It’s just a misunderstood question, calm down folks.
“What team plays out of the Sutherland Shire?” Gus, then gave three options, all with the name “Cronulla” first part. Now yes, most people would have picked up, oh we’re talking about the NRL. But I think Beattie had got caught up on the Sutherland Shire bit and thought Gus was talking state league or local suburban leagues in Sydney. After all, the Cronulla-Sutherland double barrel name has kind of fallen out of usage in the 20 years since Super League, so it’s not an automatic connection for non Sydney siders.
If you don’t buy that, just consider that Beattie has been on the Commission for more than six months. During that time he’s sat in round table meetings where all eight Commissioners, representatives of all sixteen clubs and representatives of the two states have been present (including twice in the last three weeks, one of those just hours before this interview). To suggest he doesn’t know who the Cronulla Sharks are is just ridiculous.
Leigh.