The Sharks join family, friends and the rugby league community in mourning the passing of Kurt Drysdale, aged 31.
Drysdale, who suffered a spinal injury 11 years ago which left him as a quadriplegic, died on the weekend after a two-week fight with pneumonia.
A classy dummy half, Drysdale began his rugby league journey at the Helensburgh Tigers, before playing at Cronulla Caringbah and Endeavour Sports High School. Such was his talent, he went on to represent the Sharks in Matthews Cup, SG Ball and as a member of the club's under-20's NYC team in 2014.
Drysdale's devastating injury occurred while being tackled playing in a Ron Massey Cup match for the Cabramatta Two Blues in June of 2015.
He was courageous figure and an inspiration to many, including a number of former teammates and Endeavour High students, amongst them Alex Johnston, Billy Magoulias and retired Parramatta backrower Shaun Lane, who offered a moving tribute.
"Kurt was a genuinely beautiful human, he was fun-loving, caring and kind," Lane told the Daily Mail.
"Wherever Kurt went, joy and laughter would follow. Even in the aftermath of his accident which would have broken so many others, he remained playful, compassionate and was always smiling.
"He was as brave and resilient as anyone I've ever met...and he just kept on fighting.
"I have so many great memories that we have shared over the last 20 years and I'll be forever grateful to have had such a loving friend in my life.
"I will miss my mate."
The Sharks offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kurt Drysdale.
