The Cronulla Sharks have secured a major retention win, with promising forward Jesse Colquhoun signing a four-year extension to remain at the club until the end of 2030.
Colquhoun, 24, had reportedly been heavily courted by rival clubs, including the Perth Bears, but chose to stay loyal to Cronulla after overcoming a series of serious injuries early in his career.
"I'm extremely grateful I get to stay here for the next four years," Colquhoun said.
"The Sharks' loyalty towards me in those tough times definitely hasn't gone unnoticed and that's why I'm glad to call this place home," Colquhoun added.
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"It gives me a lot of confidence knowing they're signing me on a long-term deal. Hopefully, I can return the favour by playing good, consistent footy." Colquhoun said.
Sharks General Manager of Football Darren Mooney praised Colquhoun’s resilience, work ethic and talent, saying he was "one of the most promising young forwards in the game."
"It's no secret that Jesse had plenty of teams chasing him, but it says a lot about his character and the culture at our club that he's recommitted on a long-term deal," Mooney said.
"While he's still developing, we see Jesse as someone who can lead our forward pack long into the future. We're excited to watch him fulfil his potential," Mooney added.
Since making his NRL debut in Round 18, 2022, against the Cowboys, Colquhoun has battled multiple setbacks, including consecutive pre-season foot fractures and an ACL rupture in 2024.
Despite the injuries, he returned to first grade in 2025 and became a key contributor in the Sharks’ run to the preliminary finals, filling in at lock during the absence of captain Cam McInnes.
Hailing from Wollongong, Colquhoun joined Cronulla as an SG Ball triallist and steadily rose through the lower grades before establishing himself as a key member of the first-grade squad.
Colquhoun and the Sharks are now preparing for their opening Pre-Season Challenge match against the Eels at Henson Park on Sunday, February 15, with his long-term commitment providing a major boost to the club’s forward pack and future success.