The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks have confirmed the signing of lock Hohepa Puru for 2025, who joins the Shire club after two seasons with Canberra Raiders.
The Windsor Wolves junior also links up with twin brother Niwhai – 2024 Player of the Match for Newtown Jets in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final – for the first time since their Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final triumph for the Penrith Panthers in 2022.
That particular side also had current Shark Liam Ison at fullback, who earned an NRL debut last season and starred for Newtown on their run to NSW Cup Premiership glory in 2024.
Puru now comes to the Sharks with a chance to impress NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon in the upcoming pre-season, following a strong two-year stint at the nation’s capital that culminated with being named at lock forward in the NSW Cup Team of the Year for 2024.
This past season he played all 27 matches for Canberra’s NSW Cup side, recording seven tries, three try-assists, eight line-breaks and 41 tackle-busts.
He also led the competition with 1,021 tackles at 92.9 per cent efficiency, and finished fifth for run metres with 3,383 (125 on average).
The lock’s signature adds to the Sharks’ strong recruitment and retention drive of late, with brother Niwhai among a host of recent re-signings, who played key roles for the Jets in their premiership-winning season.
They include hooker Jayden Berrell, outside backs Mawene Hiroti and Chris Vea’ila, alongside skipper and back-rower Billy Burns.
