Cronulla Sharks versatile forward Hohepa Puru has signed an extension to remain at the club on a two-year deal.
Puru, who has been primarily used as a lock-middle forward, will stay until the end of the 2028 season, as he was initially off-contract at the end of this season.
After making his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders against the Sharks in 2023, Hohepa signed with Cronulla ahead of the 2025 season, where he would make his debut for the club against the Brisbane Broncos.
Puru is enthusiastic about remaining at the Sharks for the foreseeable future.
“I'm over the moon and very grateful to the club and to Fitzy for the player they have made me over the last few years,” Puru said in the statement.
“The Sharks have helped make me a better man off the field around my little family at home and that correlates to on the field. I feel I've grown tremendously as a player and a person.”
Although Puru's first position is lock, he's willing to play in any position the club asks him to.
“I understand the system inside out and I'm happy to be a ‘Mr Fix It',” Puru added.
“Coming to the club I definitely preferred lock, middle forward and I'll say I'm a lock first, but I enjoy hooker as well. I'll play wherever they want me to play.”
General Manager of Football Darren Mooney spoke highly of Puru's character on and off the field.
“As we all saw against the Storm last weekend, Hohepa was outstanding, playing the full 80 minutes at hooker. His versatility makes him an extremely important member of our squad, and he consistently delivers whenever and wherever we've needed him, without complaint,” Mooney said.
“Pep is a very smart footballer who plays with a high level of physicality, and we're excited about what he can produce for the Sharks over the next two years.”
The 24-year-old, in 12 appearances this season, scored the first try of his career against the Canterbury Bulldogs in round 11, made 299 tackles (24.9 per game) at 92% efficiency, and ran 36 metres per game, while making 11 tackle breaks.
Hohepa has spent the last two seasons with his brother, Niwhai, at the Sharks, where they have been used to replace players who are absent due to injury or Origin duties.
Niwhai Puru has taken up an opportunity to play for the Perth Bears on a two-year deal under head coach Mal Meninga.
The Cronulla Sharks host the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, as both sides hope to progress to the semi-finals next week.
The winner of the Sharks-Cowboys elimination final plays the loser of the Panthers-Roosters Qualifying Final.
