The Sharks have locked down one of their most promising young forwards until the end of 2026 with Jesse Colquhoun signing a two-year extension.
A Collegians junior from Wollongong, Colquhoun arrived at Cronulla as an SG Ball trialist and has progressed through the ranks to tally 10 NRL games so far.
Equally adept in the middle or on the edge, the 22-year-old already has finals experience under his belt after coming off the bench in last year's elimination loss to the Roosters.
"I feel really excited and grateful to call this place home for the next two years," Colquhoun said.
"I've put in a lot of hard work over the past couple of years and to call this place home is really special."
Reflecting on his journey, Colquhoun added: "It's definitely been a rollercoaster - the ups and downs of rugby league, I've definitely experienced that - but hopefully I can play a lot more first grade this year and continue going up from here.
"We've got a really strong squad here and it's definitely challenged me along the way, but it's only for the best and I'm really looking forward to what the year has to come."
Colquhoun has been named on the interchange for Friday night's final trial against the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground as he looks to secure a place in the top 17.
"It was a good little blowout last week against Newcastle. (I want to) sharpen my skills from last week and get a good base for round one," he said.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon and General Manager of Football Darren Mooney are confident of a big future for Colquhoun.
"Jesse is a player of tremendous potential and everyone at the club is delighted he's committed for another couple of years," Mooney said.
"He is always hungry to learn, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop over the coming seasons.
"Jesse has made a huge impression on Craig Fitzgibbon and his coaching staff this pre-season, and with his ability to play in the middle and on an edge, he adds great versatility to the squad. We all believe that he is only scratching the surface of his ability."
Colquhoun made his NRL debut in a victory over the Cowboys in round 18, 2022, going on to feature in four matches that campaign.
After breaking a bone in his foot during the 2023 trials, he returned to the field for the Newtown Jets before cracking the top team towards the end of the year and featuring in six games.
He earned his first NRL start as a backrower in round 21 against the Sea Eagles.
Click the video at the top of the page to hear Sharks TV's full interview with Jesse.
