Granted an immediate release by the Sydney Roosters, the Cronulla Sharks have been able to strengthen their forward stocks with the signing of Tuku Hau Tapuha.
Hau Tapuha, still a young prop, joins the Sharks for the remainder of the 2023 season and for 2024.
The Auckland-born prop played his junior footy in the Fortitude Valley and actually worked under current Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon while he was assistant at the Roosters.
Hau Tapuha is hopeful to see some first-grade action in 2023 and has made that one of his major goals for the year.
“Definitely one of my big goals this season is to get some first grade under my belt this year and I think Fitzy has given me a great opportunity with this move,” Hau Tapuha said.
Hau Tapuha knows some of the Sharks players having played alongside them in the All-Stars game and the prop says all the players have been welcoming.
“The boys have made me feel really welcome and I’m loving it here,” Hau Tapuha continued..
“The change of scenery has been enjoyable, and the boys have made the transition easy.”