I love the romantic link with the Newtown Jets, but it is also part of the core problem. A Cronulla signed player is either part of the matchday NRL squad, or they are playing for the Newtown Jets, one of the oldest and most famous Clubs in Australia - they are not playing for the Cronulla reserve grade team because not all players are contracted and this is where I see the problem.
There is no evidence that Cronulla and Newtown are playing the same style of football, there is no evidence in my view that there is a clear pathway for aspiring Sharks contracted players playing for Newtown unless through injury.
Like many here, having been a part of some wonderful successful clubs, the key is to keep the fringe players motivated by performing each week and for the established players keeping them on their toes around being dropped for poor performance - the current system doesn't allow that system to be implemented.
Importantly, we can all agree that the goal of the aspiring player is to "play NRL" - when young Hohepa Puru made is debut - at the jersey presentation, his lovely partner spoke about "His dream to play NRL" - no his dream to play for the Cronulla Sharks - massive difference in my view, but these are the modern days and times that we live.
This is why I get excited to see a Sam Stonestreet say "I love Cronulla, this is the club I want to play at for my NRL career." I hope we can find more local juniors to build into our system.
A famous quote, "When you are lifting the trophy and you look down, what colour socks do you want to be wearing?"
