LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a blast from the past, this week in 1986 saw the debut of a young gun who would go on to become one of the most versatile players in the history of the Cronulla Sharks - none other than Alan Wilson, aka Shark number 220.
Hailing from the regional NSW towns of Young, Wellington, and Armidale, Wilson's rugby league journey took him back to the Shire where he eventually found his place with the De La Salle Caringbah club.
Despite initially being overlooked by the Sharks in junior trials, Wilson's persistence and determination eventually caught the eye of coach Jack Gibson.
With the blood of former Shark Graham and club legend Kevin Hogan running through his veins, Wilson was destined for greatness.
Graded straight from park football, Wilson's skills as a halfback/lock quickly caught the attention of his teammates and coaches alike.
Trials for the Sharks' under-23s team proved to be the turning point for Wilson, as he found himself rubbing shoulders with future first-grade stars such as Glenn Coleman, Barry Russell, Sean Watson, and Mal Wheeler.
The rest, as they say, is history.
In a true rags-to-riches story, Alan Wilson's debut marked the beginning of a legendary career that would solidify his place in the annals of Cronulla Sharks history.
The versatile young talent had truly arrived, and the rugby league world would never be the same.