Daniel Vasquez has signed a further one-year development contract to stay at the Sharks into 2020.
The 22-year old came through the Sharks Academy and junior rep system before playing last two seasons for the Newtown Jets.
“This year I’ve learnt how to be more professional and with my body type and body shape, I’ve got to get my diet, my training and preparation right,” Vasquez told the club website. “I’ve learnt a lot from the older boys."
“I’m looking forward to working with the boys again, having some fun along the way and hopefully making my NRL at some stage next year.”
Vasquez started at the local St Joseph's club then played at the Yarrawarrah Tigers before being identified by the Sharks at 14 years old.
The prop spent two years in the Matthews Cup before making the Sharks under18 SG Ball team where he won the man-of-the-match honour in their 2015 Grand Final win.
That same year he was selected for the NSW Under 18's Origin team and the Australian schoolboy's team.
He was a member of the Sharks NYC squad which won the minor premiership in 2017 before starting senior football at Newtown Jets.
Over the past two seasons Vasquez has made 31 appearances for the Jets and will be in their sudden-death finals match against the Mounties this weekend.
Despite two cheekbone fractures this season Vasquez is being closely tracked by Sharks NRL coach John Morris. Morris is confident after another season training alongside the NRL boys Vasquez will have a chance of stepping up and making a mark in the not-too-distant future.
“It’s great news we have been able to retain another one of our local juniors,” Morris said.
“Daniel has shown great commitment and character progressing through our Elite Pathways from our National Championship winning SG ball team in 2015, to the Holden Cup Minor Premiership team in 2017, to now playing for Newtown in the Canterbury Cup."
“He is a great young man who is very dedicated and coachable."
“I look forward to him continuing his development at the Sharks and to hopefully taking the next step towards playing NRL,” Morris added.
Vasquez is not the first local junior to sign a Development contract for 2020, following after Jack Williams last week.
