Steve Sharp has won premierships in Parramatta's glory days in the rough-and-tumble 1980s.
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But there'll be special satisfaction among his sporting endeavours on Tuesday, when he and wife Narelle watch the first ever greyhound they've trained debut at Bulli.
The almost two-year-old black dog Lightning Sharp has become part of the family, so much so his nickname is 'DD' for docile dog, such is his relaxed nature.
However, along the way, they've always maintained belief in Lightning Sharp's ability, even if they've had to be patient along the way.
"We went against the golden rule and got the docile dog of the litter, not the wild and crazy ones," Sharp said.
"I've got grand kids and a terrier and you don't think twice about having him with them, he's a beautiful dog.
"But we also to see how he would go on the track and it's taken a while, but his last trials have shown he won't embarrass himself.
"We just want to get him through the race and it would be great if he's in the first few."
Sharp played 164 games for Parramatta from 1979-90, including starting in the second row in the back-to-back grand final triumphs over Manly in 1982-83, as well as being on the bench in 1981 when they beat Newtown and in the 1984 loss to Canterbury.
The couple's casual interest in the greyhounds at Bulli and Dapto has led to a new sporting pursuit, with Narelle taking on her training licence.
"It's been great, doing it together. I really enjoy the training side of it, the athletic side of it," he said.
"I've been involved in footy for a long time and it's great to watch a greyhound develop, they're a bit like people, they've got a mind of their own sometimes.
"A lot of trainers would have sold (Lightning Sharp) off ages ago, or offered him up for adoption, but we fell in love with him.
"Narelle's more nervous than I am, I guess I've been through it all on the footy field, but I'll be anxious to see him perform as well as he has at the trials at least."
Lightning Sharp jumps from box eight in a 340m Maiden at 3.27pm on Tuesday, part of a nine race card at Bulli.
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