The Sharks have been dealt a massive blow to their 2026 plans with news gun winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has ruptured his ACL.
Mulitalo was injured while representing the Kiwis against Samoa in their Pacific Championships opener last weekend, with Cronulla confirming the diagnosis on Thursday.
The 25-year-old will now undergo surgery ahead of a significant period of rehabilitation, potentially ending his 2026 campaign before it started.
MORE: Rabbitohs steal 19-year-old kiwi from under All Blacks’ noses
Mulitalo has scored 100 tries in 136 first-grade appearances for the Sharks since making his debut in 2019.
This season saw him cross for 17 tries to top the club's chart for the fourth-straight year.
In his absence, Sam Stonestreet will likely get first crack at the vacant wing spot, with Sione Katoa to remain on the right once 2026 gets underway.
Short term, the injury means New Zealand coach Stacey Jones will have to lean on his squad depth when they face Tonga on November 2, with Sebastian Kris or Keano Kini the most likely to be called upon.