Hau Tapuha to become Shark #558

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Thu 14 Mar 2024, 06:00 PM

Powerful young prop Tuku Hau Tapuha will become Shark #558 on Friday after being called into the team to face the Bulldogs.

Adding to a huge night of milestones, with Dale Finucane to play his 250th NRL match and his co-captain Cameron McInnes notching up 50 games for Cronulla, Hau Tapuha will replace Royce Hunt (sick - virus) on the bench at PointsBet Stadium.

Hau Tapuha made three NRL appearances for the Roosters in 2021, learning from now-Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, and represented the Māori All Stars in 2022.

The Auckland-born forward signed a two-year deal with Cronulla last season, plying his trade for the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup. He earned a contract extension until the end of 2025 in February on the back of a terrific pre-season.

Mobile despite his 196cm, 114kg frame, the highly rated Hau Tapuha will cut an imposing figure when injected into the action against Canterbury.

Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney recently spoke glowingly of Hau Tapuha in announcing his retention.

"Tuku is an outstanding young prospect who is still developing his craft as a front rower," Mooney said. "The coaching staff have been extremely impressed with his attitude, commitment, and ability to learn since he joined us this time last year.

"At only 22 years of age, we are all looking forward to his continued growth and development over the next two seasons."

Hau Tapuha's aim is to establish himself as a regular in the Cronulla line-up.

"We've got a lot of strength in our middle," he said after re-signing.

"I think our senior playing group really leads from the front, and it does make it a big challenge and a more rewarding accomplishment when you break into that 17.

"But it definitely is a big goal to not only get into that 17 but stay in there."

After featuring in NRL trials against the Knights and Bulldogs, Hau Tapuha began his 2024 season strongly last week in Newtown's 28-24 loss to the Warriors with 16 runs for 167 metres (97 post-contact), six tackle breaks and 18 tackles.

Hau Tapuha was presented with his debut jersey on Thursday morning, with Finucane and McInnes also recognised for their achievements in front of the squad.

See the updated NRL team list below.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 15 Mar

Full Time

Sharks

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Blake Taaffe
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Jacob Kiraz
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Connor Tracey
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Drew Hutchison

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Poasa Faamausili
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Dale Finucane

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Samuel Hughes
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin