Sharks annual Junior Blitz another big hit
There were wholesome moments galore across the Shire on Wednesday evening with Sharks stars turning out at Cronulla Junior Rugby League clubs to help them train, take photos, sign jerseys and answer questions.
It’s all part of the Sharks’ annual JRL Blitz presented by Quest Apartment Hotels, with Cronulla’s NRL squad spread across the Aquinas Colts, Bosco Bulldogs, Como Crocodiles, Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks, De La Salle, Engadine Dragons, Gymea Gorillas, Joeys, Kurnell Stingrays, Menai Roosters, SCORE Sharks, Sutherland Loftus Pirates, Taren Point Titans and Yarrawarrah Tigers.
At the Taren Point Titans, Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora swapped a press pack for an under 6s question and answer.
Nikora, who coaches two of his own kids at the club, received a few cheeky heckles from them during the Q&A.
When Nikora was asked how old he is, one of his kids quickly answered for him, “My dad is 28!”
It’s been a special experience for Briton and his wife Sharmaine helping at the club and watching their children fall in love with playing the game.
“Well, it’s my first time coaching, and it was a bit tricky at the start, but everyone helps out, and I love it,” Nikora said.
Addin Fonua-Blake has one of his kids playing at the Titans as well, and another at the Gymea Gorillas.
An experience that brings back memories and puts things in perspective for the NRL players.
“My best junior memory was winning a grand final with my closest mates at the Mascot Jets. I had a few cousins in the team, and it was really special,” Fonua-Blake shared with the kids.
The Taren Point Titans won the 2025 Cronulla JRL club of the year award and followed it up with the 2026 NSWRL community club of the year award.
“People stay with the Titans because they love the family/friendly feel we have here,” Taren Point assistant secretary Kimberley Chin Poy said.
“We have a Culture and Heritage night which we started last year. We had 38 flags representing 38 different cultures and nationalities.
“We had a Māori Kapa Haka group perform, a trio of Cook Islands dancers, then this year we had some Lebanese drumming, and everyone brings a special dish from their culture or heritage.
“We’re welcoming to all cultures of all backgrounds. We’ve created a family feel here, and people have recognised that and that’s what they come for, the camaraderie.”
Cronulla JRL has more than 6,300 total participants, making it the second biggest junior rugby league in Sydney, and top 5 in NSW for strong growth in junior age groups.
Cronulla JRL leads the way in female participation, ranking first in NSW with more than 2,400 participants.
Something the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are extremely proud of.
“The Junior Blitz is a special tradition at the club,” Sharks Head of Community & Government Relations Vinh Tran said.
“We love connecting with our Junior Rugby League clubs; they are the heartbeat of our community, and giving back is a big part of our identity.”
“We’re grateful for the tireless work of the many volunteers who make Cronulla Junior Rugby League so special.
"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.”
