Sharks go back where it all began in JRL Blitz

Grounds may have been closed, but that didn't stop hundreds of eager kids flocking to Cronulla Junior Rugby League clubs on Tuesday evening to mingle with their Sharks heroes.

As part of the annual JRL presented by Quest Apartment Hotels, the Sharks NRL squad spread across the Aquinas Colts, Bosco Bulldogs, Como Crocodiles, Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks, Engadine Dragons, De La Salle, Gymea Gorillas, Kurnell Stingrays, Menai Roosters, Joeys, Taren Point Titans and Yarrawarrah Tigers. 

While the youngsters couldn't train on the fields due to the recent rain, they were delighted to collect autographs and snap photos with their sporting idols. Each club was also given a signed jersey to use in their fundraising efforts.

It was a trip down memory lane for several Sharks players, with local juniors including Blayke Brailey, Nikora Williams and Sam McCulloch (Aquinas), Sam Stonestreet and Kade Dykes (De La Salle) and Blake Hosking (Engadine) proudly visiting the clubs where they first honed their rugby league skills.

Prop Toby Rudolf echoed the Sharks' gratitude for the tireless work of Junior Rugby League clubs and their many volunteers when he presented gear to Como-Jannali, saying: "Without people like you, there wouldn't be people like me."

"It's rewarding for our players to go back to grassroots and reconnect with where it all began," Sharks Head of Community & Government Relations Vinh Tran said.

"They were all once in the shoes of the juniors who idolise them, so they appreciate the impact they can have with a simple visit and signing session."

The Cronulla Junior Rugby League continues to thrive, boasting record registration numbers in 2025 with nearly 6400 total participants. That includes almost 2300 female players, representing a 6.4% increase from the season prior.

With three clubs ranking in the top 10 across NSW in terms of total registrations (Gymea Gorillas – No.1, De La Salle – No.3, Engadine Dragons - No.8), Cronulla is the fifth-largest Junior Rugby League association in the state.

"Our partnership with the Cronulla Junior Rugby League continues to go from strength to strength, as evidenced by a record number of participants playing the greatest game of all in the Sutherland Shire," Tran continued.

"A strong junior league provides the foundation for success up the chain, so we're proud to work closely with the Cronulla JRL to help both our organisations shine.

"We wish all JRL clubs good luck with finals kicking off this weekend."