In another major announcement, the Sharks are thrilled to confirm the signing of World Cup-winning rugby sevens superstar Dominique du Toit for the remainder of 2024.
Like her long-time sevens teammate Sharni Smale, who made her NRLW debut for Cronulla in Sunday's win over the Knights, du Toit has joined the ladder-leading squad as a replacement player after season-ending injuries to Jada Taylor and Grace-Lee Weekes.
The 27-year-old brought down the curtain on her decorated sevens career, which included a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022 and four World Series triumphs, after Australia's fourth-place finish at the recent Paris Olympics.
The Zimbabwe-born, Toowoomba-raised champion will reconnect with several familiar faces from her sevens days, notably close mate Emma Tonegato and captain Tiana Penitani.
"It's not something I was planning on doing, so it's an exciting new opportunity and challenge. It came about post the Olympics," du Toit said.
"I'm really good friends with Emma Tonegato and she messaged me asking if it would be something I'd be interested in.
"I jumped at the opportunity. I think I'd be silly to say no. I'm a bit nervous coming into the team; they've had so much success. It's been awesome to see.
"I've watched them grow over the last couple of years into the season now, going four from four and sitting at the top of the ladder on their own. I'm hoping I can slot in somewhere and add some point of difference and value in the team."
Possessing blinding speed and try-scoring nous, du Toit will further bolster coach Tony Herman's backline stocks.
"Dom is a world-class athlete who we expect to quickly adapt to rugby league," Herman said.
"With her vast experience, impressive skillset and willingness to learn, Dom will no doubt make her presence felt. We're all excited to have a player and person of her calibre on board."
After inking her contract on Tuesday, du Toit is available for the Round 5 clash with the Dragons at WIN Stadium.
