Colin Javens and his son-in-law Matt Archer made a pact when they moved from Sutherland Shire to the country.
“We said when Cronulla gets to the grand final again, we’ll be back,” said Colin, who moved to Jingellic, at the foot of the Snowy Mountains, 10 years ago.
He and Matt, who moved to Albury-Wodonga six years ago, were buying Sharks jumpers at Abbey’s in Westfield Miranda on Friday, which was again packed with Sharks supporters.
Another shire expat who was shopping in the store for Sharks gear was Chris Cassell, who travelled from Pottsville on the NSW north coast.
Chris moved north eight years ago but bought grand final tickets so he and his son Koby, 8, hopefully can see the Sharks win their first premiership.
Sharks merchandise outlets continued to do a roaring trade on Friday.
Abbey’s owner Steve Zorbas said it had been an “amazing week”, with 20 metre queues at time.
“We ran out of stock, but then got more in,” he said.
”It’s good for business but also great for the community.”
Rebel Miranda floor manager Angus Leggatt said they sold out of gear at the beginning of the week but were able to get more in.
“Thursday was like a feeding frenzy,” he said.
“We sold 700-800 jumpers during the week, and 500 flags went in one day,” he said.