by Nick Walshaw
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The first time Natalie Sinclair was asked to stay quiet about cheerleading, she was three years into a law degree.
Sure, on Sundays she was shaking pompoms for the Penrith Panthers but, given her $100 pay cheque covered not only game day but rehearsals, ambassador visits, everything - she considered the money well-earned.
Her regular visits to hospitals, coaching clinics, even just leaning over the fence to interact with complete strangers was all helping shape this Sydneysider who, now 27, works as a litigation lawyer for international firm Clyde and Co.
But back then what really mattered to Sinclair was being part of the game.