Player Signings and Your Mail: with Sam Shinazzi

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[00:01:05] Hey there, welcome to SharkCast, part of a podcast dedicated to the greatest sporting club in the history of the world, the mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks.

[00:01:12] This short, sharp, mailbag-slash-news catch-up is brought to you by Dyson Logistics, the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Port Hacking, and Jason Hawes at Crips & Crips Real Estate.

[00:01:21] My name is Sam Shinazzi, OG 2015 supporter for a lot, lot, lot, lot longer than that.

[00:01:27] And we're entering our 11th season of podcasting for you all.

[00:01:31] Not sure when we'll officially declare it.

[00:01:34] It could be now, it could be in a week, could be in two weeks, could be when the boys get back into training, which will be soon enough.

[00:01:39] But, had 10 wonderful years of podcasting.

[00:01:42] Started out with my boy Adam Neiman for a bunch of years, of course.

[00:01:45] And then since he's departed, we've had a whole lot of great guest hosts jumping in to chat with me.

[00:01:52] Today, it's just gonna be myself catching up on some mail and talking about some of the news of the week.

[00:01:57] And if this episode is not suited to your needs, just hit stop, come back when I'm talking to a mate, which will be soon enough.

[00:02:05] Don't worry about that. We've got plenty of episodes to come before Christmas.

[00:02:07] And before you know it, it'll be Trials and Vegas time.

[00:02:13] Now, if you want to get in touch with us, you know what to do.

[00:02:16] SharkCastPod at gmail.com.

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[00:02:22] It has been a big week or two for the Sharks, particularly to do with signings.

[00:02:28] And there is a lot of information swirling around.

[00:02:30] There's a lot of rumors swirling around as well.

[00:02:32] I thought we'd get into some of that today on this episode.

[00:02:36] Now, before the major signing news of the past couple of weeks,

[00:02:44] the Sharks did announce some signings that were more depth and for the future.

[00:02:50] But they're all very relevant.

[00:02:52] And they are.

[00:02:54] Mawini Haroti, Nephi Peru, Billy Burns, Jaden Beryl and Chris Vaila.

[00:03:00] They were the first of this batch to re-sign.

[00:03:03] One year contract extensions.

[00:03:06] They'll all be here until the end of 2025.

[00:03:09] All of them played for the Jets against the Bears in the grand final.

[00:03:15] So talking about Mawini Haroti, he's a great depth player.

[00:03:18] We've spoken about him before over the years.

[00:03:21] He's still relatively young for a footballer of his experience.

[00:03:25] And he's gotten better each year.

[00:03:26] And in each game he's performed for the Sharks,

[00:03:29] he's certainly upped the ante as far as his performance goes.

[00:03:32] So, good depth signing there.

[00:03:35] It was a no-brainer really.

[00:03:36] He covers a lot of positions in the back line.

[00:03:38] Billy Burns was a great reward for a fantastic year at the Sharks.

[00:03:42] And for the Jets, of course.

[00:03:44] Captain the team throughout the year.

[00:03:46] Took them to a premiership and filled in for some games in the back row.

[00:03:50] I think on the left edge.

[00:03:52] And didn't let us down.

[00:03:54] Solid player Billy Burns.

[00:03:55] Bit of a cult favorite now at the club.

[00:03:57] Chris Vaila yet to play first grade.

[00:03:59] A young gun.

[00:04:00] Mainly in the centers.

[00:04:02] And I've got a lot of hope for this kid.

[00:04:04] I think that he can definitely reach some great heights given the time.

[00:04:09] But he's got a great body for that position.

[00:04:12] And he's already looked good in the lower grades as well.

[00:04:15] Jaden Beryl got an extension again.

[00:04:17] And he played some NRL this year finally.

[00:04:20] And didn't let us down either.

[00:04:22] He was consistent and solid in the small opportunities he got on the field.

[00:04:27] He's liked around the club.

[00:04:29] Very professional.

[00:04:30] And it's a solid signing given that they let Sam Healy go.

[00:04:34] And they've signed Blake Braley for a long term.

[00:04:37] Pretty high profile deal.

[00:04:39] Makes sense to have a bit of a veteran like Beryl.

[00:04:42] Just under him.

[00:04:43] Veteran in age and experience at lower grade, of course.

[00:04:46] Not so much in the top grade.

[00:04:47] And Nephi Peru signed on again after a pretty solid year in New South Wales Cup.

[00:04:54] So they were the first signings.

[00:04:57] Now just on Nephi Peru, that is topical because his brother, Hefepa, is coming to the Sharks next year.

[00:05:05] Now apologies if that's not quite the correct pronunciation.

[00:05:08] But we will get to the bottom of that.

[00:05:11] He has signed on after playing two seasons with the Raiders.

[00:05:14] He played some first grade, a couple of games for them the year before last, including in a finals game.

[00:05:20] They also played together, the two brothers, in the Panthers' 2022 Jersey Flag Cup Grand Final.

[00:05:27] He played every game for the Raiders' New South Wales Cup team last season.

[00:05:32] He's a lock primarily, but can probably play a few different positions.

[00:05:35] But he's a smaller bodied lock.

[00:05:38] And it's already been given the ticket of approval by a number of sources and people that we like on this show around the traps.

[00:05:46] So, Coach Fitzgibbon obviously at the top of that list, but a good signing.

[00:05:51] Canberra fans are pretty upset that he left.

[00:05:53] And that's always some sign, at least.

[00:05:56] We'll see what happens with the Peru brother.

[00:06:01] Now, how much time he gets, we're not sure.

[00:06:04] There's injuries, there's rep footy, etc. suspensions.

[00:06:08] But I suspect he'll be pushing for the 17 throughout the year.

[00:06:12] He could fall into the Billy Burns category where it's more specifically because of rep footy, injuries, etc.

[00:06:20] rather than him being lights out week in, week out and pushing forward.

[00:06:24] But who knows?

[00:06:25] Maybe he will be and maybe that'll be the reason that gets him into first grade.

[00:06:28] But another signing for the Sharks.

[00:06:32] In addition to that, the Sharks also signed three local juniors.

[00:06:36] Nickara Williams or Nicora Williams.

[00:06:39] Again, not sure about the pronunciation there, but a highly touted junior.

[00:06:44] Tom Dello and Alex Chaloner.

[00:06:46] The three of them recently played for Australian Schoolboys.

[00:06:50] They've signed on to the end of the 2027 season.

[00:06:55] And that's a lower tiered contract, obviously.

[00:06:59] But particularly big raps on Nickara Williams.

[00:07:04] This guy is going to be a bit of a fan favorite in the mainstream.

[00:07:07] And if he gets that far, he already is amongst the more hardcore Sharks fan base.

[00:07:13] And that is Felix Fartili.

[00:07:15] The giant young man who played flag in 2024.

[00:07:21] He has extended his contract to the end of 2026.

[00:07:25] And he will also train with the NRL squad in the upcoming preseason.

[00:07:30] And that's a really good signing because his promise is immense.

[00:07:34] Now, whether he gets there or not with fitness and everything else.

[00:07:36] But when you see this guy in the flesh, he's an absolute giant.

[00:07:40] Put him in the same category as Tall Tom, Hazleton, and as Tsukuhai Tupua.

[00:07:47] He's in that category of giant people.

[00:07:49] And he's a young fella still growing.

[00:07:51] So there's a lot of potential there.

[00:07:54] Again, whether he gets to where he wanted to be or not, there's a whole lot of things to tick off.

[00:07:57] But so far, so good.

[00:07:59] And he's been re-signed for a number of years.

[00:08:15] So future signings there, which is always exciting to hear about.

[00:08:21] Then we get to the big headlines.

[00:08:23] And I'll throw in this guy first in reverse order.

[00:08:27] And that was Oregon Kofusi has agreed to a one-year contract at the Sharks for this season coming.

[00:08:35] So important to note, clubs can still talk to him for future seasons.

[00:08:40] He just agreed to stay for one more year.

[00:08:42] And then we'll see what happens there.

[00:08:44] But he played 23 games and had a very strong season as we know.

[00:08:48] So you've heard us talk about him on the show before.

[00:08:51] He's still young.

[00:08:52] He's just 25 years old.

[00:08:54] And he's already played 100 games.

[00:08:55] So a good signing, I think.

[00:08:57] I'm reasonably sure that there wasn't a need for a long-term contract there.

[00:09:02] But I think that if he has another great year this year, then the Sharks look to lock him down for a couple of years at least.

[00:09:08] I know Fitzgibbon really rates him highly and the potential there.

[00:09:12] And from what I saw in the growth from the year before last to this year, pretty impressive.

[00:09:17] So see what happens with Oregon in the future.

[00:09:19] But he's with us next year, which is really good.

[00:09:21] And I think he'll be a strong contender to start with big Fenua Blake.

[00:09:27] And we'll see what happens there.

[00:09:29] Particularly with a guy like Brayden Hamlin-Welley and his fitness.

[00:09:32] Possibly a Toby Rudolph.

[00:09:34] See how he goes in the preseason.

[00:09:35] But I think that Akafusi is a strong favorite to start with Adam Fenua Blake in the front row for 2025.

[00:09:44] Not sure who is the more high-profile signing here, but let's go in reverse order.

[00:09:50] Britton Nikera, one of our best players of the past three years.

[00:09:54] He has signed on until the end of 2027.

[00:09:58] So a further two seasons on his contract.

[00:10:01] He's up to about 130 games in the NRL.

[00:10:05] There's a great quote.

[00:10:06] This is where I started my career.

[00:10:08] This is where I eventually hope to end it.

[00:10:09] As long as the Sharks want me, I don't see myself anywhere else.

[00:10:13] It means a lot to play for one club.

[00:10:15] I do love the fact that last time around we had a bit of media shenanigans and club hopping with Britton.

[00:10:23] I think he was photographed at West Tigers maybe or heavily linked to them.

[00:10:27] This time around, it's just back from the honeymoon.

[00:10:30] Here's my signature. Let's rock.

[00:10:32] So well done to Britt.

[00:10:33] Well done to the Sharks.

[00:10:34] We're going to get done.

[00:10:34] He's an important piece of the puzzle.

[00:10:36] Locked down for a few more years.

[00:10:37] That's great, great news.

[00:10:40] I'll give this fellow the biggest signing of the year so far.

[00:10:44] Aside from Fenua Blake.

[00:10:46] And that's because a lot of people didn't see it happening.

[00:10:48] But I have to remind you, a lot of people don't have as much invested in the club as they think that they do.

[00:10:55] So for example, a lot of the media people that you may see or hear from, and I'm talking mainstream,

[00:11:01] they don't have their ear to the ground like other people do.

[00:11:04] And I'm going to spruik him now because he's our guy and we love him and he's a good mate of mine.

[00:11:10] But Dave Riccio has his ear to the ground at the Sharks.

[00:11:12] Other journalists in that same category, they don't.

[00:11:16] So just be careful what you hear and what you take from them.

[00:11:19] Sharkars Pod of course have our ear to the ground as well.

[00:11:22] We've got two ears to the ground in fact.

[00:11:24] My left, my right.

[00:11:25] Braden Trindle.

[00:11:26] The most important part of my long sentence.

[00:11:28] Braden Trindle has re-signed with the Cronulla Sharks.

[00:11:32] It's a three year contract and he's already signed on for next year.

[00:11:36] So he's here until the end of 2028.

[00:11:38] And I love the fact that it got done on November 1st and it just put all the rumors to bed.

[00:11:45] Now there's different sources out there about how much he's getting paid, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

[00:11:50] It never reached any of the heights that some of the people wanted you to believe.

[00:11:54] Again, the people in the mainstream press who don't really follow the club like we do.

[00:12:00] Myself and the listeners and other people just say things like he's going to get 1.2 per year.

[00:12:05] Well, he didn't get that.

[00:12:06] He got a really healthy upgrade in his contract and he's here until the end of 2028, which is fantastic.

[00:12:14] He's been here for a while playing lower grades and he's really, I think, owned that jumper particularly in the second half of the year that just was.

[00:12:23] So Trindle signs on and you're looking at Hines and Trindle for the halves combination long term.

[00:12:32] And that's just how it is.

[00:12:33] Whether you like it, whether you don't like it, that's what's happening.

[00:12:36] Trindle signed, sealed and delivered.

[00:12:39] Now that leaves a bit of a list to be done.

[00:12:42] They're working on things.

[00:12:43] There is a lot of speculation about Dan Atkinson to the Dragons.

[00:12:47] And that is very true that the Dragons are pushing really hard for him.

[00:12:51] Checkbook Flanagan is really pushing hard for Dan Atkinson.

[00:12:55] But what I can tell you is that the Sharks really want to keep him.

[00:12:58] I'd be surprised if he actually leaves the club, despite the rumors you may hear.

[00:13:03] That's just me talking.

[00:13:04] It's not anyone else talking.

[00:13:05] That's me, Sam Shinazzi, saying for whatever it's worth, I think he'll stay at the club.

[00:13:11] Speculation about Will Kennedy being moved on.

[00:13:14] I think at the moment that again is just reporter talk.

[00:13:18] I don't think they're looking to move Will Kennedy on.

[00:13:22] He is off contract.

[00:13:23] He's got one more year with us.

[00:13:25] So contract ends.

[00:13:26] So they need to do something with that.

[00:13:27] Whether they do, whether they don't, I'm not sure.

[00:13:30] Where the priority is there, I'm not sure.

[00:13:32] The pros and cons are if they sign him, happy days if you're a Kennedy fan.

[00:13:37] If they don't sign him, there is some backup there.

[00:13:41] If Dan Atkinson stays, he can play fullback.

[00:13:44] Liam Eison is coming up.

[00:13:45] He can play fullback.

[00:13:47] Cade Dykes returning from injury, can play fullback.

[00:13:49] There are some options there.

[00:13:51] Now, whether you want to rock the boat and say, Kennedy out, one of those guys in, that's up for your interpretation.

[00:13:56] We'll talk about it all summer long on Charcast Pod, I'm sure.

[00:13:59] Get everyone's different opinions.

[00:14:00] At the moment, I'm happy for Will to personally just stay and play fullback.

[00:14:05] I thought he had a decent year.

[00:14:06] It wasn't lights out.

[00:14:07] It wasn't a debacle.

[00:14:09] And we basically were 15 minutes away from playing in a grand final.

[00:14:12] So I don't see too much wrong with the current team.

[00:14:15] I can see both sides of the story with Will Kennedy.

[00:14:18] And we'll see what happens there.

[00:14:20] If you think that Ryan Pappenhausen is coming to the Sharks, I would ask you to think again.

[00:14:25] I think it's just, again, just media throwing things out.

[00:14:28] It's the off season.

[00:14:29] Gotta fill content.

[00:14:31] Yeah, he's off contract.

[00:14:32] Yeah, we would be interested if it was a realistic thing.

[00:14:36] But it's not realistic.

[00:14:37] We'd have to shed three or four players to make him fit.

[00:14:40] And I don't think that Fitzgibbon is going to do that.

[00:14:43] So I would not be growing your mullets.

[00:14:45] I wouldn't be getting out your Pappenhausen's number ones.

[00:14:48] I personally don't think there's anything in there at all.

[00:14:50] But again, that is just my opinion for what it is worth.

[00:14:53] So that leaves Ronaldo Militalo.

[00:14:56] That leaves Will Kennedy.

[00:14:57] That leaves a bunch of guys still to be done.

[00:15:00] I think over time you'll see them happen.

[00:15:03] Whether we shed one or two players, I don't know.

[00:15:05] It depends on a whole bunch of things.

[00:15:07] But at the moment, I have to believe that Craig Fitzgibbon is trying to keep this team together for a few more years.

[00:15:14] Again, whether you like that or not, I can't help you with that.

[00:15:17] I don't think when you're 15 minutes away from a grand final that you really want to rock the boat too much.

[00:15:24] We shall see.

[00:15:25] It'll be interesting off season.

[00:15:27] I do think on the Will Kennedy thing that he'll have a bit of pressure there as far as the younger guys trying to get that jersey off him.

[00:15:34] But I think at the moment, Will's the favourite to start the season.

[00:15:38] And whether he signs on for a few more years, we'll wait and see on that one.

[00:15:42] But I don't think it's as cutthroat as what the media are telling you at the moment with Will Kennedy.

[00:15:48] Moving forward, what happens with Ronaldo is a wait and see.

[00:15:52] I know that he wants to stay.

[00:15:53] I know that the club want to keep him.

[00:15:55] So if they can make the money work, you would think that he would stick around.

[00:15:59] So definitely watch this space in the next month and two months about where players are going and where they're staying and when they're signing and what they're signing for will obviously keep you up to date on all of those things.

[00:16:14] With the Pacific Championships and rep football in general, there's been a fair few Sharks both NRLW and NRL representing our club and doing a great job.

[00:16:26] Future Sharks as well.

[00:16:27] Fenil Blake obviously going nuts the other week and he's just fantastic to watch.

[00:16:31] Touch wood.

[00:16:32] I'm knocking wood right here as I talk.

[00:16:34] They all get through injury free and can have a rest and come back and start the preseason.

[00:16:40] I think officially the Sharks might be late November, but a bunch of those people might be after that given the extra rep footy they have been playing.

[00:16:50] We will have more news as it comes.

[00:16:53] We've got SharkCast pod news.

[00:16:55] We're working on different things, activities, schemes, plans.

[00:17:00] So stay tuned for all of those things.

[00:17:03] Hopefully some of them at least come to fruition and we'll definitely get more episodes planned in the coming weeks and months to get you ready for the upcoming season and to keep you occupied during the downtime of the off season as well before pre preseason if you will.

[00:17:19] We're going to have a quick break now and we'll come back and get through some of your mail.

[00:17:23] Appreciate all the people who have been in touch, some good things to talk about.

[00:17:28] And again, appreciate you listening.

[00:17:30] Don't go anywhere.

[00:17:31] Back real soon.

[00:17:33] Miller.

[00:17:34] And there's Russell.

[00:17:37] He's got docking in support.

[00:17:38] Docking over the quarter line.

[00:17:40] This is try number three.

[00:17:41] Docking in out of the post.

[00:17:42] It's 16-0.

[00:17:48] SharkCast is supported by the best and most honest real estate agent in the Sutherland Shire,

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[00:17:59] Lifelong Sharks fan and supporter of this podcast, if you're looking to buy or sell in the region,

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[00:18:17] Jason Hawes, Crips and Crips Real Estate.

[00:18:20] All right, welcome back to the show.

[00:18:22] This is SharkCastPod.

[00:18:23] We're going to get through some of the mail we haven't been able to get through for the past few weeks.

[00:18:26] Appreciate everyone being in touch and we'll see how this goes.

[00:18:30] First up, we had a comment on the YouTube and have to point out that we are posting more things on YouTube

[00:18:37] such as every piece of audio that you hear via your podcast app is now available on YouTube.

[00:18:44] Some of it is just audio and some of it is actually visual of us recording the episodes.

[00:18:48] This is not one because I'm just sort of talking to myself so it's a bit boring,

[00:18:52] but if you're a YouTube person, like and subscribe.

[00:18:54] If you're not, no worries at all.

[00:18:56] Neil Singh was in touch and said,

[00:18:58] Atkinson reminds me of a Maloney.

[00:19:00] He knows really well what type of play he's needed at the time.

[00:19:05] Reads the game well.

[00:19:07] Absolutely cannot lose this guy.

[00:19:08] He's mentally very tough.

[00:19:10] He's only just starting.

[00:19:12] So that's from Neil.

[00:19:13] I can completely agree that he's one of our best clutch players in the current squad.

[00:19:18] I agree that he's just beginning.

[00:19:20] The improvement that we could see could be far reaching.

[00:19:23] As I said in the first segment, from what I'm hearing, the Sharks definitely want to keep him.

[00:19:28] So, checkbook Flanagan's going to have to keep adding some zeros to snag him.

[00:19:33] And I imagine Atkinson might have to stay for less money than what he might get over at the merge.

[00:19:40] But at this point, he's ours.

[00:19:42] And we'll see what happens.

[00:19:44] But I'm believing that he's going to stay.

[00:19:48] Adam says,

[00:19:49] I really think we need a proper backup for center slash fullback.

[00:19:53] Winging is covered by Stone Street.

[00:19:55] In fact, he's in my team every week.

[00:19:58] Sorry, but Sione misses out.

[00:20:00] Stone Street is better under the high ball.

[00:20:02] Then it's a like for like, almost.

[00:20:04] The last two years we've patched up the back line in the biggest game of the year and it's failed.

[00:20:08] We probably win both games with the proper fullback slash winger fill-in.

[00:20:13] Would you have considered signing King Guthbo?

[00:20:16] He has a bit of the Ennis signing about him.

[00:20:18] Twilight of his career, still sensational.

[00:20:20] Absolute pro on and off the field.

[00:20:22] You also mentioned you're listening to the Acoustic album.

[00:20:24] It's quirky yet as melancholy as always.

[00:20:27] It could have been recorded in 1999.

[00:20:30] Cheers, Adam.

[00:20:30] So, Adam, just on what you've addressed, I'm with you.

[00:20:33] I think that we need to get specifically someone to fill in in the centers.

[00:20:40] And I think that person might be Chris Faella.

[00:20:42] He's re-signed, the coaching staff like him, and yet to play in the top grade.

[00:20:47] But he's been close and he could be the one.

[00:20:51] I think down the track you've got Michael Gabriel as well who will come into contention.

[00:20:55] So there's some definite hope there.

[00:20:57] There's other guys we spoke about who have signed for years and years ahead who are years and years away probably.

[00:21:03] But really, really great players like Australian school boys.

[00:21:07] So I completely agree with you though.

[00:21:08] I think that if those holes were maybe filled by like for likes, then maybe there's a different result in those big games.

[00:21:18] On Stone Street, I'm actually going Katoa at this point.

[00:21:22] I think out of the three wingers, Katoa's the most in form.

[00:21:26] I think it's Ronaldo and Katoa's jerseys to lose.

[00:21:30] I like Stone Street a lot.

[00:21:32] I think there's a big upside to him.

[00:21:35] But I think if he's going to want to be a starting winger for the Sharks, you have to play the waiting game.

[00:21:39] Whether he does or not, whether someone else comes in and jags him, we'll have to see on that.

[00:21:44] I hope that he stays.

[00:21:46] I hope that he bides his time, takes the chances when he can.

[00:21:51] And then you'll see whether it's time or whether it's circumstance.

[00:21:56] One of the wingers will move on at some point and it'll be his jumper for a long time to come.

[00:22:01] I could understand why he wouldn't stick around, but I'm hoping he will.

[00:22:05] I would not have signed King Gutho.

[00:22:09] I think that he's very much overpaid for what you get out of him.

[00:22:15] I think that he plays his heart out.

[00:22:18] But when it comes to actually the skill of the position he plays in at this point in time, it's a no from me.

[00:22:24] If you could get him cheap, absolutely.

[00:22:26] But he didn't want to go cheap.

[00:22:27] The Dragons spent a lot of money on him.

[00:22:30] I wouldn't have gone there myself.

[00:22:31] Good question.

[00:22:32] I need to check out the new Custard album.

[00:22:34] Dave McCormack, love his solo stuff.

[00:22:37] So I'll check out their new release.

[00:22:40] I think they're playing in Sydney pretty soon as well.

[00:22:42] Thanks Adam, appreciate you.

[00:22:44] Peter said, just finished the episode with Alan Wilson.

[00:22:48] What a great interview.

[00:22:49] Seems like an awesome bloke.

[00:22:50] I had no idea he was behind the That's My Team campaign.

[00:22:54] Really enjoyed it.

[00:22:55] Thanks for putting it together.

[00:22:56] Cheers Sharky Pete.

[00:22:57] Up up.

[00:22:58] And that, if you don't know, is in regards to an interview I did with Alan Wilson, former Shark.

[00:23:04] Played with some other teams as well.

[00:23:06] Has been a coach.

[00:23:07] And done some amazing promotional work with the NRL over the years.

[00:23:11] Back in the junior coaching ranks in the Sutherland Shire.

[00:23:18] He was my favourite player as a kid.

[00:23:21] Got to hang out with him for a few hours down at Mr. Paisley's cafe.

[00:23:24] And he did not disappoint both in stories and in just absolute gentleman and lovely guy.

[00:23:33] So Al, if you're listening, thank you so much.

[00:23:35] Hopefully we can get him back on the show in some sort of circumstance

[00:23:37] because he had a good time talking about the Sharks.

[00:23:41] And thank you Peter for your kind words.

[00:23:43] Thank you to Sladden for your mail.

[00:23:46] It's about a Sharks campaign that you want to see happen.

[00:23:51] And I might pass that on to the team.

[00:23:53] It's very detailed and I really appreciate it.

[00:23:56] Hope you're doing well.

[00:23:57] Matt says, cracking episodes lately.

[00:23:59] Love listening to the October 2nd episode.

[00:24:02] Never heard that broadcast before.

[00:24:05] Gotta say I love Matt Elliott's analysis top shelf.

[00:24:08] And that was in regards to me posting the full ABC radio broadcast of the 2016 grand final.

[00:24:18] Thankfully we didn't get into any legal problems with that.

[00:24:21] And a lot of people enjoyed it.

[00:24:23] So I'm glad that Matt got into that.

[00:24:27] He also says, love the interview with Alan Wilson.

[00:24:30] What a ride he had and he's still having.

[00:24:31] I was lucky enough to get billeted with the Wilsons at their pub in Wellington on a De La Salle footy trip as a 10 year old.

[00:24:39] I opened it for a city kid to go and play in the bush, hanging out in the country pubs.

[00:24:43] I vividly remember the jukebox getting a run, the pub dining room and finding change in the pokies before opening time.

[00:24:50] A few years later, Alan Craig turned up at De La Salle at my school and the rest was outlined in Al's interview.

[00:24:57] The stories that he said showed me how much the game has changed.

[00:25:02] No one would be able to do that today, what he did.

[00:25:04] Playing across the field in every position and excelling at them.

[00:25:08] Players today would die playing a full game than sitting on the bench for first grade.

[00:25:13] I particularly liked his take on players now specialising as a left edge rather than playing everywhere.

[00:25:19] It's a particular frustration of mine seeing players unable to pass across their body both ways.

[00:25:25] This never would have happened back in the old days.

[00:25:27] Keep up the great work on the pod.

[00:25:28] It's a highlight of my footy week throughout the season.

[00:25:31] Cheers, Matt. Thanks, Matt.

[00:25:32] Really appreciate your support.

[00:25:34] You're a long time listener.

[00:25:36] I really appreciate it.

[00:25:37] Hopefully we're getting some episodes out for you in timely manner and more so coming up.

[00:25:42] As well over spring and summer.

[00:25:45] And yeah, Al was just the best.

[00:25:47] I'm going to pass that on to him.

[00:25:49] Those details that you sent.

[00:25:50] And I'm going to pass on all the kind mail because I think that Al deserves to hear how much of a following he has.

[00:25:57] Kieran and I did an episode a couple weeks ago rating the players.

[00:26:02] Our friend Marky Horn said,

[00:26:03] Great episode, fellas.

[00:26:04] I found myself agreeing with nearly all of Kieran's ratings.

[00:26:07] Up up.

[00:26:08] Thank you, sir.

[00:26:09] Hope you're doing well.

[00:26:10] Uh, he also said that the Al Wilson interview was one of our best.

[00:26:15] Loved it.

[00:26:16] I met Alan once at the very first Dig It Up music festival.

[00:26:19] We had a great chat about all things sharks.

[00:26:21] Top bloke.

[00:26:22] And that definitely featured the Hoodoo Gurus a bunch and a bunch of other acts.

[00:26:27] I remember the Dig It Up festival and and more.

[00:26:30] That was really cool.

[00:26:31] I didn't go, but I heard it was very good.

[00:26:32] And the lineup was great.

[00:26:34] Thanks for your, uh, constant support.

[00:26:36] Mark.

[00:26:38] Uh, Peter's written in and said, listen to the pod.

[00:26:41] Love it.

[00:26:42] By the way, what's your thoughts on stone street at fullback?

[00:26:44] He's tall and fast and a great finisher.

[00:26:47] Not sure what his infield running and ball playing is like.

[00:26:49] Has he ever played there?

[00:26:50] Is it even an option or am I kidding myself?

[00:26:54] Just the rambling thoughts of a mad keen shark supporter.

[00:26:57] Cheers from Pete.

[00:26:58] Uh, no, that's great to hear from you, Pete.

[00:27:01] And thanks so much for, uh, for writing in.

[00:27:04] And, and it's, there's no silly questions.

[00:27:07] I, at the moment don't see him as a fullback.

[00:27:09] I mean, perhaps in years to come, we can grow into it and have the confidence and the skill

[00:27:13] to do that.

[00:27:14] At the moment, he's a pure out and out winger.

[00:27:17] He has played in the centers before as well.

[00:27:19] Fullback.

[00:27:20] I couldn't tell you to be honest, but at this stage, I don't think there's any real

[00:27:24] plan to play him there.

[00:27:26] I think that he needs to come back in and perfect the wing position.

[00:27:31] Obviously he's had a great run on the five games he's played, but also some things to

[00:27:36] work on and, uh, you never know what the years to come will bring, but I think it's

[00:27:40] a no for now.

[00:27:42] Brad dropped a line and asked if we'd listen to Siffer on the Let's Try podcast.

[00:27:46] Well worth a listen.

[00:27:47] It shows how far a shift in attitude can take someone in life.

[00:27:51] I have not listened to that Brad.

[00:27:52] I will seek it out.

[00:27:53] I do love listening to Siffer's, uh, quiet, determined chat.

[00:27:58] So I'll, I'll, I'll see if I can find that, but thank you very much.

[00:28:00] And Siffer is doing a great job for us.

[00:28:03] That's for sure.

[00:28:04] Andrew said, did you watch the New Zealand versus Tonga game?

[00:28:08] OMG AFB.

[00:28:09] We officially have one of the best players in the world headed our way next year.

[00:28:13] What an absolute beast.

[00:28:15] And I was working on that game for my corporation that I work for.

[00:28:20] Andrew, not my corporation, the corporation I work for.

[00:28:22] And it was unbelievable.

[00:28:25] It was the most excited.

[00:28:26] It was the most excited I've been in a very long time watching him score that try.

[00:28:30] And I just hope he can get through the next game injury free and come to us nice and healthy

[00:28:35] and have a great start to the year.

[00:28:37] Hi, our friend Ella has been in touch and he said, great shout, read the TV show Plum.

[00:28:44] I very rarely watch free to air and a hundred percent would have missed it without you bringing

[00:28:48] it to my attention.

[00:28:50] Uh, really enjoyed it.

[00:28:52] And thank you so much for being in touch.

[00:28:54] Really appreciate your support.

[00:28:55] And that is in regards to the Brennan Cowell masterpiece called Plum based on a book that

[00:29:01] he wrote a couple of years ago.

[00:29:03] So you can watch the whole thing now, six episodes, about 55 to an hour.

[00:29:08] And they're all on iview, ABC iview to stream or if you're old school and just watch things

[00:29:15] via ABC, they've been showing it every Sunday.

[00:29:20] I think the fourth or fifth episode is coming up this Sunday, but obviously, you know, in

[00:29:26] this world of streaming, it's easy to do.

[00:29:29] And I completely recommend it.

[00:29:30] If you're under the age of 15, I would dare say you would want to get your parents okay

[00:29:35] to watch it as uncool as that is for me to say as a grown adult.

[00:29:39] Now I can't believe I'm saying that to 15 year olds, but if you, if you're under age,

[00:29:43] cause we do have some people listening who are quite young, there is a lot of heavy subjects

[00:29:47] involved in the show Plum.

[00:29:49] So I would definitely run it by you folks.

[00:29:51] But if you're over 15 or so, check it out.

[00:29:54] It is a fantastic show and it's essentially about a retired footballer who is suffering

[00:30:01] from the early symptoms of CTE.

[00:30:05] There are a lot of other things around that storyline, but that's the basis of it.

[00:30:09] And there is a hell of a lot of Cronulla sharks, both current and particularly older subjects,

[00:30:15] imagery, storylines, the works.

[00:30:18] Now, even if you take the shark stuff out of it, it is phenomenal.

[00:30:21] Throw the shark stuff in as an added bonus.

[00:30:24] I can't recommend it enough.

[00:30:25] It is a great piece of TV.

[00:30:27] I'm a huge TV fan and I was just blown away by this.

[00:30:33] And we're hoping to get Cal on the show soon.

[00:30:36] He's a busy guy, but hopefully we can get him on.

[00:30:39] If we don't, I apologize, but we are working towards getting him on.

[00:30:42] He has been on the show before, but we'd love to get him on just to absolutely sink

[00:30:47] our teeth into this great piece of art known as Plum.

[00:30:50] So definitely recommend that.

[00:30:51] And thank you for being in touch for reminding me about it.

[00:30:53] I'm not sure if I've read this one out or not, but Matt, who's in Melbourne said,

[00:30:58] love the Alan Wilson episode.

[00:30:59] Such an interesting story.

[00:31:01] I am biased from that era.

[00:31:03] Please keep the interviews coming.

[00:31:04] That was your best one yet.

[00:31:06] And we do definitely plan on doing more interviews sooner rather than later.

[00:31:10] And we're lining up a few things as we speak, making them happen is a different story

[00:31:14] due to circumstance, due to schedules, et cetera.

[00:31:18] But definitely a priority for us.

[00:31:20] So stay tuned.

[00:31:22] Thanks for being in touch, Matt.

[00:31:24] Michael said, I just listened to our Wilson interview.

[00:31:27] I've played golf with him a few times at Cronulla.

[00:31:30] A couple of stories.

[00:31:31] The day he kicked one from 12 against South in 89, that was the night of my 21st.

[00:31:36] So we're all filthy that night.

[00:31:37] If you Google 1987 game versus Roosters at Henson Park, check out his big dive to score

[00:31:42] in the corner.

[00:31:43] And 89 that season.

[00:31:47] The reason we were in the playoff for fifth was because the Gold Coast beat us up there

[00:31:51] in the second last round and they were at the bottom of the table.

[00:31:54] First and only time I threw my jumper in disgust.

[00:31:57] Anyway, great episode.

[00:31:58] Thanks, Michael.

[00:31:59] Thanks for those facts and figures too.

[00:32:01] Juz has been in touch.

[00:32:03] Juz said, exciting news about Trindle, Nikara and Kafusi.

[00:32:06] I like Atko, but I think because they've resigned Trindle, they can't really afford to keep him.

[00:32:12] Surely the better option would be to move Dykes into the backup role moving forward

[00:32:16] as he's truly something special.

[00:32:18] So just on that Juz, like I've been saying a few times in the episode,

[00:32:21] I do think that they're trying to keep Atkinson.

[00:32:23] I don't think that they're putting a line through him just because they bought Trindle.

[00:32:26] So watch your space on Atko.

[00:32:29] Checkbook Flanagan's coming in hard, but I'm led to believe Atko wants to stay.

[00:32:33] So we'll see how that pans out.

[00:32:36] Cade Dykes is a special player.

[00:32:39] He needs to get healthy, so to speak.

[00:32:42] I know he can't help the injuries he's had.

[00:32:44] He's obviously a very fit young man and he can play a few different positions.

[00:32:50] Good attitude.

[00:32:52] He's well liked around the club.

[00:32:54] He likes the club.

[00:32:55] I just think that he's going to have to work just that, even that extra bit harder,

[00:33:00] fair or not fair, to prove himself because he's barely played a game in a few years.

[00:33:05] So I hope he does it.

[00:33:07] But I don't know if we can put a line through an Atkinson, for example,

[00:33:11] and hope Dykes is ready to rock.

[00:33:14] We need to really see him put the runs on the board in some capacity,

[00:33:18] whether it's cup or whether it's first grade.

[00:33:20] But we'll see how that works out.

[00:33:22] I wanted to pick your brains as to what you thought the best forward rotation would be next year with AFB arriving.

[00:33:28] I feel as though Williams was let go as he is similar to McInnes.

[00:33:32] They don't need a player like that with AFB coming.

[00:33:35] Potentially we could have AFB and McInnes playing longer minutes.

[00:33:38] Get the other middles to play more of a high impact style.

[00:33:41] Yeah, possibly.

[00:33:43] Possibly.

[00:33:43] There's a few different ways you could do it.

[00:33:45] You could have AFB play the 50 to 60 minutes that he has been doing throughout his career.

[00:33:50] You could potentially tinker with that and get him to play a bit less to hope that it lasts longer because it's a four year deal.

[00:33:56] Whether you think that would be the right way to go or not, you'd have to look at the science behind all that.

[00:34:01] But I think it's a very big positive that he can play such a big role with big minutes.

[00:34:06] I really want to see the other guys get more of a shot.

[00:34:12] I'm looking at more of the shorter impact players and hoping they get more of a stint.

[00:34:18] So, Tuku, I want to see him play longer.

[00:34:21] BHU when he's fit and ready.

[00:34:23] Play longer.

[00:34:24] And we'll see how that works out.

[00:34:26] I completely understand what you're saying in that AFB is playing longer, someone else can play shorter.

[00:34:30] For an impact role, those guys would probably be a BHU if he's not starting.

[00:34:37] Because I think that Kofusi would probably start.

[00:34:39] You could also have Tuku playing more than what he's doing now when he does play.

[00:34:44] So, he's probably averaging 10 minutes or something when he plays.

[00:34:47] You can stretch that out a bit more.

[00:34:49] There's a few things you can do.

[00:34:51] So, it's going to be fascinating to watch.

[00:34:52] Thank you, Juz, for being in touch.

[00:34:54] Appreciate your support.

[00:34:55] Lee sent an article about AFB and it's called Big Men Doing Big Things.

[00:35:02] It was very exciting.

[00:35:03] Thanks, Lee.

[00:35:04] Appreciate that.

[00:35:06] Ryan was in touch and said,

[00:35:08] Long time listener, first time emailer.

[00:35:11] I've been listening for a while, but after listening to your Alan Wilson episode,

[00:35:14] I felt compelled to write to you.

[00:35:15] There may be some recency bias, but I think without doubt that was your best episode ever.

[00:35:20] You're probably a similar age to me and it's quite clear you fell in love with the Sharks at a similar time.

[00:35:25] Alan Wilson was too one of my favorite players as a child.

[00:35:28] The 88 minor premiership, the subsequent final series, Panasonic Cup match, the player for fifth,

[00:35:36] one from eight goals versus South, etc, etc.

[00:35:39] These are moments that made me a fan of not only Cronulla, but of rugby league in general.

[00:35:45] Alan Wilson was a part of all these moments.

[00:35:48] His recognition of all these moments was what my childhood was all about.

[00:35:51] But he was never a star player and neutral fans probably don't even remember him.

[00:35:56] But to Sharks fans of that vintage, he was there every week.

[00:35:59] North were willing to employ him three years after their original offer.

[00:36:02] Brian Smith wanted him on his coaching staff after one season at St. George.

[00:36:07] And Dave Faulkner, considering him a lifelong friend after a chance meeting in the Cronulla dugouts,

[00:36:11] says a lot about the impression he made on people.

[00:36:13] Congrats again on a killer episode.

[00:36:15] I'll try and write again more often.

[00:36:17] That's from Ryan.

[00:36:18] Ryan, thank you for being in touch.

[00:36:20] Thanks for listening.

[00:36:20] Thanks for the first bit of correspondence.

[00:36:24] Please don't be a stranger.

[00:36:25] And it sounds like we are of the same vintage.

[00:36:27] That's exactly when I fell for the Sharks too.

[00:36:31] Or you know what?

[00:36:31] I actually fell a little bit earlier than that.

[00:36:34] But when I think about my first kind of favorite time,

[00:36:37] it's definitely that era onwards.

[00:36:40] So regardless, I appreciate you being in touch, Ryan.

[00:36:44] And I'm going to pass that on to Al as well.

[00:36:47] Al Longtime Listener, Jason said,

[00:36:48] please encourage listeners to sign the petition for Women's Change Rooms.

[00:36:51] Thank you, UpUp.

[00:36:53] And there's a petition on the Facebook.

[00:36:55] And if you need that, you can write to me and I'll give you the link for that.

[00:37:00] Thank you, Jason.

[00:37:01] Joanne said, such great news.

[00:37:04] Love, Britton Nikera, on his recent signing.

[00:37:07] Thanks, Joanne, for being in touch.

[00:37:08] Thanks for listening.

[00:37:09] Steven said, I love his statement about

[00:37:12] about as long as the Sharks want me, I'll be staying.

[00:37:15] From Britton Nikera.

[00:37:16] Thanks for Steve.

[00:37:18] Chris said, wanted to say thanks for the Alan Wilson interview.

[00:37:22] He came to our presentation night back in his playing days.

[00:37:25] And I still remember how excited I was to meet a Sharks hero of mine.

[00:37:28] What a great player and better bloke.

[00:37:30] Thanks again, UpUp.

[00:37:31] That's from Chris.

[00:37:32] My pleasure, Chris, to bring you that interview.

[00:37:34] He just did not disappoint, did he?

[00:37:37] Fantastic.

[00:37:37] Thanks for listening to that episode, everyone.

[00:37:39] If you haven't listened to it, go listen to it.

[00:37:41] It's a few episodes back.

[00:37:42] Alan Wilson with a fascinating story.

[00:37:46] Peter on Britton Nikera signing.

[00:37:48] He said, sexy eyes locked in.

[00:37:51] I think that might be all the mail we have received in the past few weeks.

[00:37:55] If I've gotten that horribly wrong and missed a bunch, I'll get to it.

[00:37:59] And the influx of correspondence has been huge, but I haven't been able to respond to each and every one like I'd like to.

[00:38:05] I'd definitely try and go back and do that.

[00:38:07] If I haven't, I apologize.

[00:38:09] If I have, happy days.

[00:38:11] But that also means I try and keep track of them as best I can.

[00:38:15] I've got a method to the madness.

[00:38:17] And I think I've got everyone, but if I haven't, A, I apologize.

[00:38:21] B, feel free to remind me.

[00:38:23] And C, I will get to it.

[00:38:25] But I appreciate everyone being in touch.

[00:38:27] Thanks a bunch for listening to this episode.

[00:38:29] We'll be back with more episodes and things for you to consume in the coming weeks.

[00:38:35] And just stay safe.

[00:38:37] A lot of stuff planned and lined up.

[00:38:39] So just stay with us.

[00:38:40] Stay patient.

[00:38:41] The episodes will come.

[00:38:43] And until then, up up Cronulla as always.

[00:38:46] Shout out, Keith!

[00:38:48] Shout out, Keith!

[00:39:02] Back in the Shire.

[00:39:04] Turn your points lights off because we're coming home with the...