The Cronulla Sharks will proudly host their second annual Mental Fitness Round on Saturday, May 17, during their home game against the Melbourne Storm at Sharks Stadium. This special event aims to raise awareness about mental health and promote open conversations within the community.
This year’s Mental Fitness Round is supported by Find Ya Feet, a respected mental health organisation known for delivering life-changing workshops to schools, sports clubs, workplaces, and community groups.
The Mental Fitness Round began as the vision of Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes, who played a key role in launching the initiative during last year’s game against the Dragons in May 2024.
In the lead-up to the Round 11 match, the Sharks will release a range of mental fitness content across their website and social media platforms. These features will highlight personal insights from players including Hynes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Tom Hazelton, NRLW player Rhiannon Byers, and Find Ya Feet founder Tommy Herschell. The game day experience will also include themes and messaging focused on mental wellbeing.
Vinh Tran, the Sharks’ Head of Community and Government Relations, said last year’s inaugural Mental Fitness Round received a strong response from fans and the wider community.
“The first event was a big success,” Tran said. “People embraced our message that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. We’re excited to build on that momentum this year.”
Tran added that the club is committed to giving people the tools to strengthen their emotional wellbeing and feel confident about seeking help or supporting others.
“We’re proud to continue working with Tommy Herschell and the Find Ya Feet team to bring his workshops to more schools and organisations across Cronulla and beyond,” Tran said. “Tommy’s passion is clear in everything he does, and we value his expertise.”
Tran also thanked Gotcha4Life, the organisation that partnered with the Sharks during the first Mental Fitness Round.
Find Ya Feet is supported by several well-known ambassadors, including Nicho Hynes, former Sharks captain Dale Finucane, and NRL premiership winner Luke Lewis. Other high-profile supporters include Australian cricketer Mitch Marsh and NRL great Sam Thaiday, who recently won I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and donated $100,000 to the organisation.
Local surf legend Blakey Johnston, a two-time world record holder, also backs Find Ya Feet. His World’s Biggest Paddle Out event at Cronulla Beach in March raised funds to deliver workshops to over 10,000 students across the Sutherland Shire.
Tommy Herschell, founder of Find Ya Feet, encourages people to be vulnerable and start meaningful conversations. He recently ran a session with the Sharks’ Junior Representative teams to help young athletes speak up and take ownership of their stories.
Herschell said partnering with the Sharks means a great deal for Find Ya Feet.
“Being involved with a club like the Sharks is huge for us,” he said. “It shows fans that it’s okay to talk openly about their struggles and seek help.”
He added that players like Hynes, Mulitalo, Hazelton, and Byers have a special ability to connect with young people—not just as athletes, but as role models with real stories and emotions.
“When young people see their heroes open up, it gives them permission to do the same,” Herschell said. “It helps break the stigma. We want the next generation to know that it’s okay to struggle, but also that there are tools to overcome it.”
Herschell will lead a workshop with the Sharks NRL squad next week as part of the club’s broader efforts to promote mental fitness.
“This is a priceless opportunity for our sporting heroes to become even more inspiring,” he said.
