Paul Shaw (rugby league) facts for kids

Paul Shaw, born on October 4, 1965, is a former professional rugby league player from Australia. He played the game in the 1980s and 1990s. Paul played for teams like the Manly Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Seagulls in Australia. He also played for Salford in England.

Early Life and Rugby League Beginnings

Paul Shaw started playing rugby league when he was young. He played for a team in Wellington, a country town in New South Wales, Australia. After playing junior rugby, he signed with the Manly Sea Eagles team.

Playing Career Highlights

Paul played his first big game for Manly in 1986. It was against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brookvale Oval. In his first two years, Paul often started games from the bench. This meant he would come on as a substitute player. He was learning from an experienced player named Des Hasler.

Winning the Grand Final

In 1987, Paul played 12 games for Manly. That year, the team made it to the Grand Final, which is the championship game. They played against the Canberra Raiders. Manly-Warringah won the game 18-8, leading for the whole match. Paul came off the bench to help his team win the premiership. This Grand Final was also special because it was the last one ever played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Playing in England

In 1988, Paul Shaw went to England to play for the Salford club. He played for them during the Australian off-season. Paul was even named "man of the match" in the 1988 Lancashire Cup final, even though Salford lost that game.

Time with Gold Coast Seagulls

In 1990, Paul joined the Gold Coast Seagulls team. Here, he became a regular starter, meaning he played almost every game. However, the Gold Coast team had a tough time. In 1991, Paul's last season with them, the team finished last in the competition. They received the "wooden spoon," which is a term for the last-place team. Paul played 14 games that season, and unfortunately, all of them were losses.

Return to Manly and Retirement

Paul Shaw returned to top-level rugby league in 1994. He played one more game for Manly against the Parramatta Eels. This was his final game before he retired from professional rugby league. In 1996, Paul also played for the Aboriginal team in the World Rugby League Sevens Tournament.