The Cronulla Sharks have locked in two of their most promising young guns, with Niwhai Puru and Chris Vea’ila committing to the club until the end of 2026.
Fresh off guiding feeder club Newtown to the 2024 NSW Cup title, both Puru and Vea’ila have re-signed on one-year extensions and are knocking loudly on the door of first-grade selection. With Cronulla firmly in their premiership window, the club has shown clear intent to bolster its depth by rewarding rising stars who’ve already shown they can deliver when it counts.
“Niwhai and Chris are developing well and have exciting futures ahead of them,” said Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney in a statement. “They’ve taken their performances to new levels for Newtown and have been knocking on the door of the NRL. We expect them to keep progressing.”
Puru’s polish and Vea’ila’s spark strengthen Sharks’ NRL depth
Playmaker Puru, 23, is having a blinder in the NSW Cup – topping the points tally with 83 and showing his flair with seven try assists and a clutch match-winning field goal. Named Player of the Match in last year’s grand final win and Newtown’s Most Improved, the Indigenous All Stars representative is now targeting the next step.
“I’m excited to see where my footy takes me and I’m grateful the club has given me another opportunity to have a crack at my goals,” Puru said. “I just wanted to start off the year on the right foot. I’m building happily with the boys around me, and we’re in a very good spot.”
His twin brother Hohepa also joined the Sharks this year, adding a personal boost to Niwhai’s journey.
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Vea’ila, 22, has continued his form on the wing, averaging 84 metres per match this season and adding three try involvements. The Auckland-born back lit up last year’s finals, scoring in both the prelim and the grand final.
“It means a lot,” Vea’ila said of the new deal. “We’ve got a good crew and I feel like we’re building towards something special here, so I’m happy to be a part of it.”