotion on Thursday, with his family in the room Hazelton was then presented with his debut jersey on Friday morning by Sharks Immortal Gavin Miller, a man who spotted him as a youngster in Goulburn and suggested Cronulla consider giving the big front rower an opportunity.
The captain’s run followed, before Hazelton spoke to Sharks Media about his upcoming NRL debut.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, now I’m just looking forward to getting out there and doing my job for the team,” Hazleton said.
Hazelton came to the Sharks for a trial at the end of 2017 and has been at the club ever since.
Like many in his situation he endued the challenges of the Covid interrupted seasons of 2020 and 2021, where NSW Cup level players had very limited opportunity to show their wares, before getting some consistent football under his belt representing the Newtown Jets through the early rounds of 2022.
Training with the full-time squad, then running out for the Jets on the weekends has put the finishing touches on Hazelton, who has thoroughly earnt his shot tomorrow where he will play alongside Andrew Fifita in his 200th NRL game for the Sharks.
Following Friday’s final training session, Hazelton explained his close bond with Fifita, Ronaldo Mulitalo and others in the Sharks squad, as well as his appreciation of his time at the Jets.
Hear what ‘big Tommy’ had to say ahead of his debut match, with his interview now playing on Sharks media.
Tom Hazelton
DOB: 22 January, 1999
Height: 198cm
Weight: 116kgs
Junior Club: Goulburn Bulldogs
