In recognition of their improvement and progress during the 2014 season, the Sharks have moved quickly to secure the services of winger Jacob Gagan and front rower David Fifita for a further two years.
Late yesterday the pair signed new deals which will see them remain at the Sharks until at least the end of the 2016 season.
Current Sharks NRL coach James Shepherd was pleased to see Fifita and Gagan come to terms with the club and looked forward to seeing their continued development.
“They are both players of promise and its great to see the club has given them an opportunity to fulfill their potential,” Shepherd said. “David has battled some injuries this year but made his NRL debut and handled it well, while Jacob has also had his chance in the top grade and has grabbed it with both hands.
“They both deserve the contract upgrades and the next step is for them to try to cement permanent positions in the NRL team.”
The 25 year-old Fifita, twin brother of NSW and Australian prop Andrew, through social media immediately expressed his excitement at signing the new deal.
“I’m proud to announce I’ve just signed for another two years,” Fifita began. “I just couldn’t give up the dream of playing alongside my twin.”
Twin brother Andrew also signed a new long-term deal with the Sharks earlier this year.
As for Gagan, his signing is a just reward for the Cabramatta junior and former Australian Schoolboy who has enjoyed a rise to prominence over the past month.
After debuting against the Dragons in round 13, Gagan scored a vital try in the comeback win against the Broncos, before notching a double in the remarkable victory over the Roosters a week later.
Gagan, just 21, has played four games in the top grade and has again been selected to take on the Cowboys this Friday night at Remondis Stadium.
David Fifita, currently sidelined with a leg injury, has played three NRL games this year.
The signing of the talented pair comes on the heels of fellow young guns Sosaia Feki and Fa’amanu Brown agreeing to new upgraded contracts that will see them both remain at the Sharks through until the end of 2017.
