Queenslander Jayden Berrell, a major reason behind the success of the Newtown Jets in 2022, has re-signed at the Sharks for the 2023 season.
Currently a member of the Sharks top-30 NRL fulltime training squad, Berrell joined the Cronulla club ahead of the 2022 season and has been a standout for the Jets in the NSW Cup, with Newtown currently sitting on top of the competition ladder.
While not yet having a chance to display his talents in the NRL, Berrell is comfortable in the Sutherland Shire and confident in his ability to contribute in the top grade if and when needed either this season or next.
“Myself and my family love it here, were pretty settled so I’m pleased to have been able to sign on for another season,” Berrell said.
A winner of the Petero Civoniceva Medal as the best player in Queensland Cup competition in 2021, Berrell has brought that stellar form south to the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup this year, leading a Jets team to within two games of a minor premiership in giving them a legitimate shot at claiming the title.
In 14 appearances for Newtown Berrell has scored five tries, while being responsible for 14 try assists, placing him amongst the top five players in that statistical category in the NSW Cup competition through 22 rounds, while his tackle efficiency of 92 per cent is an indication he is an integral member of the Jets line up on both sides of the ball.
Although he still harbours a goal of breaking into and contributing to the success of the Sharks NRL team at some point, Berrell is enjoying his time with the Jets and looks forward to helping them challenge for a premiership in 2022.
“I’m still working towards getting that NRL debut and will take that opportunity when it comes, but in saying that I’m enjoying playing for the Jets,” Berrell said. “We’re sitting first, the team is playing well and the club reminds me a lot of Wynnum, where I came from in Brisbane.”
Joining Berrell in recently committing to the Sharks for next season are promising youngsters Sam Stonestreet and Josh Finau, the two local juniors signing on as development list players for next year.
Stonestreet is an outside back with plenty of pace, Finau a forward capable of playing in the middle of the field or on an edge, with the pair to train during the pre-season and throughout 2023 with the main NRL squad.
