Signed on for 2024, Tuku Hau Tapuha showed the Cronulla Sharks top brass that he is good enough and he has been rewarded with a one-year extension until the end of 2025.
Hau Tapuha, still only 22, joined the Sharks from the Sydney Roosters last season and the club see him flourishing under head coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
Although he is still developing, the club are pleased with the way that Hau Tapuha is progressing and look forward to his growth.
“Tuku is an outstanding young prospect who is still developing his craft as a front rower,” Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney said.
“The coaching staff have been extremely impressed with his attitude, commitment, and ability to learn since he joined us this time last year.
“At only 22 years of age, we are all looking forward to his continued growth and development over the next two seasons.”
Hau Tapuha, from Auckland, says he is settling in nicely and is keen to make his own mark within the team.
“I’m pleased to call this club home for the next year again,” Hau Tapuha said.
“I look forward to this year – it’s a big year for me, big year for the squad in general and I look forward to the challenge ahead.”
Hau Tapuha knows there is talent in the front-row ahead of him but he is eager to make his mark and earn a permanent spot.
“It’d mean a lot,” Hau Tapuha continued.
“We’ve got a lot of strength in our middle.
“I think our senior playing group really leads from the front, and it does make it a big challenge and a more rewarding accomplishment when you break into that 17.
“But it definitely is a big goal to not only get into that 17 but stay in there.”