The Cronulla Sharks and Newtown Jets have agreed to a three-year extension of their NSW Cup partnership, keeping the alliance in place until the end of 2029.
The relationship, which dates back to 2015, sees Cronulla supply players and support staff to Newtown's Knock On Effect NSW Cup side, while the Jets give the Sharks' contracted players a professional environment in which to develop.
Since the arrangement began, it has produced success on the field, with a state and national double championship for the Jets in 2019 and an NW Premiership in 2024.
Newtown is now preparing for a shot at a third grand final in eight seasons, taking on Penrith this weekend in the 2026 decider.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta praised the beauty of the partnership with the Jets, as he announced the extension alongside Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sharks, it's really pleasing to be extending our partnership and continuing the relationship we have with the Jets,” Mezzatesta said.
“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.
“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.
“Stuart McCarthy and his team, Barry Cotter and the Jets board, run a professional organisation and we look forward to another three successful seasons as a NSW Cup partner."
The Jets were also the minor premiers and preliminary finalists in 2022 after the two Covid-affected seasons.
McCarthy spoke about the pride they have in competing at a high level in the NSW Cup competition and what it means for both clubs to continue building success.
“Newtown Jets are thrilled that our wonderful partnership with the mighty Cronulla Sharks will continue for a further three years,” he 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.”
The Sharks have one of the best junior bases in the NRL competition, building their core first-grade side around the players who won the NSW Cup premiership in 2019.
Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, Sione Katoa, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talakai were part of the NSW Cup-winning side and have since established themselves in the NRL as genuine players.
The club has also been building for the future, with the likes of Riley Pollard, Michael Gabrael, Liam Ison, Riley Jones, Niwhai Puru, Blake Hosking, Sam Stonestreet and Tuku Hau Tapuha playing a huge role in the Jets side being in the NSW Cup grand final.
Mawene Hiroti and Braden Uele were also part of the Jets side and played a handful of first-grade games this season.
The Jets will play the Panthers in the NSW Cup grand final on Saturday night.
