THERE was a sea of small fish who might one day grow into Sharks at Remondis Stadium on Tuesday as Cronulla hosted their Junior Jaws school holiday clinic.
Sharks 300-game NRL player and club elite development coach John Morris took charge of the Junior Jaws program, while Mermaids choreographer and co-ordinator Jacquie Doran ran a Junior Mermaids Cheer clinic.
About 240 children, including 160 Junior Jaws players and 80 Mini Mermaids, took part in the sessions. Players including the Sharks five-eighth Jack Bird were also there to say hi to the children.
Sharks general manager of engagement and pathways Tim Thorne said the event was important to maintain strong links with the community.
‘‘The message we’re trying to get across is that we’re more than just a football club,’’ he said.
‘‘Our aim is to increase football registrations and we’re working with the junior rugby league and the NRL Development to achieve the same goals rather than doing our own thing.
‘‘This clinic is still more fun-based but we’re trying to get it a bit more skill-based.
‘‘We’re building it more and more and tweaking it as we go.
‘‘We’ve modified it this year to have more of a technical base.’’
Eight Sharks players were on hand to sign autographs and allow children to meet their heroes.
Sharks five-eighth Jack Bird said it was an important part of the players’ responsibilities and something he enjoyed.
‘‘I remember I used to go to these clinics at the Dragons as a young kid,’’ he said.
‘‘There were players like Shaun Timmins and Trent Barrett there. They were good days.
‘‘I remember there was a photo of me passing the ball that made it in the paper.
‘‘Today was good, there were a few kids there. We signed some signatures for the kids. I think they had a good time.’’