Player Interviews Rd 23 with Cameron McInnes, Billy Burns and Will Kennedy

[00:00:01] The Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking is a hidden gem of the Shire, situated on the banks of the beautiful Port Hacking. It's a great place to catch up with friends, celebrate your birthday or any special occasion and they always show the NRL live on the big screens. The RMYC Port Hacking, proud sponsors of this podcast and big supporters of the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. Check out their website rmycph.com.au

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[00:00:55] Hey there, welcome to SharkCast, a podcast dedicated to the greatest sporting club in history of the world, the mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. My name is Sam Shinazzi, OG 2015, 12 seasons of podcasting brought to you this season, especially by Dyson Logistics Pty Ltd, the Royal Motor Yacht Club and Port Hacking. Jason Hawes of Crips & Crips Real Estate.

[00:01:23] Mr Paisely's Cafe supplies the coffee for us down in North Caring Bar. This is a short, sharp interview-based episode. We talked to Captain or Co-Captain Cam McInnes. We talked to Billy Burns and we have a chat with Will Kennedy about all things local derby, good form, goal-kicking streaks, whole bunch of things. So I hope you can stick around for this short, sharp episode and listen to those three Sharks have their say.

[00:01:53] And big week for the Sharks. Derby on Sunday afternoon at Stinky Coggera. 4.05pm. Our NRLW team is playing at 3.15 on Saturday at Ocean Protect Stadium. If you're a season ticket holder, you can get in with your pass and sit wherever you like. And if you are not, you can buy a ticket pretty inexpensively, I would have thought, and head down there and support the NRLW team. They need to win against Titans, who are a pretty good team.

[00:02:22] I think they're coming third from memory, so it's going to be a big game. But it's also a must-win for the Sharks. At home, get the job done. And all eyes on the derby in the high-flying NRLW team. We saw that Iroh will miss a week back next week. And Sifitalakai, I'm told, if it was a finals game, he'd be playing. So he's going to be okay. The rest will do him good. And it's obviously medically necessary to have a week off.

[00:02:52] But push come to shove, he could have played if it was, you know, sudden death, etc. But it's not, and he's going to enjoy a week off and heal up to come back. And most likely take on the Raiders, I think, is our next game after that. So one game at a time, local derby. Drags only won two games this year. We'll do a bit of a preview for you later in the week. But they're probably going slightly better than what the stats and ladder table will tell you. They've improved under Dean Young a little bit.

[00:03:21] A lot of local juniors, Felleron debut, etc. So they've got a bit to play for. Personally, they're playing for a bit of pride. Personally, they're playing for a bit of security for next year. A guy at Valentine Holmes will like coming up against the Sharks. And it's a local derby. So we've got a few X of those guys. We spoke to Billy Burns. We spoke to Cam McInnes. We raised the subject a little bit on that too. So make sure you stick around in a minute or two for that subject matter in those interviews. I can tell you the mood down at training is strong.

[00:03:51] It's hungry. I watched them train for a bit. They look good. They're not taking this game lightly at all. Every indicator I see is it's game on. Going there to win. And I even saw Nico Hines kick some goals in practice. So that was pretty exciting too. So he's on the big streak. Three to equal Hazem. And four to break the modern day record at least. So all eyes are on Nico. I think he's going to cop it from portions of that crowd.

[00:04:21] But we know that our crowd will be there to back him up and cheer him on as well. So if you're heading out to Coggera, let us know. Wear your colors. Be safe amongst that motley crew. But also be loud and proud. And it should be a great afternoon of Rugby League for the Sharks, I'm hoping. We will have more episodes for you throughout the week. Working on a few plans there. So stick with us. Make sure you're subscribed wherever you're listening or watching this. And you will get the episode as soon as it drops.

[00:04:49] Can't wait to keep doing this some more for you. I love shark casting for you guys and girls. It's a real pleasure and honor. So thanks for putting up with me. One last reminder before I go. NRLW, this is how we play podcast series. If you subscribe to Shark Cast on any podcast app, you will get the episode automatically. If you're on YouTube and subscribe to us, you'll get the audio version on there. It's a bit of a different experience for me doing this for the club. It means a lot to me personally. And it would mean a lot to me if you at least gave it a listen.

[00:05:19] Let me know what you think. Happy for any feedback. Good, bad, indifferent. Prefer that via DM than publicly. But do it how you got to do it. But it's a very personal series. So today I just recorded one with China Pallada as the special guest with Jada Taylor and I doing the recording. And you'll hear that from Thursday night. And another great story. And someone that I didn't know a whole lot about. But I've watched her play over a number of years and respected the way she plays.

[00:05:48] And really great person, great personality. I think you'll love her story. And Jada chimes in with a lot of her input as well. So there's a lot going on in the episodes. It's me. It's Jada. It's the special guest in reverse order, to be honest. I'm just sort of facilitating and piping in every now and then and producing the whole thing. But it's really the Jada Taylor show with one of her teammates. Look at it like that. And I'd love for you to check it out. NRLW. This is how we play.

[00:06:14] If you search, this is how we play on Spotify or Apple, you'll find it. I would imagine. I would hope. But the easiest way to do it is to just go to SharkCast. And it'll be in there amongst other episodes. We will talk to you real soon. But up next, you're going to hear from three modern-day great Sharks in Will Kennedy, Billy Burns and Cam McInnes. Up, up. Talk to you soon. Braley for... Slips a pass away. Kafushi. He keeps it alive.

[00:06:42] It's scooped up by McInnes who dives over next to the upright. Cam McInnes. Exciting times at Sharks. Local derby this week. One of your former teams. Yep. What does this game mean to you as a former Dragon but as one of our co-captains? Yeah, it's a huge game. I've been playing a lot of derbies now on both sides, which is pretty cool. And whatever the situation is, they're always hard games, particularly the first 20, 25 minutes. So that's what I'm expecting this week.

[00:07:14] Also, last time we played at Cogra, we didn't put a performance in that we're proud of at all. So we really want to give a better show on ourselves. And then another layer of that, Indigenous round. We have a lot of proud Indigenous boys in the crew. And every time we get the opportunity to wear that Indigenous jersey for them, for their families and their people, yeah, you want to make sure you do a good job. A lot of great reasons. Last year, Round 23, same week is when we lost to Cogra.

[00:07:42] Tell me about that part of what you just said. Is that still stinging a little bit or more of a reminder at least? Yeah, it is. Obviously, that's a long time ago, a lot of footy. Between there and now. But footy players, we're creatures of habit. You have your processes, some more superstitious than others. But there's even just games throughout your career or years where you just come off the field and it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Over my career, there's probably been too many of them. But that was definitely one of them.

[00:08:12] Take enough away from them that day. They played great. But we just feel like we didn't give the best account of ourselves. And every time you play, that's what you want to do. You really want to do that. And obviously, we're in this business to win, of course. But ever since you're a young fella playing, those games where you just didn't give the best yourself were always hard to take. So that was a hard day for us as a group. And I want to make sure we go to that ground this week and give a better show on. What's the key as a player and a group? How do you do that physically, mentally?

[00:08:41] How do you turn up on Sunday and make sure you're at your best? I think we're in a really good place right now. It's an individual and a group thing. And obviously, you've got to always marry them together. But individually, obviously, it's getting yourself prepared for a war. That's exactly how everybody should be thinking. And then also as a group, making sure that we're all on the same page together, going into it. There's not different energies in the sheds. Everybody's tuned in.

[00:09:10] That starts today, to be fair. We had a good session. The growth in this group has been amazing in the last few years and right now. But you've got to earn that every week. But yeah, there's no secret recipe. But it's also our job. Thanks you time, Cam. Welcome, Matt Norris. Thanks, brother. Billy Burns, former Dragon.

[00:09:40] Now, what does that mean to you, local derby, this week? You've seen both sides now. Is there a little bit of extra sting in this game for you? Yeah, a little bit. I won't hide the fact that there's obviously a little bit there for me. But I'm not going to get hung up on it. I'm still looking at chasing a team performance. But it would be pretty good to get a win over the old club. But get a win for the team is the main thing. And just keep chasing that top full finish. Did you play at Coggera last year?

[00:10:09] Yes, I did come off the bench that game, yeah. So definitely looking for a bit of revenge after that. They are pretty passionate fans, that's for sure. I knew that when I was playing there. I was on both sides of that. So yeah, it would be a good place to go and get the win. And I think they sort of derailed our top four chances last year with that win. So we'll be looking to make amends for that. Yeah. And I can tell you there'll be a lot of black, white and blue over there. So don't you worry about that, Billy Burns. Now, the team is firing.

[00:10:36] What's it like for you whether you're starting, whether you're coming on the field from the bench, and you just see this piece of art? Like, what's it like for you? Yeah, it's awesome. I think full credit to Tricky and Nico and Brails. I think they've been working hard at their game and then having clarity with everyone else around them just to fill in their roles. Obviously, they're getting all the stats, all the try assists, but they've also been working hard behind the scenes to make sure that everyone's doing their job and to the coaching staff as well.

[00:11:06] We've all really aimed up this year and really bought into it. I'm not saying that we haven't before, but especially with those boys leading it, it's been awesome and hopefully we can continue that because I think we still have a bit of growth in us to play top four footy in the Grand Final. That would be really good. Now, finals football also means one thing for you and I as well. It means NFL is coming. Now, have you bought Kyler Murray yet or what's going on? Little Kyler Murray? No, not yet.

[00:11:34] No, I'm definitely staying away from that this year, but I've been burned by him one too many times. Yeah. Yeah, so, no, we're just getting it sorted this year, getting ready for the fantasy season, so it's pretty awesome, pretty exciting time of year for me. I love it. So, coming to training and have some bragging rights over a few boys is also awesome and a few side bets, so looking forward to it. Now, rumour has it Gary Dover might be on the outer. Now, if you need someone to fill in as a podcast guy, he hangs around every week. Yeah, sweet.

[00:12:04] Easy replacement. It's up to you, Billy Burns. I won't ask you too much. Good luck on the weekend and thanks for playing so well. Too easy. Thank you. Thanks, Billy. Cheers. Head deep. Who's going to take the shot? The ball from Egan. Back to Tamare Martin. Here's the effort from Will Kennedy on Tamare Martin. The ball just sits in the lap. Unbelievable work from Kennedy. I've never seen anything like it.

[00:12:34] How long have you been here, Will Kennedy? How many years? A long time. How many? Ten? I think it's... You debuted in what? 2019? Yeah, eight or nine, I think. Yeah, 2019. Debuted. So, we've been chatting for six or seven years. It's the first time you've tried to run away from me. Oh, yeah. What's going on? How are you feeling? Look at that jersey you're wearing. Indigenous jersey. Tell me about that. Yeah, we've got the Indigenous jersey this week. We've got the Indigenous round.

[00:13:00] Very, very proud and ready to represent our culture and very excited for the Indigenous round for the boys as well. It's a huge game, Indigenous round. Local derby, two points on offer. Team is humming. We know that. I was talking to Cam about the loss last year at Cogger, which I know you've been discussing this week a little bit as a team. And how do you approach knowing that last year we kind of dropped our bundle at the same time?

[00:13:29] Yeah, well, in a similar spot, I think we're talking back as well. And, yeah, we've just got to take every game as serious as the next is a big one. And especially we want to represent Indigenous round for the boys that are playing, all the boys in the team. And also just being consistent as a team as well. And I think we need to focus as much as on that as well as Indigenous round as well. So, yeah.

[00:13:58] The team is humming attack and defence. Tell me about Nico's streak. What's your thoughts on that? Yeah. Everyone's having a bit of a laugh about it. And, no, but we're here. Yeah, it's pretty impressive. Yeah, I'm very happy for Nico. And he's put a lot of work on the field as well with his kicking as well. So I'm very proud of him. Just keep it going. The best thing for me is four turns into six. And the more you get them, the more you're going to win. So it's an incredible effort.

[00:14:29] There's a good feeling in the team right now. Dragons this week. One week at a time. I've got no more questions for you. Yeah. I think you're awesome. All the best. Cheers, thank you. Thanks, Will. Keep going. SharkCast is supported by the best and most honest real estate agent in the Sutherland Shire, Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. He's an expert in the Karembar region and has his eye all across the shire. Lifelong Sharks fan and supporter of this podcast, if you're looking to buy or sell in the region, the person you need to be talking to

[00:14:59] is Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. Call him on 0410 417 450. That's 0410 417 450. Jason Hawes, Crips & Crips Real Estate. Sharkies! Sharkies!

[00:15:16] And to all you people back in the shire, turn your porch lights off because we're coming home with a trophy.