Normally a story involving an NRL star and a brewery would end in tears, but this one has a very different outcome.

Cronulla Sharks halfback Chad Townsend along with a few close mates from the Sutherland Shire have created Cronulla Beer Co. and since officially launching late last year it’s going gangbusters.

Townsend recently told Tucker Media’s 2020 Re-Vision podcast how the idea first came about with his best mate from childhood and budding entrepreneur.

“We were having a beer and a cheese platter at my place over the holidays and he said to me ‘what about Cronulla Beer co?’ and it just gave me tingles down my back.

“The next day we registered the business name and moved into the next phase of getting the business up and running.”

Fast forward 12 months, and so successful has the product been that they are struggling to keep up with demand, with online sales selling out several times. The beer also recently came in at number 52 on the GABs Hottest 100 craft beers.

The premiership winning no.7 has been blown away by how quickly it has all taken off and the backing they have received from venues right across the Shire.

“We’ve had some incredible restaurants, pubs and bars area supporting us. We weren't really sure how it'd go but it's been sold out in a lot of places.

“Just the other day we dropped off 20 cartons to a bottle shop in Cronulla and it sold out within six hours.”

“It’s been a great ride so far. I’ve always wanted to start a business and this one has been really enjoyable.”

Townsend said having an interest outside of the rigours of professional sport has always been important to him.

“Football and rugby league will always be my number one priority, but I’ve got passions outside the game that keep me busy, and I like to be busy.”