Mawene Hiroti, Niwhai Puru, Billy Burns, Jayden Berrell, and Chris Vea’ila have all re-signed for the 2025 season, according to the Cronulla Sharks.
All of the players have only been extended by one season, which means that as of November 1, they will once again be available for purchase in 2026.
The five played a major role for the Newtown Jets throughout the 2024 season, but the Sharks outperformed the five re-signings as solid depth additions, keeping the squad steady before they attempt to return to the top teams this year.
Perhaps the most intriguing of the five is Vea’ila, a 21-year-old center who has played 32 NSW Cup games for the Jets, 21 of which were in 2024, despite not having yet made his NRL debut. He ran nearly 100 metres each game, scored 10 tries, and assisted on four more.
Although he is ranked below players like Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro for a first-grade position, he also scored a try in the grand final against the North Sydney Bears. If the Sharks have problems, he may see action in 2022.
Another outside back, Hiroti, has been a member of the Sharks for several years. Capable of playing on the wing or at center, he has frequently been included in Cronulla’s reserves when teams are announced on Tuesdays. This season, he captained the Jets and played in four first-grade games.
Since leaving the Penrith Panthers system, Puru has occasionally found it difficult to fulfill his immense potential; nevertheless, this season, he led the Jets to their NSW Cup premiership from the halves.
Berrell made his first grade debut this season at dummy half after playing in the Queensland Cup for the majority of his career, while Burns is an accomplished campaigner at center and in the second row who has previously played for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Penrith Panthers.
This year, Vea’ila and Puru were both still able to compete in the under-21 Jersey Flegg tournament.
