The Sharks are pleased to announce skilful forward Hohepa Puru and dependable outside back Mawene Hiroti have recommitted for the 2026 season.
In other signing news, promising back-rower Harrison Hassett and emerging hooker Xavier Cacciotti have joined the NRL training squad from Penrith and Canberra respectively.
Puru impressed in five NRL appearances off the bench this year, having left the Raiders to reunite with his twin brother Niwhai, while the versatile Hiroti scored five tries in nine games.
The talented pair went head-to-head in the All Stars arena in February, with Hiroti debuting for the Māori side and Puru representing his Indigenous culture for the second time.
Both men starred for the Newtown Jets – Cronulla's NSW Cup partner club – when they weren't on NRL duty.
"Hohepa and Mawene are valued squad members and we're happy to keep them in black, white and blue for another year,” Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney said.
"'Pep' was a standout for Newtown all season and certainly let no one down when he forced his way into first grade. He'll continue to push for a regular place in the 17 in 2026.
"Mawene has proven himself as a reliable NRL performer who strengthens our backline coverage. He's given the club great service over the past six seasons.”
Meanwhile, newcomers Hassett and Cacciotti were among the first group of Sharks young guns to front for pre-season training on Friday.
Hassett has arrived on a one-year deal while Cacciotti is contracted until the end of 2028 after being released from the final season of his Raiders deal.
A former Australian Schoolboy, Hassett, 21, has played one NRL game – scoring a try on debut for the Panthers against the Knights in Round 12 last season. The dynamic forward came through the Penrith system and won an SG Ball premiership in 2022.
Cacciotti, who was Canberra's 2025 Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, remains eligible for the Under 21 competition. The clever dummy-half, who is also an Australian Schoolboys representative, is quick off the mark with a lethal running game.
