The Cronulla Sharks have been handed a big boost after announcing the re-signing of rookie Kayal Iro until the end of 2026.
The gun centre has been a revelation for Cronulla, having broken into the team at the beginning of the season, and his efforts have now been rewarded.
Iro initially made his debut at the Sharks in 2022, with the 24-year-old waiting patiently to make his mark in the Shire.
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Kayal Iro new contract, career, stats
Kaylan Iro's new contract keeps him at Cronulla until the end of 2026 and means he will have spent five years in Cronulla colours after joining in 2022.
His contract was initially set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, however his great form this season for Craig Fitzgibbon's side has earned him a new deal.
He had to be patient to break in, having only made one appearance before this season, but since his introduction to the side in round four, he has played every game and scored two tries, including the opening try in a 58-6 rout of the Tigers two weeks ago.
Iro told club media he was incredibly happy to be staying at the Sharks for the foreseeable future.
"The Sharks mean everything; they've given me my first shot to live out my childhood dream," said Iro, who made his NRL debut for Cronulla in 2022.
"I like what we're building here, so I'm pretty happy and pretty excited to stay here for the next two years. I'm enjoying it.
"I've been here for a few years now. My first year was the 2021 season and I've loved it ever since - loved the area, the boys, the crew, especially the coaching staff.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon is equally pleased with the agreement.
"We've always rated Kayal extremely highly," Fitzgibbon said.
"He worked hard while waiting for his opportunity and has taken it with both hands this year.
"Kayal is still just 15 games into his NRL career and will only get better in the seasons ahead."
Cronulla Sharks 2024 season
Iro has played a key role in what has been a successful season for the Sharks to date.
They shot up to the top of the table in round six, and stayed there for seven weeks, before a poor run of form in May and June saw them kicked out of top spot, as injuries and players away on representative duty hampered the side.
The Sharks still sit in third and will be hoping to finish in the top four for the second time in three years.
