For Women in League round this year, the Sharks wanted to make more than just a jersey.
That’s why, pending approval, the players will wear the name of a loved one on their backs, playing for the women past and present who have inspired them, both on and off the field.
Cronulla captain Blayke Brailey said he’ll be playing for his Nan, Sandy.
“She was my biggest supporter, and I know she will be watching over me when I take the field for Women in League Round,” Brailey said.
“To me, it means playing for the women who have been a part of my journey. The selfless actions, care and love the women in my life have given me to shape me into the player and man I am today.”
When Sharks NRLW captain Tiana Penitani-Gray tried it on, she thought back to how a 10-year-old Tiana would have felt seeing her in it.
“I think younger me probably wouldn’t have even been able to imagine a Women’s NRL, and then to have 20 years of women in league is such an amazing achievement, so she’d be so proud and love the pink on this jersey too.” Penitani-Grey said.
“It represents all the women who are involved in the game, but also an ode to the women who have come before us.
“The mums, aunties, nans, sisters, all the women in administration that make this game possible, the mums that are cutting up oranges at grassroots footy and everyone in between.”
The Sharks NRL side will wear their jersey on July 17th when they play the Knights at Ocean Protect Stadium, while the Sharks NRLW side will wear it the following day (July 18th) against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
The black, blue and neon pink jersey is also supported by an emotive campaign, “BIG Love. Women Who Inspire,” which creates a powerful connection between the jersey and the inspiring stories it represents.
They are on sale now and are exclusive to the Sharks store. Click Here
