NEXT time you see a Cronulla Sharks supporter, take a closer look at their face, you might notice something different: a smile.
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It’s a hard life when you’re a Sharks follower, just ask and they’ll be able to rattle-off an extensive list of missed opportunities and ill-fated finals campaigns keeping the team’s trophy case bare throughout their 50 year history.
Tamworth father Steve McGarrity is one of those smiling supporters and he’s off to witness his beloved Sharks take on the Melbourne Storm in the NRL decider.
“My sport is rugby league, I’m in three footy-tipping competitions,” he said.
“I always cop a bit of stick from my mates for going for the Sharks, they’ll say ‘how many trophies are in the cabinet? That’s right, none.
“If they win, hopefully it will stop a lot of it.”
Mr McGarrity’s family share his passion for the team, with his wife surprising him with tickets to Sunday’s clash.
“My mates bought a bunch of tickets and I said I didn’t want to go unless the Sharks are playing,” he said.
“My wife surprised me and bought me tickets. I’m pretty stoked.”
Mr McGarrity’s two daughters have even jumped on the Sharks, a point he didn’t force.
“I think they have seen how passionate I am about it,” he said. The Tamworth man reckons this will be the year the Sharks break their premiership maiden, saying his Sharks have produced their best attacking side he has ever seen.