There isn’t a Cronulla putdown that lifelong Sharks fan Mike Watson hasn’t heard.
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But he is yet to grow resentful of the burden carried as a fan of the rugby league side that, famously, is yet to win a premiership.
“I can’t say that that’s happened, because of the enjoyment that the Sharks have given me back,” he said this week.
Mr Watson, who has followed the Sharks since they entered the competition in 1967, will be at the grand final this Sunday, as he has been before.
He saw the Sharks lose to Manly in the 1973 and 1978 deciders, and is grateful that it’s Melbourne who will play Cronulla on Sunday.
“Thank god they’re not playing Manly,” he said. “Every side has its nemesis – that’s ours.”
After 50 seasons of supporting the hard-luck Sharks, Mr Watson is working on a supporter succession plan.
“The indoctrination has been extended to my grandchildren, who look fabulous in their Sharkies gear," he said. “Poor little buggers if they have to wait 50 years for a premiership.”
