NRL Women’s Premiership: Roosters Sharon McGrady to carry on family legacy
SHARON McGrady will carry one of the most famous surnames in rugby league into the upcoming NRL women’s competition. And she’s determined to honour that history.
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SHARON McGrady will have just one sad regret when she carries the surname of one of rugby league’s most famous players into the upcoming NRL women’s competition.
That her dad will not be there to see it.
Sharon, 25, is the niece of 1991 Rothmans Medal winner Ewan ‘Panda’ McGrady and the daughter of the late Jason McGrady, who played seven first grade games for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
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He tragically passed away from cancer, aged just 39, in 2009.
Jason McGrady achieved a rare distinction of playing all three grades in the one day for the Bulldogs, including 60 minutes in first grade against Illawarra in 1991.
It is the proud memories of her dad that have inspired Sharon to make her own career in rugby league and earn a contract with the Sydney Roosters.
“I was 14 when dad was diagnosed with cancer,” Sharon said. “He had chemotherapy but came back and played reserve grade for Orara Valley and won the grand final. A year later he passed away.”
It is why Sharon is so determined and so committed to honouring her father and famous uncle in her own rugby league career.
That every game, every training session, every footy moment is dedicated to her dad.
“I feel playing footy now brings me closer to dad,” she said. “Knowing how much he loved footy and he knew how much I loved it. I just want to make him proud.
“Both Uncle Panda and my Dad have been huge role models. All my uncles have been my idols.
“They always have been there not just for me but our whole community. It’s a big thing for me to keep the McGrady name alive. I’m really proud.
“We all live and breathe footy. In our community it’s kind of all we have. It’s in all our blood.”
Sharon weighs just 55kg, a lightweight even in the women’s game.
This year she has played hooker, fullback, wing and halfback for South Sydney in the Harvey Norman Women’s league before being snapped up by the Roosters for the NRL competition.
Often she phones her famous uncle back in Boggabilla to get advice before games.
Like her dad and uncle, Sharon is renowned in the women’s game for her unpredictable and adventurous style.
“I didn’t realise how famous Uncle Panda was until I grew up and saw his videos on YouTube,” Sharon said.
“He just tells me to enjoy it and play mission footy. Like backyard stuff when I was growing up with my brothers. Don’t get too structured. Play what’s in front of you and just have a go.
“I did a chip and chase last weekend. It just happened.”
Outside of football, Sharon is caring for her three-year-old daughter, Alayah, who was recently diagnosed with autism.
“It’s a challenge while I’m trying to keep up with my football, stay fit, and look after my little girl,” she said.
“I’d just like to thank my Mum (Leah) and my partner Nayden for giving up so much of their time to help and allow me to train and help me go on this journey.
“I couldn’t have got this far without them.”