A surprise announcement for Sharks’ Riley Jones, Michael Gabrael and Riley Pollard earlier in the week.
Pollard shared the story: “We were actually in a team meeting, and the coaches brought me, Micky G (Michael Gabrael) and RJ (Riley Jones) up front and were asking us questions about the last couple of weeks because we sat on the bench and stuff like that.”
“They were asking how the prep was, what it was like being around the team, and then as we were speaking, all of a sudden three numbers came up behind us.
“Shark #567, #568, #569 and all the boys just jumped on us. It was such a great moment. The stuff you dream about,” the young half told Sharks media.
Gabrael’s still pinching himself. The Wentworthville product came to Cronulla in 2023 and then played in the u19s Origin series victory for the Blues in 2024.
The 21-year-old centre was the equal 3rd top try scorer in NSW Cup last year and has 27 tries and 10 assists from his 32 games for the Newtown Jets.
Gabrael said, “I'm so grateful that I can live out my childhood dream and grateful for everyone who’s supported me in my journey.”
“A special thank you to my mum. After my dad passed away, she stepped up and took on the role of both mum and dad for us boys.
“She was there for every training session, every game, and every step of my journey. And my brothers for always being by my side and sharing this journey with me.”
Everyone’s journey is different, and for Riley Jones his second NRL game will come 1,099 days after his last.
The 24-year-old debuted for the Knights in 2023 as a hooker, and after moving to the Sharks, has solidified his place as a versatile and dependable centre.
Jones shared, “There’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hard work behind the scenes and definitely some really tough periods along the way.”
“Over time I was also able to fall back in love with the game, enjoy my footy again and remind myself why I started playing in the first place.
“To now get another opportunity at NRL level makes all of that work and sacrifice feel worth it.”
Riley’s rise has meant everything to his family, who he says have ridden the journey just as much as him.
“They’ve seen the hard times, the injuries, the setbacks and all the work that’s gone into getting back here and supported me and kept believing in me the whole way,” he said.
“My dad is a massive part of that as well. He did absolutely everything he could to help me get to this point and supported me through my whole footy journey.
“I just wish he was here to see this moment, because I know how much it would have meant to him.
“To be able to achieve this is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I know a big part of it is because of everything he did for me.”
Pollard will have around 90 family and friends in attendance, and if his phone call home earlier in the week is anything to go by, there’ll be plenty of happy tears again on Saturday night.
Pollard revealed, “I did a FaceTime to mum, dad and my sister just to see their reaction, and they were ecstatic. Like, mum and dad were crying, and they were just so happy for me.”
“Yeah, all the sacrifices they’ve made and all the things I’ve had to put to the side to focus on football and now it’s all been worth it.”
So, with the friends and families of all three debutants all packing out Ocean Protect Stadium this Saturday night, you better get in quick to get your TICKETS and help cheer them on.
There’s plenty happening with Old Boys Day and the 10-year anniversary of the Sharks 2016 premiership - read our gameday guide HERE to find out all you need to know.
Gates open from 5:35pm on Saturday.
