It’s a relationship which delivered State and National title in 2019 and continues to thrive, with the Cronulla Sharks and Newtown Jets today announcing an extension to their NSW Cup partnership.
An arrangement which sees the Sharks contribute players and support to the Jets Knock On Effect NSW Cup team, while at the same time the Newtown club provides a welcoming and professional environment for Cronulla contracted players to develop and learn, the extension will see the two organisations continue to partner up for another three seasons.
The Jets-Sharks partnership began in 2015 and will now be entering the third phase of the rugby league association between the two clubs. This new extension will official take the partnership up to October 31, 2026.
Since joining with the Sharks the Newtown Jets have enjoyed considerable on-field success, winning through to the preliminary finals in 2016 and the Gran Final in 2018, before becoming NSW Cup Premiers and NRL State Championship winners in 2019.
Following two Covid affected seasons, that success continued when the Jets were NSW Cup minor premiers and preliminary finalists in 2022, while they are currently fourth and well in the mix to claim a spot in the competition Finals this season.
A large number of the current 2022 and 2023 Sharks NRL playing group gained considerable experience in senior rugby league through extended playing spells with Newtown in the second-tier NSW Cup competition.
“The Newtown Jets are absolutely delighted that our partnership with Cronulla is extending for another three years,” Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy began.
“We enjoy a terrific working relationship that has been successful on and off the field for both clubs and we look forward to helping the Sharks win another premiership and doing the same ourselves.
“Many thanks to everyone at the Sharks especially Dino Mezzatesta, Craig Fitzgibbon, Darren Mooney and the Cronulla board for their continued faith and support.”
Sharks NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon also welcomed the partnership extension in expressing his appreciation for the support the Jets provide.
“On behalf my staff and the players, along with everyone at the Sharks, it’s really pleasing to be extending our partnership and continuing the relationship we have with the Jets,” Fitzgibbon said.
“Credit to current coach George Ndaira, long-time coach Greg Matterson, CEO Stuart McCarthy and everyone involved at Newtown for making it work as smoothly as it does. We know our players are in good hands when they play for the Jets.
“Then add to that, there’s nothing better than watching the Jets on a Saturday afternoon at Henson Park and we enjoy being a part of that,” Fitzgibbon added.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta, who was present for a photo opportunity with McCarthy and Sharks NRL squad members Will Kennedy and Ronaldo Mulitalo, both who played a part in the premiership success of 2019, as well as young guns Kade Dykes and Sam Stonestreet, the pair having also represented the Jets, echoed the coach’s sentiments.
“From the football perspective, the partnership with the Jets is seamless. Craig and his staff appreciate the support they receive from the Jets, while the players we send there to play are embraced by everyone at Newtown and enjoy putting on that famous blue jersey,” Mezzatesta said.
“Then as far as from an administrative point of view, nothing is a problem, Stuart and his team run a professional organisation and we look forward to another three successful seasons as a NSW Cup partner with the Jets,” he said.
While the Sharks are in Perth this weekend to tackle the Rabbitohs, the Jets also play Souths in the NSW Cup, in a match to be played at Redfern Oval on Saturday.
