On March 7th, 1932, in Jack Mc Lean’s barber shop at the Narrabeen Tram Terminus, Narrabeen JRLFC was formed. We became the first registered rugby league club in the district and fielded a team in A and B Grades in the Manly Warringah competition. B Grade won the inaugural competition with A Grade claiming a premiership in 1935.
Celebrating 90 years of Narrabeen Sharks in 2022, we now have 345 registered players and 28 teams including 4 girls’ teams consisting of 55 players.
Six teams qualified for Grand Finals with U11 White, U12 Girls, U15 Gold and A Grade being crowned premiers, capping another successful season for the Sharks.
The 90th Anniversary dinner was held at DY RSL with over 200 guests in attendance. Thanks to the organising committee of Tracy and Craig Lovelace, Jane Peterson, Lucy Hough, Michael Malone and Murray Stewart for a fantastic evening. Master of Ceremonies was club legend John Gibbs whose professionalism and historical knowledge set the bar high for all those that followed. We were honoured with Life Members presenting jackets to our newest inductees and starting what we hope to become a tradition at the Centenary of the Sharks. One of the highlights of the night was Tony Balkin’s time on the microphone recounting stories of glory days and entertaining all.
As always, thanks to the committee who devote their time to keep the club running and our players on the field. Special mention to Registrar Desiree, Treasurer Emma, Secretary Toni, Gear Steward Lucy and Ground Manager Lisa for all the time and effort you dedicate throughout the season. Congratulations to Vice President Drew Humphrey on being named the George April Club Person of the Year and to Dean Mahoney for being awarded the Player Volunteer of the Year Award.
Congratulations to A Grade on winning the Premiership and to coach Jamie Van Burin who has taken this team from U6 to A Grade with many triumphs and tribulations along the way but always in the spirit of the Sharks. Well done to you and your support crew.
Thanks to all the coaches, managers, and trainers who guide and develop our players in what it means to be a Shark and uphold the core values of the club.
We all looked forward to a return to normalcy from COVID 19 only for La Nina to raise her head and disrupt the season with wet weather and unplayable grounds. Once again, our patience and understanding were tested but we rise above what ever is thrown our way to play the game we love and advance the club onward and upward.