Fresh off competing at the Paris Olympics, rugby sevens icon Sharni Smale will join the Sharks as a replacement player for the remainder of the NRLW season.
Smale (née Williams) has been added to Cronulla's top 24 squad after season-ending injuries to fullback Jada Taylor and promising youngster Grace-Lee Weekes.
The 36-year-old has been named on the bench for Saturday's blockbuster clash with the Knights at PointsBet Stadium.
An Olympic gold medallist in 2016 alongside Sharks star Emma Tonegato, Smale's phenomenal resume also includes appearances for the Wallaroos in the 15-a-side code.
The trailblazer concluded her 12-year sevens career after Australia's fourth-place finish in Paris last week and is excited to switch to rugby league.
She described the move as a dream come true, having grown up carrying the sand bucket for her local men's Group 9 Batlow Tigers league team in country NSW.
"The universe speaks... It's just crazy how opportunities present themselves. I couldn't turn this opportunity down and not give it a crack," Smale said.
"It's perfect timing for me, announcing my sevens retirement and looking for the next thing, and to be able to be on home soil is amazing.
"I'm feeling for those girls that are injured, but I'm grateful I've been given an opportunity."
Head coach Tony Herman hailed Smale's signing as a major coup.
"While it's devastating to lose Jada and Grace-Lee for the year, it's a massive boost to have someone of Sharni's class and experience come into the team," Herman said.
"A three-time Olympian, Sharni has done it all and played on the world's biggest stages. She is fit and ready to hit the ground running having just represented the nation.
"Being from a sevens background, Sharni has the ability to play multiple positions. We look forward to welcoming her."
Smale is already at ease in her new colours after seeing a host of familiar faces upon her first visit to the club on Wednesday evening.
"There's actually eight or nine of the girls that I've played sevens with," she said.
"It makes you feel comfortable when you know half the team. All the other girls are just so lovely and made me feel so welcome."
As for what role she'll play, Smale nominated centre and lock as positions of interest given her catch-pass skills and defensive prowess.
However, she simply wants to contribute in any way possible.
"Whether I am on the field, not on the field, whatever that looks like, I think I can just add some positivity," Smale said.
"It's not great losing a lot of team members due to injury – I've had to go through it this year as well – so I'll be bringing some positivity and light to the team so they can go through and win a premiership. It's exciting."
The champion athlete thanked the Sharks and the NRL for the opportunity to play, Rugby Australia for their help over the years and her new coaches.
"I'm so excited for what lies ahead and to reconnect with some old mates," she concluded.
