Cronulla Sharks fan Matt Cook had more reasons than most to be nervous at last Sunday’s home game against Manly – and it wasn't just because of their dreadful record against their number one bogey team.
In a moment of inspired madness he thought it would be a good idea to publicly propose to his girlfriend of two years, Rebecca Doyle, at a Sharks home game.
A chance meeting with Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman started the ball rolling when Gorman agreed it would be entertaining – whether she said yes or no, well, that wasn't his job.
“I was nervous as hell,” Cook told the Leader.
“I was obviously hoping she would say yes because it would have been ultimately embarrassing if she said no.”
The crowd of 15,000 was more interested in the proposal taking place on the big screen then worrying about the Sharks’ poor form going into the sheds at half-time when the totally unaware Rebecca saw Matt drop to his knees and pop the question – saying he loved the Sharks but there was someone else who he loved more.
It was all tears and champagne for Matt and Rebecca but it was just all tears for other Sharks supporters as the Sea Eagles eventually ran out deserved 35-18 winners to replace Cronulla in the NRL’s top four.
Manly have now won 13 of their last 15 games against Cronulla but for two supporters the score didn't really matter on a beautiful winter afternoon at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
