The last few years have been something of a turbulent time for supporters of the NRL Cronulla Sharks first grade team. After the turbulence of the ASADA investigation and findings in 2013 and subsequent fallout and the effect on the team for that year, it has taken time to recover and re-build.
Throughout it all, the true supporters – the faithful (the Cronulla Tragics as we are known) being those that have supported the team through every high and low, have remained strong and given the team their undivided support. For some of us, that support goes back to the Club’s 1967 entry to the top level of the competition.
We supporters believe the team stands a very good chance of finally winning their first Premiership when they play in the 2016 Grand Final on Sunday, October 2. So too do many commentators, past players from the Sharks and other teams and current players whose teams did not make it to the ultimate season finisher. The Sharks are a Sydney based team with the other team being based in Melbourne. As a result a considerable proportion of Sydney’s population are getting behind the Sharks, whether or not they support other teams during the rest of the year.
So, for the Sharks faithful, it is going to be a week of building hopes and excitement, nerves, trepidation, anxiety, in fact, a full range of the emotional roller-coaster.
Irrespective of the outcome, the Sharks players, coaches and management have delivered a great year for the faithful supporters. They deserve our respect and admiration for their efforts to produce a solid foundation and giving the faithful a team who can repay that faith.
Here’s the official team song that I hope to be singing on Sunday, October 2 (if I have any voice left after the game :-)). It’s sung to the tune of “Roll Out The Barrel”:
Up up Cronulla,
The boys in the black, white and blue.
Up, up Cronulla,
The name of the Sharks fits you.
Sharks, Sharks forever,
Go out and play without fear.
Now's the time to see good football,
'cause the Sharks are here!
Up the Sharks!
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