Cronulla Sharks club debutant Riley Jones has re-signed with the club through to the end of 2027.
A one-year extension is just reward for the rising talent, who made his Sharks debut last weekend in the centres as Craig Fitzgibbon rested a number of players ahead of the finals.
Jones' journey in recent years has been impressive, with the former Newcastle Knight transitioning out of the dummy half role to play in the centres for the Shire-based outfit.
That is where he played at NRL level for the first time since 2023 on the weekend as the Sharks fell to a last-minute try against the Melbourne Storm.
Jones had debuted for the Knights at dummy half in 2023, with the Central Coast junior making the move to Cronulla at the start of last year where he has become an important part of the Newtown Jets side.
"Riley debuted for Newcastle as a hooker in 2023 but has found a home at centre with the Newtown Jets this season. He has worked hard on his game alongside our coaching staff and is now beginning to realise the talent and potential he possesses," Sharks general manager of football Darren Mooney said of his re-signing.
"We are thrilled Riley has decided to remain at the club next year. We believe he has plenty more improvement in him, but before that we have no doubt RJ can make a contribution to the success we are striving to achieve in the coming weeks."
Jones, who scored a try on club debut for the Sharks - his first at NRL level - will push for more opportunities next year.
Cronulla lose Mawene Hiroti to the Gold Coast Titans, Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien to the North Queensland Cowboys, and Chris Vea'ila to the Perth Bears.
While it's likely Ramien's position will be claimed by former Bulldogs junior Michael Gabrael, Jones, with the absence of Hiroti, could become the Sharks' first back-up in the centres, and said he was thrilled to be re-signing.
“It means the world to me and my family,” Jones said of his re-signing.
“I'm so grateful to Fitzy and the club for putting the trust in me.
“It wasn't an easy road back, but I got to live out another dream last weekend, so I'm very happy for my family as well, who have seen all the ups and downs.”
With Gabrael suspended, Ramien injured and Jones having played last week with Hiroti not a guarantee to return this weekend, Jones is named to play against the Cowboys in the club's elimination final, to be played at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening.
He said it was special to be truisted at this time of year.
“It's good to get it done and to be able to focus on footy again now,” Jones said.
“I'm pumped. For Fitzy and the coaching staff to have the trust in me to go out and play my game, to have me in the team, is so special. To get another opportunity, and in the finals – I pinch myself.”
Kick-off is set for 7:50pm (AEST).
