Narooma’s own Teig Wilton has his place in rugby league history as the first ever captain of a Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Jersey Flegg premiership side.
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The Sharks beat the Penrith Panthers 22-12 in the grand final at Leichardt Oval on Sunday to win the premiership.
Jersey Flegg is the premier under 20s rugby league competition in NSW, and was back in 2018 after a 10-year hiatus.
Wilton said the achievement was yet to sink in.
“As the week goes on, I think it’ll settle in a bit more,” he said. “It’s a really good feeling though, I can’t get over it just yet.
“It was one of my greatest honours so far, to lead our Jersey Flegg side to a premiership.
“Playing for NSW and Australia were both awesome, but when it comes to captaining a team to a premiership, it’s unparalleled.
“It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.”
The Sharks met the Panthers for the second time in this finals series after losing to them in week one.
“We knew they were going to be a tough out,” Wilton said. “They’ve got a really big forward pack, and some good strike weapons on the outside.
“It was a tough, grueling match, but we just managed to stay in the grind for long enough to come out on top.
“It was very emotional after the siren, not just for the players, but for everyone who put in so much work throughout the season. It was exhilarating when we got the result, and everyone was so stoked.”
Wilton now plans to return to Narooma for a couple of weeks to see his family, who all made the trip to Sydney to watch him play.
“I plant to get back to Narooma, because I haven’t been home in a while,” he said. “My family all came up and watched the game, and I got to see them in the stands after the game.
“They know how much I appreciate them, and how much they’ve put in to get me where I am today. It was great I could win in front of them.”
Wilton will now take a month off before returning to preseason training in November.
“I think winning thee premiership had made me more hungry for success,” he said. “I want to win more games, play better footy, and give myself the best chance at doing that with a big preseason.
“I’m really keen to get back into it, train hard, and be as successful as I can.”
Wilton said he wouldn’t have had this kind of success without the people at the Cronulla Sharks.
“I’m really thankful to everyone at the Cronulla Sharks, both staff and players,” he said. “The year couldn’t have been more enjoyable, and it was super special to win with such a close-knit bunch of mates.”
