Unforgettable night for Score Sharks all-abilities team

It was a momentous occasion for the club as the Score Sharks all-abilities team ran out for their official debut against the Score Dragons on Thursday night at Sharks Stadium. 

After a year of training and games against local teams, the Score Sharks were finally able to take on the rival club in a curtain-raiser to the NRL local derby.

While the Dragons used their experience to skip to an early lead, the Score Sharks did the club proud when they managed to snag a try to centre Aden Clarke. 

The first portion of the long-awaited match was played before NRL kick-off, where the Score Dragons were strong in both attack and defence. It didn't deter the Score Sharks, who persevered with beaming smiles.

Coming out for the second half at half-time of the NRL match, the team in black, white and blue kept fighting until the end in a wonderful exhibition of inclusion and the pure joy that sport can provide.

It was a historic evening for the club and Sharks Equal Access Program Lead Emma Verran, with the NRLW superstar describing the occasion as "really rewarding" when speaking to sharks.com.au in the lead-up to the match.

The happiness and excitement on each of the participants' faces showed what the game is all about, highlighting the club's commitment to the community by giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy rugby league and showcase their talent.

Score Sharks participant Cooper Travers also had the honour of delivering the NRL match ball, while try-scorer Clarke sounded the Shark Alarm for kick-off.

Players from both Score teams formed a guard of honour to clap the NRL teams onto Sharks Stadium, topping off a night they'll never forget.

The Score Sharks program is run in conjunction with The Disability Trust.