Attempting to win their first premiership since 2016, the Cronulla Sharks will need to rely on the next generation of young players coming through their ranks, who have yet to play in the NRL arena.

Over the past couple of years, the likes of Chris Vea'ila, Liam Ison and Sam Stonestreet have been introduced to the NRL after successfully progressing through the club's ranks.

So...who's next?

These are the 'Top Ten' young players that have yet to make their NRL debuts and are currently contracted to the Cronulla Sharks.

6. Nikora Williams

A graduate of Endeavour Sports High School, Nikora Williams is coming off a sensational 12 months, which saw him earn Australian Schoolboy honours at the end of 2024 before going on to represent the Under-19s NSW Blues team this year.

Playing in the centres, he also claimed the prestigious Val Lembit Memorial Trophy in 2024 for the Most Outstanding Male Representative at the NSW Combined High School Sports Awards, joining a prestigious list that includes the likes of Ian Thorpe, Steve Waugh and Zac Lomax.

Also an elite goal-kicker, Williams is one to watch over the next few seasons and is bound to produce a lethal combination with fellow young centre Prestyn Laine-Sietu, who also appeared in the Under-19s State of Origin match.

"The thing that sets him apart from other boys is his will to win and the fact he'll do whatever it takes on the field to help his team achieve," Sharks junior representative coach Dave Howlett said on Williams.

"He's tenacious and competitive. I coached him at school and the Sharks, and he had exactly the same passion for both teams. He just loves being part of a team environment and trying to inspire other people.

"I'm really hopeful he'll blossom into an NRL player and a great team member at that level too.

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