Sharks prop Tuku Hau Tapuha has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping the powerful front-rower at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
The 24-year-old said he was thrilled to be staying in the Shire for another two years.
“Words can’t comprehend how grateful I am to be getting another opportunity to stay here for two more years,” Hau Tapuha said.
“The club has done a lot for me early on in my development as a player, but also in maturing into a man.”
With a few departures in the Sharks forward pack heading into 2027, the 196cm prop knows exactly what he wants to achieve.
“My goals are pretty clear. I want to find some consistency in first grade and keep improving my game,” he said.
“There are a couple of spots that have opened up opportunity for not only me but a couple of younger boys coming through, and hopefully I’ll be able to break into that top side, week in and week out.”
The 24-year-old has played 22 NRL games since debuting as a teenager in 2021.
Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney believes the young prop has what it takes to double those numbers next season.
"With a number of middle forwards moving on, he has a great opportunity to establish himself as a consistent NRL player in 2027," Mooney said.
"He’s a highly valued member of our squad and has played a significant role in Newtown’s recent success, starting in the front row during the 2024 premiership-winning campaign and again in this year’s Grand Final.
"We believe he has plenty of improvement left in him and we’re excited to see what he can achieve over the coming years."
Hau Tapuha and his fellow Cronulla clubmates will return for pre-season in November and December with a big push into the 2027 season.
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