Talented young fullback Liam Ison has committed to the Sharks until the end of 2027 after making his NRL debut and claiming NSW Cup glory in a meteoric rise this year.
Ison, who turns 20 this month, has put pen to paper on a two-year extension on top of his existing contract for 2025.
Showcasing electric speed and fierce competitive instincts, Ison enjoyed a sublime 2024 in which he climbed from Jersey Flegg to reserve grade and finally the NRL.
The St Marys Saints junior has found a home at the Sharks and is looking forward to continuing his development under the tutelage of Craig Fitzgibbon and his coaching staff.
"It's unreal. I'm so excited," Ison said.
"There's something special in this group and I can't wait to be part of it going into the next couple of years.
"We had a fairly dominant team in every grade that I played in this year. The depth here at Cronulla is unbelievable and I'm grateful to be part of it.
"Everyone is accepted here. There are not really groups – everyone is together and you can talk to anyone about anything. That's the culture that Fitzy and all the boys have developed before I was here. I'm just extremely grateful I'm staying part of it."
Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney said: "Liam works extremely hard, is always striving to improve and has an old head on young shoulders.
"He's handled every step up in grade impressively and has a bright future in the NRL. We're pleased he's recommitted to our club and look forward to watching him progress."
Earmarking himself as a star in waiting with a composed performance in his sole NRL appearance against the Cowboys in Round 21, the elusive Ison was also a crucial cog in the Newtown Jets' charge to the NSW Cup premiership.
Having only played one senior match before the season, Ison registered 17 games for the Jets and chalked up 14 wins, 10 tries and 11 try assists in a golden run.
Success has followed Ison throughout his burgeoning career, with the nippy custodian also winning the 2022 Jersey Flegg Cup title with the Panthers.
Ison has set simple goals for 2025: "Stay injury free, try and work on my craft and whatever grade I play, just try my best and try to win another comp."
