From an SG Ball trialist to a Sharks top 30 player in a matter of a few short years, young forward Jesse Colquhoun has been recognised for his talents and rewarded for his efforts in signing a two-year contract with the Cronulla club for the 2023-2024 seasons.
From the Collegians club in Wollongong, Colquhoun left his local area in search of an opportunity, with his attitude, ability and perseverance now earning the 20-year-old an upgraded deal and the chance to make his mark at the Sharks from next season.
Already training with the Sharks NRL squad during the week, then representing the Newtown Jets, the Sharks partner club in the NSW Cup, each weekend, Colquhoun was understandably thrilled to have secured his immediate footballing future.
“It’s exciting to sign for the next two years at the club. I’ve had to work hard to get to the stage where I am and for it to start paying off its really exciting,” Colquhoun said.
Still eligible to play in the Jersey Flegg competition, Colquhoun’s development has been fast-tracked by the Sharks with his promotion to the Jets squad, where he plays big minutes every week and has more than held his own against senior opposition.
“It’s a step up from Flegg, the first time versing men, you definitely notice the difference in their contact and their strength. So it’s been a good test for me and I’m really enjoying it so far,” Colquhoun added.
Like many young up and comers, Colquhoun’s progress was halted somewhat by Covid, a couple of disrupted seasons seeing him play just 17 games in two years.
The Sharks coaching staff however saw enough in him to offer a seven-week pre-season training contract, with Colquhoun impressing enough during the summer to get a run in the Club’s opening NRL trial match, while also receiving an extension to his training arrangement “I just kept training hard and the hard work has paid off,” he said.
Earlier in the year Coach Craig Fitzgibbon praised the youngster ahead the Bulldogs trial match, explaining his selection in the NRL squad was a reward for his resilience and dedication, Colquhoun grasping the opportunity to train alongside the likes of Dale Finucane, Cam McInnes and Andrew Fifita, amongst other experienced Sharks squad members.
“I’ve learnt how to be a professional rugby league player, but also a to be a better man. They’ve helped me a lot along the way,” Colquhoun expressed.
Colquhoun has been named in an extended Sharks NRL squad for this weekend’s trip to Redcliffe to tackle the Warriors, although he is more likely to turn out for the Jets when they play the Knights in Newcastle.
Next year however could be a very different story if his progress and improvement continues, with Colquhoun ready to challenge for a place in the Sharks NRL side in 2023.
Jesse Colquhoun
Born – 12-10-2001 – Wollongong
Position – Front Row/lock
Height – 190cm
Weight – 106kgs
Junior Club – Collegians JRLFC (Wollongong)
