Photo Jewell Drury
RUGBY League identity Jack Gibson’s statement that ‘waiting for Cronulla to win the premiership was like leaving the porch lamp on for missing Prime Minister Harold Holt’ has become the running joke for some time in the Cronulla Sutherland Shire.
The porch lights are now being turned off every night after the Cronulla Sharks brought home the Premiership Trophy for the first time ever in the Clubs history of 50 years.
Cronulla played Melbourne Storm in the Rugby League Grand Final with a well earned nail biting win of 8- 12 after a mere penalty goal separated the two teams through the final seconds of the game.
The fulltime siren gave a shout of relief mixed with sheer elation as the players, coaches and fans realised they had won the premiership.
Nelson Bay local Dean Carney was ecstatic as he watched the game with friends and family at Mavericks, D’albora Marina.
Dean, originally from Wollongong was a former forward turned winger and had an enigmatic football career during the 80’s.
“It’s the most exciting thing that could happen to the club,” Dean Carney told News Of The Area.
“Cronulla’s win is good for the town, the fans and good for the league,” Dean said.
Dean Carney’s list of achievements include playing for the Cronulla- Sutherland Sharks from 1983-1986, the Illawarra Steelers 1987-1988 and our own Newcastle Knights in 1989.
Dean Carney was also the seasons leading point scorer in 1985 when touring Papua New Guinea on the ARL President’s tour, with the top score of 194 points consisting of 11 tries and 75 goals.
“Melbourne Storm are a highly polished, professional team and have been playing at a high level for a long time so it’s great for Rugby League to see Cronulla take the premiership this year,” Mr Carney said.
Earlier last month, Mr Carney coached the Fingal Bay Bommies to their first Grand Final win in 19 years.
By Jewell DRURY
Photo by Debra Stacey