Cronulla have 16 unsigned players. Their CEO says big-name exits are ‘inevitable’
“It just won’t work. And I think as a message for the younger boys coming through, they need to know that they’re going to have their chance as well.
Cronulla’s NRL squad marches into the club’s season launch in the Shire.Credit: David Hossack
“So it is probably time that we start looking at who’s coming through the ranks. But our intent would be we’ll try and get as many [contract extensions] done as possible … for some of these guys that are at the end of their career when they’ve still got maybe a contract worth two or three years, it’s going to be hard to compete just on the money terms alone, let alone wanting us to keep everyone.
“But I think we’re realists as well. We’re not going to be able to fit everyone in the roster.”
Despite the looming upheaval, Cronulla have stars Blayke Brailey (signed until 2030), Nicho Hynes and KL Iro (2029) and Braydon Trindall, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Fonua-Blake (2028) all signed long-term. Fitzgibbon is also signed until the end of 2027.
Mezzatesta backed Sharks management to ensure the potentially “unsettling” contract talks do not derail the side’s premiership tilt.
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Several Sharks players have spurned better money on the open market – most notably Bears target Brailey last year and Hamlin-Uele when the Warriors came calling in 2024 – to stay, while Kennedy accepted a six-figure pay cut in his deal.
“I think honesty and transparency is really important at this stage, and in particular for them at this point in their career,” Mezzatesta said.
“Toby Rudolf has been very vocal about getting out there to suggest he wants to look for a [rival offer] … but clearly before he’s done that, he’s had a conversation with us as well.
“And I think you’ll find there’ll be a couple of other conversations along the similar sort of lines.
“If there is something out there for you which is going to give you tenure and a lot more money, then we’re certainly not going to stand in your way.
“Every player, their number one priority would be to stay with the club. But it’s going to be unfortunate if we can’t make it work mathematically.”
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