The mentors guiding Sharks young gun on path to NRL debut
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Emerging centre Michael Gabrael has credited Sharks teammates Jesse Ramien and KL Iro for acting as mentors as he looks to use the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge as a springboard to an NRL debut.
The 21-year-old has completed a two-year apprenticeship since joining the Sharks in 2024 and is looking to take the next step this season.
A NSW Under 19 representative, Gabrael has displayed a prolific try-scoring ability in reserve grade, scoring 19 four-pointers in 20 games last year.
The youngster received a taste of the Pre-Season Challenge in 2025 and is set to line up for Cronulla in their opening trial against Parramatta at Henson Park on February 15.
Having spent the summer learning from his experienced teammates, Gabrael is eager to prove he deserves a shot at the NRL this season.
"It was a good experience last year," Gabrael told NRL.com. "That was my first game playing against men so to experience that was good.
"I am more comfortable now and have the experience to go out there and do better this year than last year.
"It's been a tough pre-season but KL, Jesse and Ronaldo [Mulitalo] have helped my a lot with my defensive positioning and how to be consistent.
"The goal is to play in the NRL this year, I just have to play good footy and hopefully it will come."
The Sharks will open their Pre-Season Challenge campaign with a bumper quintuple header at Henson Park.
The Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup and NRL sides will all play back-to-back, with the Sharks top squad closing it out at 6pm against the Eels.
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon is set to use the trial to test out a crop of emerging players, with fullback Liam Ison and back-rower Harry Hassett also likely to feature.
KL Iro's 2025 try-scoring season
Henson Park is a ground Gabrael knows well, having spent the past year playing reserve grade for the Newtown Jets.
The 21-year-old joined the Sharks in 2024 and instantly contributed to the Jersey Flegg side's charge to the grand final.
He made the step up to NSW Cup last season and is on track for an NRL debut this year.
With Mawene Hiroti moving to the Titans in 2027, the door is open for Gabrael to push for a long-term place in the Sharks squad.
The emerging centre has impressed his teammates with his development throughout the past couple of years and halfback Nicho Hynes said the youngster will be ready if called upon by coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
"He's worked really hard and he's coming into his third year here now," Hynes said. "He's getting better and better and it's just a ticking time bomb for him. Fitzy will know when he's ready and he'll get his opportunity.
"It could be this year, it could be next year and if he keeps trending in the right direction he's got a long career ahead of him."
While an NRL debut is his primary goal for 2026, Gabrael has another target looming in the distance.
The centre has Lebanese heritage and is determined to play his way into the Cedars' World Cup squad.
Lebanon have been drawn in Pool B and will take on Papua New Guinea, Tonga and France during the tournament.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 draw explained
Gabrael represented Lebanon at Under 17 level and said it would be the ultimate honour to play for the nation's senior team.
"My focus is on the Sharks but hopefully I can earn a spot in the Lebanese World Cup squad," Gabrael said.
"It would mean the world to represent my country and my family and I can't wait if I get that opportunity."
Which future stars will burst on to the scene during this year's Pre-Season Challenge? Catch all the action from February 7 live on Kayo and Fox Sports.
