After capping off outstanding NRLW seasons with international debuts, Sharks sensations Annessa Biddle and Brooke Anderson have recommitted to the club until the end of 2025.
Recruited while playing for the Otara Scorpions in Auckland, Biddle quickly went from a relative unknown to a bona fide star in 2023 with the centre being crowned the Dally M NRLW Rookie of the Year and representing the Kiwi Ferns.
Anderson's rise has been similarly steep, the forward making her Sky Blues debut in a loss to the Maroons in May before impressing in all nine games for the Sharks.
She ultimately joined Biddle in playing for New Zealand in a triumphant end-of-season Pacific Championships campaign after making the tough decision to prioritise her heritage over further State of Origin appearances.
"Annessa had an extraordinary 2023 – she was NRLW Rookie of the Year after coming across from New Zealand to join us," coach Tony Herman said.
"She's powerful, she's strong and works incredibly hard on her game.
"I think in 2024 she'll go ahead even further."
Herman added: "Brooke represented New Zealand in the Pacific Championships. She's a local girl whose game is developing, particularly at No.9 and 13.
"She’s a great asset to the club."
Having inked new two-year contracts, Biddle and Anderson's retention is a clear vote of confidence in where the Sharks are headed under Herman following the club's solid entrance to the NRLW last year.
Reflecting on the season just gone, Biddle expressed her gratitude at seeing her hard work pay off in the form of awards and representative honours.
"I honestly love being a part of the Sharks community, obviously it being my first NRLW experience," the 21-year-old said. "It's basically the space, the environment I was around and the people that are there."
As for how she tops 2023, Biddle added: "There are always areas to improve on."
Meanwhile, Anderson, who turns 28 today, said "it means a lot" to re-sign.
"I started my league career at Sharks and I've got a lot of mates in the team," said Anderson, who joined the club's NSW Women's Premiership side in 2022.
"It's pretty special to have some security and be with them for the next couple of years. We were a new club last year, we had a few teething issues, but that's always going to happen with a new team. I know how strong our team is and our culture and connections, so I think we're really going to build in this season to come."
Playing her first two games on the wing, Biddle was a revelation when moved to centre as she showcased her powerful charges and attacking instincts.
Biddle averaged more post-contact metres than any other player (77.5 per game) last season and ranked seventh for overall run metres per game (170.8).
Anderson's road to the top has been unique. A rugby sevens prodigy, the forward was ready to retire aged 21 after a spate of serious shoulder, knee and Achilles injuries.
Four years later, she was convinced to give her sporting career another crack and found her feet in the Sharks' NSW Women's Premiership squad.
