The Cronulla Sharks are set to re-sign rising star Liam Challenor to have him remain in the Shire following high-interest from rival clubs.
Challenor was crowned the player of the tournament in the ASSRL National Championships, playing alongside teammates Jamie Curran and Haiden Wooldridge, which took place in July.
The crafty halfback also kicked the match-winning field goal in the final, showing his clutch playmaking skills which would have no doubt piqued the interest of NRL head coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
He is touted as a future star in the game, with CODE Sports revealing he is set to remain at the Sharks on a long-term deal to push for an NRL debut in the coming years.
Challenor will also pack his bags for a trip to Port Moresby to play for the Australian Schoolboys side, which will face the Junior Kumuls in October.
A De La Salle junior, Challenor has Sharks blood running through his veins, and has the chance to live out his childhood dream by making the NRL team.
“2016 was the best time ever,” Challenor said to Sharks media in July.
“I was young, but I still remember it, having a few tears up at ANZ Stadium, and my goal was set from that day.”
The Endeavour Sports half spent the season playing SG Ball in 2026, but was elevated to Jersey Flegg duties later in the year to test himself among bigger bodies.
Challenor was without a deal for next season, and it is understood it prompted his management to have a look around to see what offers were out there.
Nevertheless, he will remain in Cronulla despite rival interest to learn under established halves Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes.
The rising junior has plenty of Cronulla representation through his family tree, making him destined to don the black, white and blue in the NRL at some stage.
“My grandpa played back in the President's Cup for Cronulla, and my dad played, and my uncle played, so there are a few Challenors down the line," he said.
“It's special to represent all of my family line but also all the Sharks' players past and present.”
