The Cronulla Sharks have retained two of their brightest young talents with Niwhai Puru and Chris Vea'ila signing one-year deals until the end of 2026.
Playmaker Puru, 23, and outside back Vea'ila, 22, are pushing for NRL debuts after helping to propel Newtown – Cronulla's feeder club – to the 2024 NSW Cup title.
Both men featured in NRL Pre-Season Challenge games this year and have picked up where they left off for the Jets, who have won seven of their first nine matches.
"Niwhai and Chris are developing well and have exciting futures ahead of them," Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney said.
"They've taken their performances to new levels for Newtown and have been knocking on the door of the NRL. We expect them to keep progressing.”
A gifted halfback, Puru leads the NSW Cup for points (83) this year with seven tries, 27 goals and a match-winning field goal in addition to seven try assists.
The No.7 has kicked on after claiming Player of the Match honours in last year's NSW Cup grand final win over the Bears and earning Newtown's Most Improved award.
Puru, who represented the Indigenous All Stars in February alongside his twin brother Hohepa, is keenly awaiting the chance to show his talents in the NRL.
"I'm excited to see where my footy takes me and I'm grateful the club has given me another opportunity to have a crack at my goals," Puru said.
"For the Jets to win last year, it adds depth to what's already successful in our first-grade side."
Puru paid tribute to Hohepa – a new recruit at the Sharks this year – as well as his senior teammates and coaches for instilling him with the confidence to back his judgement.
"I just wanted to start off the year on the right foot. I'm building happily with the boys around me and we're in a very good spot," Puru said.
Niwhai Puru on re-signing with the Sharks
Meanwhile, the elusive Vea'ila scored 10 tries in 21 matches for the Jets last year, crossing the line in the preliminary final and the decider before lining up alongside Puru in the NRL State Championship against Norths Devils.
The Auckland-born centre has scored a try and set up two others for the Jets while averaging 84 metres per match in 2025.
"It means a lot. We've got a good crew and I feel like we're building towards something special here, so I'm happy to be a part of it," Vea'ila said upon re-signing.
"Hopefully, I can get a debut this year and just build from that.
"I'd like to thank my family. They've been supporting me the whole journey.”
Chris Vea'ila talks contract extension
Puru and Vea'ila are set to line up for Newtown against the Dragons at Tamworth's Scully Park during the NSWRL Magic Round on Sunday.
