Scott Morrison responds to explosive Cronulla Sharks story leak

It has been reported there is much more to the story of Scott Morrison’s brutal loudspeaker news, but the ex-PM has now responded.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison seen during the Round 22 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Pointsbet Stadium in Sydney, Sunday, August 18, 2019. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has denied that he was forced to hand back his title as the Cronulla Sharks’ “No.1” ticketholder

Morrison was given the honorary title while serving as treasurer in 2016 but in a statement revealed he’d told Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta he would hand it back.

However many Sharks fans in attendance at Cronulla’s first home game of the season against the Bulldogs on Friday night were unaware of Morrison’s decision to hand back his title.

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It therefore made for awkward listening for many fans at the game as it was announced over the loudspeaker at Cronulla’s PointsBet Stadium that Morrison was no longer the club’s No.1 ticketholder.

It was reported on Sunday the situation was even worse for the former leader with suggestions Morrison was pushed out of the position.

Scott Morrison cheers in the Sharks sheds in 2019. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

The Sunday Telegraph reports Morrison “jumped before he was pushed”.

The Newspaper reports some Cronulla powerbrokers are relieved about Morrison vacating the position.

Morrison on Sunday went public to give his version of events, insisting it was his decision to hand back the title.

“You know what, I’ve stepped back from politics and public life,” he said on 2GB radio.

“I’ll still be going to the games and I’ll still be cheering just as loud. I was singing the song proudly last night.

“But I just thought if I’m stepping down from public life then I should step down from these sorts of roles and they can give it to someone new.”

There has been no explanation for why the news was announced to Sharks fans via the loudspeaker at PointsBet stadium.

“They announced over the loudspeaker at Shark Park that Scott Morrison was officially not the No. 1 Cronulla Sharks ticket holder anymore,” a Sharks fan wrote on X.

“While he was in da house. It was brutal

“Everyone was waiting for the replacement and nothing. It was just slander.”

Another Sharks fan wrote the news: “could not have been announced in a better way.”

Scott Morrison has been a long-time fan of the Sharks. Picture: Facebook

Scott Morrison will hand back his title as “number 1” ticketholder with the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Facebook

Morrison said earlier: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with the club in this role and am deeply grateful for the club giving me that honour over the past eight seasons.

“I will look forward to continuing to be a passionate supporter (of the Sharks) in the many years ahead … We are so proud of our history and so excited about our future.”

Morrison said he was pleased his support for the club as local MP, treasurer, and prime minister had “been of assistance” but made the decision after leaving politics.

The former Liberal leader announced earlier this year he would be taking on a new role as vice-chair of security firm American Global Strategies after leaving parliament.

Morrison will also take up a position as strategic adviser to asset management firm DYNE, a role he will perform alongside former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

The southern Sydney native has been a longtime supporter of the Sharks and even made reference to their theme song in his farewell speech to parliament, stating: “And, as always – up, up Cronulla.”

In 2010, Morrison famously declared “the Sharks have (his) loyalty”. But, by 2023, the club was reportedly mulling pulling his “No.1” status over the robodebt scandal.

Originally published as Scott Morrison responds to explosive Cronulla Sharks story leak