Sharks' utility Hohepa Puru has extended his time at the Cronulla club after signing a new two-year contract.
The new deal for Puru, primarily a lock-middle forward who has capably filled in at hooker, will see him remain at the Sharks until the end of the 2028 season.
Puru was excited for the opportunity to continue his career with the Sharks and is looking forward to what the next two years might bring.
“I’m over the moon and very grateful to the club and to Fitzy for the player they have made me over the last few years,” Puru said. “The Sharks have helped make me a better man off the field around my little family at home and that correlates to on the field. I feel I’ve grown tremendously as a player and a person.”
As for his role going forward, Puru was satisfied to do whatever was needed in benefiting the team.
“I understand the system inside out and I’m happy to be a ‘Mr Fix It’,” Puru added.
“Coming to the club I definitely preferred lock, middle forward and I’ll say I’m a lock first, but I enjoy hooker as well. I’ll play wherever they want me to play.”
With his ability to play multiple roles and to do so to a high level, Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney was pleased to have secured Puru’s services for the next two seasons.
“As we all saw against the Storm last weekend, Hohepa was outstanding, playing the full 80 minutes at hooker. His versatility makes him an extremely important member of our squad, and he consistently delivers whenever and wherever we've needed him, without complaint,” Mooney said.
“Pep is a very smart footballer who plays with a high level of physicality, and we're excited about what he can produce for the Sharks over the next two years.”
The 24-year-old Puru, now in his second year at the Sharks, came through the junior ranks at the Panthers alongside twin brother Niwhai, before moving to Canberra then earning an NRL debut at the Raiders in 2023.
He would sign on at the Sharks ahead of the 2025 season, playing five games in the top-grade last year.
In 2026 Puru became a more regular member of the Sharks 17, playing 12 games to date this season, used both in the run-on side and off the bench as a middle forward, also filling the role of hooker when co-captain Blayke Brailey has been absent with injury or on Origin duty.
Last Saturday night against the Storm, Puru played the entire game at dummy half, racking up a team-high 45 tackles.
Don't miss the Sharks NRL and NRLW double-header on Saturday!
Catch the Sharks women in action against the Dragons from 5:10pm at Allianz Stadium.
Followed by the Sharks men in their all-important Week 1 Finals clash against the Cowboys at 7:50pm – get your tickets HERE.
