Cronulla's annual Old Boys Day will carry extra significance on Sunday as the Sharks honour club legends and present the prestigious Paul Green Medal during their NRL clash with the Cowboys.
A plethora of former players and officials will reunite for several events across the weekend, highlighted by a pre-game lap of honour at Sharks Stadium.
More than 120 champions of yesteryear – many of whom laid the foundations for the club as we know it today – will gather for the Great White Reunion at Woolooware Golf Club on Sunday before heading down the road to the game.
"For many of these guys, this is the only time we'll get together throughout the year," said Shark No.220 Alan Wilson, a fan favourite during the 1980s and 90s who sits on the Great White committee and will emcee the reunion.
"It's pretty special in that regard. To do it at a home game is pretty cool as well.
"It's a very enjoyable day."
A large contingent will also attend the team's final training session on Saturday, sharing stories and imparting words of wisdom on the current stars.
We just appreciate the club for helping drive our special day and for recognising our efforts in the past. It's all a part of the club's heritage
Alan Wilson
Fittingly, the Paul Green Medal will be contested on Old Boys Day for the first time. The prize – named in honour of the late, great halfback and coach who represented Cronulla and North Queensland with distinction – has been awarded to the Man of the Match in games between the clubs since 2023.
"A lot of guys will be there to support the day and it does make it special," Wilson said. "I remember a couple of years ago being on stage and making my introduction to the crowd and Paul Green was standing right there to my left."
The family of Green, who tragically died in 2022 aged 49, will be heavily involved in proceedings. Green's children, Emerson and Jed, will lead the teams onto the field, while his wife Amanda, extended family and friends will also attend the game.
Other highlights over the weekend include:
- Fifty-year reunions for the 1975 Under 23s and Reserve Grade teams. The Under 23s were the first senior Sharks team to win a premiership, while the Reserve Grade side also reached that year's grand final.
- NRL CEO Andrew Abdo presenting Sharks Immortal Andrew Ettingshausen with an 'NRL 300' ring as one of the select few to have played 300+ games.
- Tributes to Richard McKell, who played 35 games for the Sharks in 1991-92, and Brian Quinn, a Life Member, influential board member and Sharks official in various roles. Both men sadly passed away over the past 12 months.
- A guard of honour formed by the Great Whites as the NRL teams run out.
The Great White committee, comprising Wilson, Sharks General Manager – Partnerships & Hospitality Kylie Lucas and ex-players Barry Russell, Stuart Raper, Aaron Raper and Ben Ross, plays a key role in keeping the Old Boys connected.
"We just appreciate the club for helping drive our special day and for recognising our efforts in the past. It's all a part of the club's heritage," Wilson continued.
"We hope we can continue to grow and have more and more players every year."
For Wilson and his fellow Old Boys, the reunion is a chance to catch up and reflect.
"It's incredible to think that I played 35 years ago and people will still go, 'Are you Alan Wilson from the Sharks?'" the 1987 Dally M Rookie of the Year said.
"It's a bit surreal because it's a long time ago. For people to still remember it and be fond of the memories you gave them, that's pretty special.
"For the old-school boys, Sunday afternoon at Shark Park – that's what football was, essentially. It was a fortress and we loved playing at home.
"I was looking forward to standing in the sunshine, enjoying a beer and watching the team, but we might be a bit wet! It's great to see them at home."
