Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The NRL grand final took place on Sunday, 2 October. A number of games were held that day. I rise today to congratulate the Illawarra Cutters for their recent win over the Burleigh Bears 54-12 in the Intrust Super Championship. This win marks the first win for New South Wales based team in this competition.

Whilst some may argue that this team is solely an Illawarra based team; they are, in fact, the feeder team for the St George Illawarra Dragons. It was with great pleasure I attended the Dragons awards evening just last Friday. I wish to congratulate the coach of the Cutters, Jason Demetriou, and his team on such an amazing win and further congratulate Shannon Wakeman on being named the Cutters player of the year and his selection in the Italian Rugby League squad for the 2017 World Cup.

I would also like to congratulate the Cronulla Sharks on their inaugural NRL grand final. Of course, I would like to recognise Michael Ennis in his last game. I single out Michael because he did once play for my team, the Bulldogs, at some point. Jack Gibson once said that waiting for Cronulla to win a grand final was like leaving your porch light on waiting for Harold Holt to come home. Well, Harold Holt may not be home, but the porch lights can be turned out in Cronulla. Congratulations to the Illawarra Cutters.