Sharks back-rower Rhiannon Byers will be an integral member of the NRLW squad for years to come after extending until the end of 2027.
Byers, who made her NRLW debut for the club in 2023 after switching from rugby sevens, established herself as a force last year on the way to the grand final.
After taking up a contract option in January to stay with Cronulla for 2025, the 25-year-old has now committed for an additional season in the black, white and blue.
"The Sharks gave me the opportunity to fulfil the NRLW dream," Byers said.
"I'm grateful for the Sharks and I'm just stoked they wanted to keep me here with them. It means a lot to me because I've never really had multi-year contracts.
"It's nice to know the club appreciates me as a player. It brings that reassurance, but I also know I can keep pushing and being better each year for the Sharks. I think there are going to be some really good things coming this year."
Sharks coach Tony Herman admires Byers' resilience and work ethic.
"Rhi has faced her share of setbacks, including back injuries that hampered her sevens career and a season-ending broken wrist on NRLW debut," Herman said.
"She pushed extremely hard to get back to the top and showed how good she can be last year. We're excited to see her fulfil her potential with more experience."
The Moree-born Byers played 10 games in 2024, averaging 24 tackles per match and making a mammoth 39 in the grand final loss to the Roosters. A robust ball carrier, she also averaged 59 metres and scored one try last year.
Away from the field, the proud Wiradjuri woman is a passionate advocate for the Indigenous community.
She will rejoin her teammates for pre-season training in May as the Sharks look to build on last year's historic campaign.
