As part of the club’s second annual Mental Fitness Round, Cronulla Sharks players have stepped away from the tough exterior of professional rugby league to show their human side in a powerful workshop led by Find Ya Feet founder Tommy Herschell.
Herschell, a well-known mental health advocate who has supported over 50,000 people across Australia, guided the players through a session designed to break down emotional walls and highlight the strength in vulnerability. The event will culminate in the Sharks’ NRL clash against the Melbourne Storm this Saturday night at Sharks Stadium.
In the workshop, emotions ran high during a raw and revealing 20-minute session. Players Jesse Byers and Tom Hazelton opened up about losing close friends and the emotional weight they still carry. Their honesty set the tone for deeper conversations among teammates.
Another key moment came when Ronaldo Mulitalo and Nicho Hynes reflected on the honest conversations that helped strengthen their friendship. Mulitalo spoke openly about the journey they’ve taken together.
“We come from two different backgrounds and had tough upbringings,” he said. “There was a time we didn’t see eye to eye. But I love him now for everything we’ve been through. When things get tough, even in a game, we look at each other and we know we’ve got each other’s back.”
Hazelton highlighted the importance of checking in on teammates, even when they don’t appear to be struggling.
“We’re a club that’s pretty open and honest,” he said. “But even just standing up there, you wouldn’t know some of the boys have had anxiety or been struggling in the past week. It really shows how important it is to check on the people you care about—not just when things look bad, but all the time.”
This message has been central to Herschell’s work for more than a decade. Through Find Ya Feet, he helps schools, workplaces and sporting clubs around Australia develop the skills to speak up, take responsibility and support one another.
The Sharks’ ongoing partnership with Find Ya Feet has already included workshops for the club’s NRL squad, junior representatives and admin staff. Now, the initiative will expand to connect with more schools and community groups across the Sutherland Shire, continuing to spread a message of openness and mental resilience.
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