Cronulla have locked in two of their most dependable clubmen for 2026, re-signing hooker Jayden Berrell and forward Blake Hosking on one-year extensions following standout campaigns with feeder side Newtown Jets.
The pair were central to Newtown’s strong NSW Cup season, backing up their 2024 premiership run with another finals appearance this year.
Their consistency and leadership have now earned them fresh deals as the Sharks look to strengthen their depth after a surprise preliminary final berth.
‘Best job in the world’
Berrell, who made his NRL debut last year and has twice been named Newtown’s Player’s Player and Best and Fairest, said he couldn’t be happier to stay in the Shire. “Cronulla gave me the opportunity four years ago to come down and have stuck with me,” he said. “It's the best job in the world, I'm super stoked to be doing it again for another year.”
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Hosking, a Sharks junior and back-to-back Jersey Flegg Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, overcame an ankle injury to play 14 matches this season and collect Newtown’s Most Consistent Player award for the second consecutive year. “It's always been my goal to work through the grades here and hopefully make my debut,” he said. “This is the next stepping stone, I just want to keep learning, progressing, and pushing to be my best.”
Sharks GM of Football Darren Mooney said the club was thrilled to retain the pair, praising their influence both on and off the field. “Jayden and Blake are great clubmen who've been vital to our success,” he said. “They keep the starters on their toes and continue to thrive within our system.”
The re-signings underline Cronulla’s intent to reward hard work and build sustained success through their development pathway.