The BRUTAL way Cronulla announced former PM Scott Morrison had handed back his No.1 ticket holder status
- Morrison received the honor in 2016
- Club had reportedly threatened to take back the club in 2023
- Sharks announced the change to fans in ferocious fashion
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has returned the No. 1 ticket holder status bestowed on him by the Cronulla Sharks, with the NRL club making the announcement in a brash manner to fans.
Morrison was given the honorary title when he served as treasurer in 2016, the same year the Sharks delivered long-suffering fans a first NRL premiership.
But after announcing his resignation from politics in February, triggering a by-election in his seat of Cook, he has opted to return to honorary status.
In 2010, Mr Morrison famously stated ‘the Sharks have (his) loyalty’. But by 2023, the club was reportedly considering revoking its No. 1 status due to the Robodebt scandal.
At the time, Morrison strongly rejected the royal commission’s findings into the failed $750 million debt recovery program, which was described as a “crude and cruel mechanism” that left people feeling like “criminals”.
While he made the announcement during the week, the Sharks waited until game day against the Bulldogs on Friday to make it official for fans.
Morrison was named number 1 ticket holder in 2016, but there were reports that the club wanted him to return the ticket following the Robodebt scandal
Morrison announced his decision to step down as the Sharks’ No. 1 ticket holder this week with this social media post
The ground announcer at PointsBet Stadium made the announcement just before half-time, leaving a noticeable silence as fans thought Morrison’s replacement would be named.
‘They announced over the loudspeaker at Shark Park that Scott Morrison was officially no longer the number one Cronulla Sharks ticket golfer while he was in da house. It was brutal.’ one fan posted with a laughing emoji.
“Everyone was waiting for the replacement and nothing.”
“It sounds like they really wanted to leave it to him,” another Sharks supporter added.
“Best thing to happen to Sharks fans since 2016,” wrote another.
Morrison posted a message this week announcing why he is returning his No. 1 ticket holder status to the Sharks and vowing to continue supporting the club.
“I look forward to continuing to be a passionate supporter (of the Sharks) for years to come… We are so proud of our history and so excited about our future,” he posted on social media.
Morrison was a regular face at Sharks matches, pictured with premiership-winning former halfback Chad Townsend
Morrison said he was pleased to have his support for the club as the local MP, treasurer and prime minister had “been helpful” but made the decision after leaving politics.
The former Liberal leader announced earlier this year that he would take on a new role as vice chairman of security firm American Global Strategies after leaving parliament.
Mr Morrison will also take up a position as strategic advisor to asset manager DYNE, a role he will fill alongside former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The South Sydney native has been a long-time supporter of the Sharks and even referenced their theme song in his farewell speech to Parliament, saying: “And, as always – up, up Cronulla.”