It is an association which began in 2015 and has delivered considerable on-field success, with the Cronulla Sharks and Newtown Jets announcing a continuation of their partnership
An arrangement which sees the Sharks contribute players and support to the Jets Knock On Effect NSW Cup team, while at the same time the Newtown club provides a welcoming and professional environment for Cronulla’s contracted players to develop and learn, the two clubs have announced a three year extension, through until October 31, 2029.
It is a partnership which continues to thrive, boasting State and National titles to the Jets in 2019 and a NSW Premiership in 2024, while the Newtown team is well into preparations as they chase a third Grand Final win in the last eight years.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta, in announcing the new partnership alongside Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy, welcomed the extension in expressing his appreciation for the support the Jets provide.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, it’s really pleasing to be extending our partnership and continuing the relationship we have with the Jets,” Mezzatesta said.
“From the football perspective and from an administrative point of view, nothing is a problem in our dealings with the Jets. The partnership is seamless.
“Our coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his staff appreciate the support they receive, while the players we send there to play are well looked after and enjoy putting on that famous blue Jets jersey.
“Stuart McCarthy and his team, Barry Cotter and the Jets board, run a professional organisation and we look forward to another three successful seasons as a NSW Cup partner,” he said.
Since joining with the Sharks, the Newtown Jets have enjoyed a successful run, winning through to the preliminary finals in 2016 and the Grand Final in 2018, before becoming NSW Cup Premiers and NRL State Championship winners in 2019.
Following two Covid affected seasons, the Jets were NSW Cup minor premiers and preliminary finalists in 2022, before claiming a ninth NSWRL Premiership with a win over the North Sydney Bears in 2024.
The Jets play the Penrith Panthers this weekend in the 2026 Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final.
“Newtown Jets are thrilled that our wonderful partnership with the mighty Cronulla Sharks will continue for a further three years,” Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy said.
“Since 2015, the partnership has delivered success both on and off the field for both clubs and reflects the terrific working relationship, mutual respect and shared ambition that exists between the Jets and Sharks.
“Newtown prides itself on doing Reserve Grade better than anyone. We’re enormously proud to add value to Cronulla’s outstanding Rugby League pathways while also providing a connection to the very foundations of the game in Australia.
“We look forward to continuing to play our part in preparing footballers for the NRL, strengthening the Sharks’ pathways and helping both Cronulla and Newtown chase more premiership success.
“Once again, our sincere thanks to everyone at the Sharks, especially Dino Mezzatesta, Craig Fitzgibbon, Darren Mooney and the Cronulla board, for their continued faith, support and belief in this partnership.”
“Up, Up Cronulla. Go the Jets,” McCarthy added.
When the Jets won the 2019 NSW Cup, it was a team which featured a number of players who have gone on to enjoy successful NRL careers with the Sharks, including Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, Sione Katoa, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talakai.
Young Sharks contracted players Riley Pollard, Michael Gabrael, Liam Ison, Riley Jones, Niwhai Puru and Blake Hosking have been integral to the success of the Jets this season, while the likes of Sam Stonestreet, Tuku Hau Taphua, Mawene Hiroti and Braden Uele have spilt their time in 2026 between playing for Newtown in the NSW Cup and the Sharks at an NRL level.
