Luke Lewis Cup: Penrith, Cronulla legend shines light on park football

In a decorated career with Penrith and Cronulla, NSW Origin legend Luke Lewis achieved just about everything the game has to offer. Now with a trophy named in his honour, he’s giving back.

(L-R) Tinirau Arona (St Clair Comets), Luke Lewis and Tom Carr (Aquinas Colts) with the Luke Lewis Cup ahead of the inaugural representative match between Cronulla Juniors and Penrith Juniors at Sutherland Oval, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Picture: Tom Gibbs, NSWRL

He’s a dual-premiership winner and Blues legend, now Luke Lewis is giving back to the grassroots of his beloved Panthers and Sharks.

Eight years after claiming the Clive Churchill Medal in Cronulla’s maiden premiership, the Penrith junior’s legacy receives another boost with the advent of the Luke Lewis Cup.

Shining a light on park footballers, the annual fixture pits Cronulla’s top A-grade talent with the best from Penrith.

“It’s a massive honour,” Lewis said ahead of the inaugural contest on Saturday, June 8.

“I’d never really thought about it too much, even as a young kid to have a trophy named after me. They are two places I hold dear to my heart.

“I was a massive Penrith boy growing up and I got to win a grand final with them. Then I went over to the Sharks and now I feel like I’m a part of the community over there, which I love.”

Long before kicking off a decorated 18-year NRL career at Penrith in 2001, Lewis rose through the ranks in Sydney’s west with junior club Blacktown City.

Penrith’s Luke Lewis (right) and Luke Rooney on the lap of honour after the 2003 grand final. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

“We used to play sides like Emu Plains and Windsor and they were really hard to beat, and we had some big run-ins with Cambridge Park,” said Lewis.

“It means a lot, I have good memories of junior football. The best part was playing with schoolmates and friends, and doing it with a big smile because we all loved the game.”

With the concept formulated earlier this year, Penrith Juniors general manger Blake South and Cronulla Juniors chairman John Mannah approached Lewis, who without hesitation gave his rubber stamp of approval.

“There’s no better feeling than getting picked in rep sides, it’s a big sense of achievement to get recognised,” said Lewis, who also starred in 17 Origins and 16 Tests for the Kangaroos.

“So it’s a huge opportunity for these guys, especially those who haven’t had that chance before.”

“The one thing I know about grassroots footy, is that there is some cracking talent. Not everyone wants to go down the first grade path, but these guys can be brutal.

“There will be a lot of eyeballs out there watching this game and it’s a really good opportunity for them to propel their career forward.”

Asked to pick a winner. Just as he played the game, Lewis refused to sit on the fence.

“In the NRL I never tip against Penrith or Cronulla,” he said.

“When they play each other I always pick the home side. So for this one, I’ll have to go for Cronulla given it’s played in the Shire.”

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