Veteran Sharks determined to use Tom Brady’s inspirational story to defy father time
CRONULLA boast the two oldest players in the NRL, but retirement is a dirty word in the Shire as they draw inspiration from New England’s ageless quarterback Tom Brady.
Sharks
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sharks. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHATEVER you do, don’t mention ‘retirement’ at the Cronulla Sharks this season.
The word has officially been banned, as a cast of the Sharks’ establish stars take inspiration from 40-year-old New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in a bid to delay father time and capitalise on the club’s premiership window.
Veteran back-rower Luke Lewis and skipper Paul Gallen headline a group of off-contract players who are refusing to discuss or contemplate the finish line.
In fact, Gallen has told teammates not to talk about his future.
Coach Shane Flanagan believes the veteran prop could continue his career, but the club will make a decision at the halfway mark of the season.
Until then, Lewis and co are determined to emulate Brady — who has defied the doubters and his body clock to target his sixth title against Philadelphia in tomorrow’s Super Bowl.
“Brady’s mentality is exactly how I feel,” Lewis told The Sunday Telegraph.
“Just because I’m in my 30s, doesn’t mean I have to retire and I can’t have another opportunity to win another grand final.
“Everyone seems to have an opinion, but they’ve never been there and done it.
“People go, ‘oh you’re 34, are you thinking about retiring?
“I might be 34, but let’s go for a run and see who is fitter. I guarantee you half the boys that are 34 are fitter and stronger than ever, because you get smarter.
“It drives me insane how people have an opinion because of your birthdate.
“It’s why I love Tom Brady. “He has a saying, ‘age is just a number’ and if someone wants my position they can come and get it but I’m not giving it to you.
“It’s just his attitude to winning everything and I absolutely admire him in every aspect of the game and as an athlete.”
Fuelled by Brady’s success story, Lewis is focused on winning another title with Cronulla.
He believes the Sharks are in the perfect position, in terms of youth and experience, to add a second trophy to the club’s cabinet.
“I definitely think there is a window,” he said.
“You’ve got to give the club credit for their recruiting.
“They have recruited to be a top eight side year in and year out for a long time, so fingers crossed we can stay up there and have a red hot crack at trying to win another premiership.”
Lewis says star recruits Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan have made a significant impact on the club.
He believes their proven presence has been invaluable, especially following the departures of James Maloney and Chris Heighington who combined for 646 NRL games.
“Bringing Moylan and Dugan in has been great,” he said.
“They have played in all the big games and they are two superstars who have done everything in the game.
“They are playing at the top of their game and they know what it takes when you are under the pump, so having them in our side has been outstanding — especially at training.
“The leadership they bring has been spot on.
LEADER: McKinnon could enter coaching ranks
HALFBACKS: Does your playmaker have what it takes?
“In saying that, all the new guys have really stepped up and they haven’t stood back and waited for the team.
“They’ve just jumped on and got involved — so I’m super excited to play with those boys.”
As for his own future, Lewis will adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach.
“At the moment my body is feeling really good,” he said.
“I feel fit and strong and I’m enjoying turning up every day.
“Once all that motivation goes, then I’ll know when it’s time to quit.
“But at the moment, I’m probably enjoying it more now than when I was younger.”