A special jersey presentation was held for Oregon Kaufusi and Will Kennedy in the Sharks team hotel in Brisbane today.
Both are quiet achievers, ever humble, always leading by example and putting the team first.
“They’re just good men," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.
"They’re two of the more popular players for a reason. They’re really stable guys. They turn up, train hard, work hard, and love being at the Sharks.
“They’re not anything other than grateful for the opportunity to wear our colours and our jersey, and they love their teammates and the club.”
Fittingly, they’ll bring up their 150th NRL games side-by-side.
The pair took the time to reflect on their journeys this week ahead of their duel with the Dolphins.
“Yeah, very excited for 150 games," Kennedy smiled.
“Moving from Bathurst and then playing junior footy for Caringbah, and then how far I’ve come from that.
"Moving away from family and the sacrifices I’ve had to make, and just happy to play one NRL game, but to make 150 is a big thing.”
Kaufusi's actions often speak louder than his words, but he made sure to let his teammates know how much the achievement means to him.
“I’m usually one not to boast about milestones, but I am very proud of this one,” a humbled Kaufusi confessed.
Oregon played the first 71 games of his NRL career at the Eels and is about to play his 79th for the Sharks.
He played in the 2022 grand final with the Eels and has been a crucial part of the Sharks' engine room since arriving in 2023, helping the side reach the last two preliminary finals.
Oregon Kaufusi 150
"Oggy (Oregon) is massive for us," his fellow front-rower Toby Rudolf said.
"He's underrated on the outside, but inside, we know what he means to us. Getting to 150 games while playing in the middle at 26 shows just how good he is.
"We love him; he never shirks his work and always puts the boys first."
Kennedy is also an underrated champion adored at the club.
His combination with fellow spine members Blayke Brailey, Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall has grown from strength to strength and has been integral to the club's success over the last few years.
The recently re-signed fullback will become the 25th player to reach 150 games solely in the black, white and blue of Cronulla.
“I’m very happy for him," Tom Hazelton expressed.
"I love that guy so much. I can’t wait to get out there with him and hopefully celebrate the milestone with him on Saturday.”
Will Kennedy 150
"I definitely think he is the most underrated player in the comp," Billy Burns added.
"The stuff that he does that people don’t see. All the clean-up he does, getting in the line and defending like a middle forward at times.
"It allows our other players to do their jobs a bit better, and the team is stronger when Will is in it and playing well.”
The Sharks haven’t let Kennedy down in a milestone match, winning his debut game on his birthday back in 2019, then beating the Sea Eagles in 2022 to celebrate his 50th, and again as he brought up his century when they beat the Titans in 2024.
They now take on the Dolphins in a blockbuster top 8 battle, scheduled to kick off at 3pm tomorrow at Kayo Stadium.
