McGrady name lives on with latest Rooster
SHARON McGrady will have just one sad regret when she carries the surname of one of rugby league’s most famous players into the upcoming NRL women’s competition.
That her dad will not be there to see it.
Sharon, 25, is the niece of 1991 Rothmans Medal winner Ewan “Panda’’ McGrady and the daughter of the late Jason McGrady, who played seven first grade games for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
He tragically passed away from cancer, aged 39, in 2009.
Jason McGrady achieved a rare distinction of playing all three grades in the one day for the Bulldogs, including 60 minutes in first grade against Illawarra in 1991.
It is the proud memories of her dad that have inspired Sharon to make her own career in rugby league and earn a contract with the Sydney Roosters.
“I was 14 when dad was diagnosed with cancer,” Sharon said. “He had chemotherapy but came back and played reserve grade for Orara Valley and won the grand final. A year later he passed away.
“I feel playing footy now brings me closer to Dad. Knowing how much he loved footy and he knew how much I loved it.
“Both Uncle Panda and my Dad have been huge role models. All my uncles have been my idols.”
Sharon weighs just 55kg, a lightweight even in the women’s game.
Often she phones her famous uncle back in Boggabilla in northern NSW to get advice before games.
Like her dad and uncle, Sharon is renowned for her unpredictable style.
“I didn’t realise how famous Uncle Panda was until I grew up and saw his videos on YouTube,” Sharon said.
“He just tells me to enjoy it and play mission footy. Like backyard stuff when I was growing up with my brothers.”