“Is he letting you know he’s the latest fan favorite?” That was the query from Sharks legend Paul Gallen during an interview with Fox League’s rising star Tom Hazelton. “I’d say he’s become a cult hero, absolutely,” Gallen added, with an arm draped around the young prop.
Hazelton brushed off the praise, but recognition from one of rugby league’s greatest front rowers is significant for a player early in his NRL career, with just 19 games under his belt.
The 25-year-old featured in 18 games in 2023, solidifying his place on the bench under Craig Fitzgibbon after impressing when given the chance.
Hazelton progressed through the club’s Jersey Flegg team, eventually earning a train-and-trial deal and making his NRL debut in 2022 after moving from Goulburn to the Shire.
Reflecting on his achievements in 2023 in an interview with foxsports.com.au, Hazelton expressed surprise but is aware of the tougher competition for spots in the club’s 2024 campaign.
Despite injuries or suspensions sidelining players like Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, and Dale Finucane at different points last season, they are expected to be fully fit for Round 1.
“It was rewarding to get a consistent run of games. Of course, you never wish injuries on your friends, especially your best mates in your position,” Hazelton commented.
“But that’s how my opportunity arose, and from then on, my focus was on performing for the team. I wanted to earn the trust of everyone in the team to fulfill my role effectively.
“Last year, we had some key players missing at times, like Braden (Hamlin-Uele), Dale (Finucane), and Toby (Rudolf) for a period. So, I aimed to show the coaching staff and players that I could be relied upon every week.”
Shark Park is known as a challenging venue for visiting teams, with a consistently high energy level. When Hazelton enters the game from the bench, the excitement reaches a whole new level.
Hazelton, the imposing prop, relishes his ‘cult hero’ status for the boost it gives his team simply by stepping onto the field with his distinctive appearance.
“What I enjoy most about it is the energy it brings to the stadium and the team,” Hazelton remarked. “If I can come on and lift the crowd and the boys, I’m all for it.
“I think it’s the bald head and the head tape that’s become my signature look. It’s nice to be able to bring a spark every time I come on, especially at my favorite ground to play, which is here. It’s a privilege every time I get to play here.”
Hazelton’s path to the NRL received a significant boost from rugby league legend Gavin Miller, who contacted Hazelton’s father to arrange a trial at Cronulla.
Hazelton’s talent was evident while playing for Goulburn under 18s in the Group 8 Canberra competition, and after his trial, he never looked back.
“I was playing first grade back home in the Canberra comp, Group Eight, and I was playing 18s and backing up for first grade,” Hazelton recalled. “Towards the end of the year, Grant Jones, I think it was, called my dad and said that Gavin Miller had spoken to him.
“They invited me for a trial at Belmore against the Bulldogs, and I got a train-and-trial deal with the Flegg team at the start of 2018. I’ve been here ever since, progressing steadily. I did my two years in the under-20s and then had a break during the Covid years.
“I got the opportunity to come back when Fitzy first arrived at the club, and I’ve been here since.”
Hazelton has had the privilege of being mentored by some of the game’s best current and former middle forwards, including Miller and Gallen. As he came through the Sharks ranks, he idolized Andrew Fifita and Aaron Woods and now seeks advice from teammates on how to improve his game.
“When I first joined the NRL squad and had guys like Andrew Fifita and Aaron Woods, who had achieved so much in the game, I watched them play in Origin, Test matches, and World Cups,” Hazelton said.
“As I’ve progressed, having players like Dale and Cameron McInnes come in, and Aiden Tolman as well, I’ve learned from everyone about how they approach their week and prepare.
“Even now, we have a great group here with players who are at the peak of their careers. It’s been great to be in a group with so many high-level forwards and soak up as much knowledge as I can.”
Hazelton admitted that his first six weeks away from home were challenging as he built new friendships, but he has clearly made a significant impression since then.
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