Jay Efairamo, Abed Atallah and Stephen Staff begin preparations for the Group 7 Rugby League season for 2016. Photo: Dane Chamberlain
Shellharbour City Sharks’ preparations are underway for the 2016 South Coast Group 7 Rugby League season. The 2015 Club Champions held their first training session of the year last week.
Former Harden Hawk and 2009 Premiership winning Five-eigth, Abed Atallah will coach the first grade side, after steering the reserve grade side around for the last 3 seasons.
Abed moved to Shellharbour and signed with the Sharks in 2010 as a player, before taking over as reserve grade coach midway through 2012.
First grade coach, Ryan Powell must have seen what Harden locals have known for a long time. Abed has a great footballing brain and has put it to use his whole career.
“The reserves coach at the time left and Powell thought I should take it on so I did,” Abed said.
“Coaching is very appealing to me so I owe ‘Powelly’ a heap in that regard, he is someone who I hold in very high esteem and someone I turn to for advice when I need it.”
He stayed with the Sharks for a further two seasons as reserve grade coach, qualifying for the major semi-finals in 2013 and 2014.
He moved to Wests in the Illawarra League in 2015 to work under veteran coach Peter McLeod and former Australian Test representative Front Rower, Jason Ryles.
“Working with both Peter and Jason was a great experience I thought I knew a fair bit about footy, but after a few sessions with these guys I realised I still had plenty to learn.
“I’m very lucky to have two experienced guys like Jay and Stephen on the coaching team,” Abed said. (pictured above)
“They know what they’re doing and they have the respect of everyone at the club from the committee down to the players. We have a talented group of players at Shellharbour and there are a lot of guys still hurting from last year’s grand final loss to go one better.”
Gerringong lead early, then came from behind to win 28-24 during the grand final against Shellharbour.
The Sharks were minor premiers and missed out on the chance to score their first premiership victory since 2001. The grand final loss was Shellharbour’s second defeat of 2015 and heartbreaking for the squad.
Abed is supported by Harden local and wife, Natasha and children Ashanti, 4 and Kader, 2. The kids have grown up watching Dad play or coach.
“I’m not playing this year, just coaching, but i’d never say never about pulling the boots on again.”
Abed just doesn’t use his brain on the sporting field he puts it to good use as a Technical Support Supervisor for Brother International. He last played for the Hawks in 2014, in their Grand Final loss to Binalong at Binalong.
“I enjoy the coaching side of things as it allows me to give back some of the things I have learnt over the years from various coaches. It’s just a start, my first crack at doing first grade and working with a top squad after 3 years working with reserve grade.”
Abed and his family miss the twin towns at times. “Yeah Harden will always be home and I enjoy heading back when I can to catch up with family and friends.” he said.
Abed started in the U6s and left when he was 19 to play Jersey Flegg on the coast. He will continue a love affair with the game he has been associated with for nearly 25 years.
We wish Abed and Natasha and their family every success in 2016. Hawks Hawks Hawks!!!
