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Eleven of the greatest players in Sharks history have tonight become the club's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees during an esteemed ceremony at Sharks Stadium.
Andrew Ettingshausen, Gavin Miller and Tommy Bishop, along with the late Steve Rogers and Greg Pierce, were granted automatic entry to the newly established Hall of Fame given their previous recognition as Sharks Immortals.
Chosen alongside them by respected judges were Paul Gallen, Brett Kimmorley, Dane Sorensen, David Peachey, Jason Stevens and Mat Rogers.
The legendary inductees – or a family member for those not present – were brought on stage to accept special Hall of Fame/Immortals blazers in a landmark event hosted by Fox League's Andrew Voss and Yvonne Sampson.
A breathtaking 'Wall of Fame' near Gate 2 outside Sharks Stadium, featuring illustrations of the 11 inductees in their pomp, was unveiled at the end of the night. The Wall of Fame will permanently adorn the stadium for all to celebrate.
The prestigious Hall of Fame selection panel, chaired by Sharks historian Ashley Taylor, included club CEO Dino Mezzatesta and chairman Steve Mace, Immortals Ettingshausen and Miller, and media personalities Phil Rothfield and David Riccio.
"Our newly established Hall of Fame, along with our set criteria, now provides clear and concise guidelines for the future," Mr Taylor said.
"This inaugural class of inductees not only comprises club legends but also suitably represents the first half-century of our club.
"It was not without much deliberation and thought that this first group of legends came to be inducted, with so many great players having played for this great club.
"We hope this Hall of Fame and its inductees will serve as a catalyst for conversation across generations. Our older supporters can share the memories and stories of these club legends with the next generation of Sharks supporters."
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta added: "Tonight's Hall of Fame ceremony was a fitting way to pay tribute to some of the finest players to ever represent Cronulla.
"Congratulations to the 11 players inducted, who will be forever enshrined in Sharks folklore for their unrivalled courage, tenacity, passion and brilliance.
"On the eve of another exciting NRL season, it was significant for all involved to recognise our rich history and honour the players who have shaped this club."
To be considered for the Hall of Fame, players needed to meet four of the five criteria:
- Demonstrated exceptional performance on and off the field
- Been an international Test representative (including Rugby League World Cup matches)
- Played State of Origin
- Played 100 first-grade games for the Cronulla Sharks or won a premiership with the club
- Received a Dally M Medal, NRL-recognised award (e.g. Dally M positional award, Provan Summons Medal, Rothmans Medal, Ken Stephen Medal) or a Porter-Gallen Medal/Sharks Player of the Year award.
More than 160 VIP guests were seated at tables on the Sharks Stadium field, with hundreds of Members and fans also witnessing history from the ET Stand.
Last year's Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright, a tragic Sharks supporter, performed during the dinner break midway through the formalities.
Sharks NRL head coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his entire squad attended the event to mingle with guests just 48 hours before leaving for the United States.
2025 Sharks Hall of Fame class
Greg Pierce
Sharks Immortal
Local junior who captained the club from 1975-1980. The inspirational lock represented Australia in eight Tests, featured in the 1975 and 1977 World Cup-winning squads and earned six caps for New South Wales. He also coached the Sharks for two seasons.
Tommy Bishop
Sharks Immortal
Served as captain-coach from 1970 to 1973, leading the club to its first grand final appearance in his final season. Renowned for his leadership and skill, he represented Great Britain 15 times, leaving a legacy in both English and Australian rugby league.
Steve Rogers
Sharks Immortal
Affectionately known as the 'Prince of Centres' due to his breathtaking skill and guile. He played 202 games for Cronulla between 1973 and 1985, as well as earning 24 Test caps for Australia – achieving captaincy honours – and representing New South Wales 21 times.
Gavin Miller
Sharks Immortal
Tough and skilful forward who played 180 games for Cronulla. A back-to-back Dally M Medallist, he also represented Australia and New South Wales, earning a reputation as one of the game's best ball-playing forwards.
Andrew Ettingshausen
Sharks Immortal
Played 328 games for Cronulla – the second-most in Sharks history – as a versatile outside back. He represented Australia 29 times and New South Wales in 27 Origin games, cementing his place as an all-time legend.
Dane Sorensen
Played 216 top-grade matches for the Sharks after debuting in 1977. The hard-nosed prop represented New Zealand with aplomb in 18 Tests and helped Cronulla to their first minor premiership in 1988.
David Peachey
Electric fullback who wowed crowds as a Shark for more than a decade. With his smooth running style and creative vision, the Dubbo-born star still ranks second on Cronulla's all-time try-scoring list with 110 four-pointers from 232 NRL matches.
Mat Rogers
Gifted outside back who is second only to his legendary father Steve as the club's greatest point-scorer. In seven seasons at the Sharks, he racked up 75 tries and 406 goals in a haul of 1112 points. He featured in the 1999 minor premiership-winning side as well as representing Queensland and Australia while at the club.
Jason Stevens
Skilful enforcer who never took a backward step. He arrived at the Sharks in 1997 and was a key part of the surge to the Super League grand final. A NSW and Australian representative, he retired after representing Cronulla in 167 games and left a lasting legacy as one of the best props of his generation.
Paul Gallen
Most-capped Shark of all time (348 games) who will forever be hailed as the man who led the club to a long-awaited maiden premiership in 2016. An exceptionally durable lock who played for NSW and Australia in a 19-season career.
Brett Kimmorley
Generational halfback who arrived at the Sharks with state and international experience in 2002. He guided the team to a preliminary final in his first year and another in 2008, stamping himself among the game's best players. Finished with 140 NRL matches in black, white and blue.
