John Rourke is one of the veterans of Shaw Cross Sharks. The 29-year-old forward has been one of the key cogs in the Sharks season so far this campaign and has been a huge influence in helping the younger players head coach Brett Turner is trying to integrate into the squad settle in.

Rourke has been with the team since he was six years old and has seen a lot of changes in his time. The veteran has seen a new club house for the community as well as the hustle and bustle of players coming into the club as well as departing.

Rourke says his best moment of his career so far with Shaw Cross was back in his early days with the Under 18's squad: "We won everything there was to win."

No longer a youth, Rourke, along with captain Andrew Fawkes is one of the leaders of the team but feels no pressure with being such an established player: "I don't think they look up to me. I think that's more Fawkes' job. I'm just a voice in there with the rest of the lads." he said.

With the younger players coming through the ranks Rourke feels that this is the best rugby the team has ever played. The 29-year-old feels the athletic ability of the team is their key asset and feels the turning point was in 2010:
"About four or five seasons ago we had a really tough season. Myself, Fawkesy [Andrew Fawkes] and Matthew Myers have always been here but that season a lot of players left and we didn't have the squad. Since then we've built through the youth system and starting to come good."

Rourke paid special tribute to his head coach Brett Turner describing him as "The heart and soul of Shaw Cross." and feels his dedication and hard work is a huge reason the club is being successful.

Rourke started as a hooker but has recently been moved to loose forward this season. He feels he has been learning well about his new role in the team and Shaw Cross have certainly seen the benefits of that on the field. He feels he has always been a good tackler but the toll it has taken on his body has been one of the reasons in the change in position.