Gerard Beale

The last 12 months have been hell for the Cronulla Sharks but in a sign that they mean business, their squad has been strengthened by the addition of Gerard Beale and Kyle Stanley.

Beale, who is a Kiwi international, still had one year left to run on his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons but with their recent signings, he was allowed to depart.

Beale has signed a 3-year deal with the club and offers handy versatility as a back-line player and will give the Sharks some much needed experience.

The move was an easy one for Beale as he lives in the area, and he is excited to be a part of a club that he believes is moving forward.

“The Sharks are a club on the rise and I’m excited about this opportunity and to playing with them over the next three seasons,” Beale said.

“Add to that I’ve been living in the area for a little while now, my family is happy and settled and I’m really looking forward to the next few years.”

As for Stanley, who has signed for one season with the Sharks, recent knee injuries in successive seasons has cruelled him of playing regular first-grade but with a new chance comes an opportunity for him to succeed.

Stanley also offers plenty of versatility across the park and Sharks coach Shane Flanagan believe the duo can make a positive difference to the side.

“With Gerard, it is exciting to be adding a player to our roster with his speed and skill, someone who is a test player and can cover a few different positions for us in the outside backs,” Flanagan said.

“As for Kyle, he has versatility, can play multiple positions and he gained some valuable experience with Samoa at an international level in the Four Nations.

“I’m sure we haven’t seen the best of him yet due to a bad run with injury but that is behind him and I can see 2015 being be a big year for Kyle.”

Kyle Stanley

By ricky

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