Veteran NRL prop Aiden Tolman will stay on at the Cronulla Sharks as Jayden Berrell, Matt Ikuvalu and Locky Miller all sign on.

Tolman, who joined the Sharks last year is nearing the 300-game mark and is pleased to stay on at the club.

The former Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs prop will act as a nice foil for the younger forwards coming through the Sharks’ ranks.

“I enjoyed my first year at the Club and I’m really happy to be returning for a second,” Tolman said.

“We’ve got some quality players joining us and a new coach in Craig who I’m looking forward to working with.”

One of the surprising signings is that of Jayden Berrell.

Berrell, a talented hooker, came through the Brisbane Broncos system and has recently been playing for Wynnum-Manly in the QLD Cup.

Berrell is managed by former NRL player Mat Rogers who says that the hooker is ready for this chance and has worked hard for it.

Newly signed Cronulla Sharks hooker Jayden Berrell

“He’s a young bloke with a great attitude who’s been fighting for an opportunity,” Rogers began.

“I said I can’t do anything for you unless you’re playing well, then this year he goes and wins the Queensland Cup player of the year.“

Rogers also added that he is a nine with some crafty play in attack which could prove to be an asset for the Sharks.

“Now we’ll see what he can do when he puts all his focus into training and playing footy,” Rogers continued.

“He’s a 9 who offers something in attack.”

Ikuvalu is one that will give the Sharks some much needed winger depth.

A handy finisher, Ikuvalu is remembered for scoring five tries in one game in 2020.

Sydney Roosters winger Matt Ikuvalu

 

Having previously worked under now Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon at the Roosters, the chance to be involved in a similar system was too good to pass up for Ikuvalu.

“Fitzy was a big factor – not so much that he was trying to pull me across – it was just more so that it’s still a home feel rather than going to a completely new club. He’s going to still have the same morals and the system that he brings, so I’m not learning a whole new system,” Ikuvalu said.

The final signing of the quartet for the Sharks is Locky Miller, an Australian Rugby Sevens star.

Miller has signed a two-year deal with the Sharks and is no stranger to the game having played until he was 22.

Miller feels like the Sharks are a good fit for him and he is excited to work under coach Fitzgibbon.

“I’ve been watching the NRL and the Sharks just seem like a really good fit,” Miller said.

“Craig is a really good coach, really easy to get along with. That was one of the main selling points.”

Although his true position may not be known just yet, Miller says he will get stuck into pre-season and try to iron out a specific spot.

“In terms of position, we’ll get into pre-season and really give it a crack and see where I go from there,” Miller continued.

“He (Fitzgibbon) appreciates I can play in the spine, but also attack out wide if I need to.”

New Cronulla Sharks signing Locky Miller

By ricky

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.