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The Sharks have received an enormous boost on the eve of the NRLW season with inspirational captain Tiana Penitani Gray extending her contract until the end of 2027.
Penitani Gray's new two-year deal comes after she won Cronulla's Player of the Year award for the second season running in leading the club to a historic 2024 grand final.
A foundation member of the Sharks, the dual international is determined to continue spearheading the mission to entrench the club as a consistent NRLW powerhouse.
"I've decided to stick around for another couple of seasons because Sharks is home for me," said Penitani Gray, who first played for Cronulla's Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership team upon returning to league from rugby sevens six years ago.
"That was always the plan. I wish we were able to get a licence all the way back in 2018, but this club has been a huge part of my journey since 2019 when I came back to the sport.
"I love everything about this club. I love the values, I love the way my game has developed under the right coaches and I just love the environment at Sharks Stadium.
"The Sutherland Shire has been my home for many years now. I can't wait to see what the future holds.
"It means the world for me to lead the Sharks. Not only am I surrounded by so much talent, but the character of the players I get to step onto the field with is second to none."
The Blues and Jillaroos representative scored nine tries in 11 NRLW appearances last year before helping Australia win the Pacific Championships final against New Zealand.
She also played a key role in NSW's State of Origin series victory over Queensland earlier this year.
Sharks coach Tony Herman is honoured to have Penitani Gray by his side.
"It's a proud day for the club to re-sign a player of Tiana's standing," Herman said.
"She is an elite talent and a natural-born leader, with her unrelenting competitiveness, meticulous preparation and football IQ galvanising the players around her.
"Tiana has helped build our NRLW program from the ground up and it's fitting that she keeps blazing the trail as we look to use last year's success as a launchpad."
Very much in her prime, having won the 2024 Dally M Centre of the Year and Captain of the Year awards, the 29-year-old Penitani Gray isn't shy about declaring what she wants to achieve.
"The main goal for me with the Sharks is to lift the trophy on grand final day. I've got a burning desire to lift that trophy, and they say you've got to lose one to win one," she said.
"I know that's in the back of all our minds at the Sharks."
Penitani Gray and her teammates will begin their journey towards a coveted premiership with a trial against grand final opponent the Roosters at Sharks Stadium this Sunday.
They'll kick off the season proper by hosting the Eels on Thursday, July 3.
