The Sharks said farewell to nine NRL and two NRLW squad members at the end of the 2026 season, with a combined 1,011 games of NRL and NRLW experience leaving Cronulla.
The NRL players moving on are Jesse Ramien, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai, Braden Uele, Cam McInnes, Mawene Hiroti, Jayden Berrell, Niwhai Puru and Chris Vea’ila.
Sharks 2025 NRLW Player of the Year Emma Verran and two-time premiership winner Caitlan Johnston-Green will also join new clubs next season.
Players are listed in order of appearances for the Sharks.
Jesse Ramien – Shark #513
184 NRL games, 167 for Cronulla (60 tries, 39 try assists)
An Indigenous All Stars representative, Ramien became one of the competition’s best centres with his commanding running game and imposing defence. He debuted for the Sharks in 2017 and, after a short stint at Newcastle, returned to the Shire to form a formidable combination with wing partner Sione Katoa.
“It’s been home for my family and me for so long now. Cronulla’s been a big part of my life for so long, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the club,” Ramien said at the club's presentation night.
“I’m excited for the next chapter, but I’ll always have a lot of love for this club.”
Ramien leaves as the club’s longest-serving active player. With Katoa and Uele also departing, Briton Nikora (#527) and Blayke Brailey (#528), who both debuted in round 1, 2019, are now the longest-serving active Sharks in Cronulla's 2027 squad.
Sione Katoa – Shark #515
148 NRL games, all for Cronulla (102 tries)
Katoa became just the fourth Shark to reach 100 tries. His 102 tries sit fourth on the club’s all-time list, behind Andrew Ettingshausen (166), his great mate and wing partner Ronaldo Mulitalo (113) and David Peachey (110).
“I came here at a very young age. It’s made me who I am today and helped my family so much. It means a lot,” the man they call the 'Tongan fisherman' said.
Fans will miss his personality, which made him a hit on the Sharks’ social media channels, and his flair on the field. His sideline try in round 25 won the Red Bull Highflyer of the Year Award and will go down as one of Cronulla’s best.
Siosifa Talakai – Shark #535
156 NRL games, 145 for Cronulla
After debuting for the Rabbitohs in 2016 and spending two years out of the NRL, Talakai joined the Sharks via the Newtown Jets. He went on to represent NSW as a damaging centre, before becoming one of the competition’s best impact players, known for his brutal carries.
“This club has given me everything. A couple of years ago I was a garbo, and I was playing for Newtown Jets, and no one else gave me a chance but the Sharks,” Talakai said.
Sharks Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has described the Tongan international as one of the most selfless players he has coached. Able to play centre, second row or through the middle, and willing to play anywhere he's asked.
Braden Uele – Shark #522
136 NRL games, 135 for Cronulla
The New Zealand-born former Cowboy cemented a spot in the Sharks forward pack in 2019 and went on to play 135 games in the black, white and blue. A damaging ball runner, Uele has represented both his Samoan and Kiwi heritage on the international stage.
“This is definitely my home away from home. The last eight years have been the best years of my life, with footy and my life in general,” Uele said.
He also scored a try in Newtown’s 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final win and played in the Jets’ Grand Final loss to Penrith this year.
Cam McInnes – Shark #550
245 NRL games, 115 for Cronulla
The definition of “captain courageous”, McInnes led from the front with tireless defence and 100-mile-an-hour carries through the middle. The lock made his NSW State of Origin debut in 2024 and holds the NRL record for most tackles in a game, with 81 against Penrith in round 22, 2023.
He made 9,913 tackles across 12 NRL seasons, averaging 40.4 a game, ahead of Cameron Smith’s career average of 39.3. In five seasons at Cronulla, he made 4,296 tackles and missed just 149, at a tackle efficiency of 96.65 per cent.
“The culture that’s been built here over the last few years… every time this year that someone comes in, they do the job and do it well, and there are guys lining up for an opportunity,” McInnes said in his final post-match press conference.
“The club’s in great hands and, as Fitzy said, there won’t be a dip. I really believe that the best is ahead for the club.”
Mawene Hiroti – Shark #536
46 NRL games, 41 for Cronulla
A former junior Kiwi and Australian Schoolboy, Hiroti debuted for the Rabbitohs in 2018 before joining the Sharks two years later. Primarily a centre but just as comfortable on the wing or at fullback, the New Zealand-born flyer provided valuable depth and versatility. He had 15 tries and 6 try assists in his 41 NRL games in the black, white and blue. Hiroti had 27 tries and 148 goals for Cronulla's feeder club Newtown in his 60 appearances, including a win in the 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final.
Emma Verran
43 NRLW games, 30 for Cronulla
A Blues and Jillaroos representative, Verran (née Tonegato) was the Sharks’ first marquee NRLW signing in 2023. The 2016 rugby sevens Olympic gold medallist showed her playmaking ability switching between fullback and five-eighth and was named the Sharks’ 2025 NRLW Player of the Year. She also played a crucial off-field role in the club's Community department, focusing on disability and inclusion within the local and wider community.
Caitlan Johnston-Green
37 NRLW games, 14 for Cronulla
A proud Awabakal and Kamilaroi woman, Johnston-Green has captained the Indigenous All Stars. The two-time premiership-winning prop has represented NSW and Australia, and she and Verran were both part of the last Jillaroos side to win the World Cup, in 2022. The 25-year-old joined the Sharks in 2025 and remarkably made her Cronulla debut just 11 weeks after becoming a mother.
Jayden Berrell – Shark #562
7 NRL games, all for Cronulla
Berrell came to Cronulla after winning the Queensland Cup's 2021 player of the year award, where he continued to ply his trade in the NSW Cup. Berrell’s persistence was rewarded with a richly deserved NRL debut in 2024 at the age of 29. A clever hooker who would have played more first grade if not for ironman Blayke Brailey, the Queenslander is regarded as a dedicated clubman. A 2024 NSW Cup premier with the Newtown Jets.
Niwhai Puru – Shark #566
7 NRL games, all for Cronulla
A talented halfback, Puru joined the Sharks ahead of the 2023 season after climbing the junior ranks at Penrith. A laser-like goalkicker, he helped guide the Newtown Jets to the 2024 NSW Cup premiership. His triplet brother Hohepa joined him at the club in 2025, and the pair went on to represent the Indigenous All Stars together. Niwhai realised his NRL dream in round 13 of the 2026 season and won the first four games of his career in the top grade.
Chris Vea’ila – Shark #565
2 NRL games, both for Cronulla
Vea’ila scored a memorable try on his NRL debut and credits senior teammates such as Ronaldo Mulitalo with helping him feel at home from day one at the club. He scored 21 tries and set up 17 more in 64 games for the Newtown Jets, including a try in the 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final win.
Stay tuned to the Sharks’ social media channels for more updates over the off-season.
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