Sharks and Jets extend their partnership to 2029
The Newtown Jets and the Cronulla Sharks will keep their partnership going for another three years, taking one of the most successful relationships in NSW Cup football through to 31 October 2029.
Since 2015, the Sharks have sent contracted players and support to Henson Park, and the Jets have given those players a professional, welcoming place to learn their trade in the famous blue jersey. Together, that has delivered a preliminary final in 2016, a Grand Final in 2018, the NSW Cup Premiership and NRL State Championship in 2019, the minor premiership in 2022, and the club's ninth NSWRL Premiership, over the North Sydney Bears, in 2024. On Saturday night, we chase a third Grand Final win in eight years.
"Newtown Jets are thrilled that our wonderful partnership with the mighty Cronulla Sharks will continue for a further three years," Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy said.
"Since 2015, the partnership has delivered success both on and off the field for both clubs and reflects the terrific working relationship, mutual respect and shared ambition that exists between the Jets and Sharks.
"Newtown prides itself on doing Reserve Grade better than anyone. We're enormously proud to add value to Cronulla's outstanding Rugby League pathways while also providing a connection to the very foundations of the game in Australia.
"We look forward to continuing to play our part in preparing footballers for the NRL, strengthening the Sharks' pathways and helping both Cronulla and Newtown chase more premiership success.
"Once again, our sincere thanks to everyone at the Sharks, especially Dino Mezzatesta, Craig Fitzgibbon, Darren Mooney and the Cronulla board, for their continued faith, support and belief in this partnership."
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta welcomed the extension.
"From the football perspective and from an administrative point of view, nothing is a problem in our dealings with the Jets. The partnership is seamless," Mezzatesta said.
"Our coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his staff appreciate the support they receive, while the players we send there to play are well looked after and enjoy putting on that famous blue Jets jersey."
The results speak for themselves. Our 2019 premiership side featured a string of players who have gone on to build NRL careers at Cronulla, including Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, Sione Katoa, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talakai.
This season, Sharks-contracted youngsters Riley Pollard, Michael Gabrael, Liam Ison, Riley Jones, Niwhai Puru and Blake Hosking have been central to our run to the Grand Final, while Sam Stonestreet, Tuku Hau Taphua, Mawene Hiroti and Braden Uele have split 2026 between the NSW Cup with Newtown and the NRL with Cronulla.
Next up is the biggest game of the year. The Jets take on the Penrith Panthers in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final this Saturday at CommBank Stadium, kick-off 7pm.
8972, get that Royal Blue ready.
Up, up Cronulla. Go the Jets. ✈️
#WeAre8972
