It was a historic moment for the Cronulla Sharks when they were officially added to the NRLW for 2023 and they now have a coach, with Tony Herman the man to lead their inaugural season.
Herman should be a familiar man for Sharks fans, as he currently coaches the Sharks side in the domestic competition, the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Herman’s role as coach of the side has seen him play an active part in the junior development of women in the Sharks program and he looks forward to taking on the NRLW role.
“I am extremely humbled to be the Inaugural Cronulla Sharks NRLW Coach,” Herman said.
“It is an honour to Coach at this Great Club and in the Women’s space that I am so passionate about is very special.
“The excitement around the Club that we now have an NRLW team is extraordinary.”
As the participation rates of women in rugby league grow in the shire, Herman believes it is a matter of time before those in the ranks eventually play at the top-tier.
“This year we ran 14s and 17s development teams and attracted around 30-40 girls in each with the plan to run 14s, 15s, 16s and 17s this coming season,” Herman continued.
“The growth of the women’s game is phenomenal in the Shire and to be given the opportunity to play my part in that is very exciting.”
Herman has also been involved with the Sharks at the men’s level, coaching both the former National Youth Competition side and the NSW Cup side.
Herman has also had roles in the touch football system in the area and held roles at representative level for both NSW and Australia.
The veteran coach has the backing of Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta who believes Herman is the right fit for the role.
“Tony has shown a commitment to the women’s game here at Cronulla, and a genuine passion for nurturing and growing our women’s game,” said Mezzatesta.
“We are thrilled that he will lead the Sharks into its inaugural NRLW season.”