Scott Morrison caught in 'brutal' scenes at NRL game after handing back Sharks honour

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was caught in a pretty awkward situation at the Cronulla Sharks game on Friday night when it was reportedly announced over the loud speaker that he is no longer the club's No.1 ticket holder. Morrison is a regular at Cronulla's home games at Shark Park, and loves getting out and supporting his favourite NRL team.

He was handed the honour of being the Sharks' No.1 ticket holder while serving as treasurer in 2016 - the same year the team won their maiden premiership. But the former PM announced this week that he was relinquishing the title after retiring from politics.

"I have advised the Sharks CEO, Dino Mezzatesta, that it was time for me to also pass the No.1 ticket holder status back to the club," he wrote on his Facebook page. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with the club in this role and am deeply grateful for the club giving me that honour over the past eight seasons, and will look forward to continuing to be a passionate supporter in the many years ahead.

"I am so proud of everything the Sharks have achieved on and off the field during my time as No.1 ticket holder, especially the 2016 victory. Miracle wins are so good! It was very nice of the club to say thanks this week at a special lunch with Sharks Club President Steve Mace, CEO Dino Mezzatesta, club directors, sponsors and club legend Paul Gallen."

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The former PM added: "I have greatly enjoyed my association with all of them and all the players, coaching staff, trainers (especially you Noakesy) as well as club staff and volunteers over the years. It’s a great family and community club. We are so proud of our history and so excited about our future.

"I am pleased my support for the Sharks during my time as their local MP, Federal Treasurer and PM has also been of assistance to the club. I’ll see you around at the home games, including tonight against the Dogs for our home season opener."

Scott Morrison caught in brutal situation during Sharks game

Morrison was true to his word and attended the game on Friday night, watching on as the Sharks beat the Bulldogs 25-6. But there were some rather brutal scenes when the ground announcer told fans over the PA system that Morrison was no longer the No.1 ticket holder.

According to fans in attendance, there was no explanation that Morrison had relinquished the honour, and no other information other than he was no longer the No.1 ticket holder. One person wrote on social media: "They announced over the loud speaker at Shark Park that Scott Morrison was officially not the No.1 Cronulla Sharks ticket [holder] anymore while he was in da house. It was brutal. Everyone was waiting for the replacement and nothing."

Another person commented: "Best thing to happen to Sharks fans since 2016." While a third wrote: "Could not have been announced in better way."

Reports emerged last year that the Sharks had actually asked Morrison to hand back the title over his role in the Robodebt scandal. However those reports were rubbished by his office at the time.