Continuing a dream start to her NRLW career, outstanding young forward Stephanie Faulkner has re-signed with the Sharks until the end of 2027.
Faulkner became the first player to progress all the way through Cronulla's female pathways when she made her top-grade debut against the Raiders in Round 2 this year.
The prop memorably scored two tries in her first game and went on to play a key role in the team's march to the preliminary finals, finishing the campaign with 11 NRLW appearances.
It marked a steep rise for the 20-year-old, who was deservedly crowned the Sharks Rookie of the Year after beginning the season on a development contract.
"It means so much to re-sign with the club I grew up supporting," Faulkner said.
"To come through the female pathways and now be in a position to extend my time with a club that means so much to me - it was a no-brainer. I'm thankful to the club and the coaching staff for instilling belief in me and I'm really excited for the future."
Sharks coach Tony Herman said Faulkner would benefit immensely from her experiences this year, tipping a bright future for the Engadine Dragons junior.
"Steph was thrust into the NRLW earlier than we might have expected due to injuries, but she quickly showed she was ready for the challenge," Herman said.
"It's not easy to play in the middle week in, week out – especially as a 20-year-old rookie – but Steph more than held her own and grew in confidence throughout the year.
"She's a trailblazer for other young women coming through our pathways system and we're keen to see where she can take her game in the seasons ahead."
Faulkner's Sharks journey began in the Lisa Fiaola Cup ranks before transitioning to Tarsha Gale Cup the following season. In 2024, she earned an NRLW development contract and graduated to the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership – her first taste of senior football.
The front-rower averaged 61 metres and 19 tackles per game in 2025, an impressive stat-line for the 2023 Sharks Female Junior Representative Player of the Year.
"Last season was a dream come true - it surpassed all the expectations of what I thought the season may have been like coming into the year," Faulkner said.
"The highlight was seeing so many young girls come and support us. Female rugby league is growing massively in the Shire and I'm so proud and honoured to be a role model.
"It's so exciting seeing so many junior clubs have female tackle teams because I didn't have that kind of opportunity only four years ago.
"I'm looking forward to growing as a person and a player with the amazing girls and staff I'm supported by at the Sharks - and hopefully winning a premiership!"
