LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In the annals of Rugby League history, one name stands out this week: Steve 'Hayseed' Kneen, a true tough guy of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks back in the '70s and '80s.
In those days, success on the field wasn't just about flashy plays or fancy footwork - it was about grit, determination, and the willingness to get down and dirty in the physical battles that defined the era.
Kneen, who proudly wore the Sharks jersey as number 107, epitomized the tough-as-nails mentality that was required to excel in that era.
Hailing from the local Sutherland Loftus United club, he initially came up through the Sharks' ranks before taking a detour to play for Helensburgh in the Illawarra District competition.
But destiny called, and on that fateful day in 1976, Kneen finally made his mark in first-grade Rugby League.
Facing off against the formidable Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles in front of a boisterous crowd at Endeavour Oval, Kneen showcased his passion for the physical contest, even though the Sharks fell short and the Sea-Eagles emerged victorious with a scoreline of 27-15.
Despite the loss, Kneen's debut was a significant moment in Sharks history, as he embodied the spirit of old-school, hard-nosed Rugby League that was revered in those days.
His journey from local junior to first-grade warrior is a testament to the resilience and determination that defined the players of that era.
As we look back on this momentous occasion in Rugby League history, we salute Steve 'Hayseed' Kneen for his contribution to the game and his unwavering commitment to the Sharks jersey.
His name will forever be etched in the annals of Rugby League lore, a reminder of a bygone era when toughness and grit were the true measures of a player's worth on the field.