Cronulla have continued to build an imposing pack for the future with Braden Hamlin-Uele re-signing on a two-year deal at the Sharks.
The 29-year-old courted interest from NRL rivals but elected to remain in the Shire until at least the end of the 2026 season, where he will form a front-row partnership with Addin Fonua-Blake from 2025 onwards.
Braden Hamlin-Uele signs contract extension with Cronulla Sharks
Hamlin-Uele joined Cronulla in 2018 and has since gone on to establish himself as an important part of Craig Fitzgibbon's forward rotation.
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The prop, who has represented New Zealand and Samoa on the international stage, has made 98 appearances for the Sharks, with just one solitary game for North Queensland back in 2017.
Hamlin-Uele outlined how his connection to his teammates and the local community was the key reason for turning his back on a reported offer from the New Zealand Warriors.
"I had this sort of realisation moment of having to look at the boys and tell them - if I was to leave - that I was leaving," Hamlin-Uele said.
"I just broke down and cried and I knew just then that I'm meant to be a Cronulla Shark for as long as I can, and I'm meant to be in the Shire."
Hamlin-Uele made his NRL debut at 22 years old but struggled to earn a regular spot in the first team until he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2019, where he played 21 matches for Cronulla.
He has since gone on to make 17 appearances or more each season for the Sharks in every subsequent year.
The club's General Manager of Football, Darren Mooney, highlighted Hamlin-Uele's powerful carries and leadership skills as integral to the side's success.
"Fitzy and I are extremely happy that Braden has made the decision to remain a Shark," Mooney said.
"He's a top-quality middle forward who always offers our team fantastic impact.
"He possesses terrific leadership qualities and helps set the standard for our younger players.
"We look forward to seeing him injury free and playing at his explosive best this season and into the future."
Hamlin-Uele has consistently averaged around the 90-100 running metres mark since 2019, while tackling with a 90 per cent tackling efficiency through the middle.
However, a knee injury hampered his 2023 campaign which required surgery in the off-season. Yet on the eve of the new campaign, the forward is nearing full fitness.
Meanwhile, Hamlin-Uele declared the Sharks were genuine premiership contenders in the coming years, especially with the impending addition of Fonua-Blake, which made his decision to re-sign a simple one.
"We have the ability and the team to go all the way," Hamlin-Uele said.
"It just depends on how we turn up on the day and how consistent we are. We're so connected and everyone's friends with everyone, so I don't see us taking a backward step.
"This club means everything to me, the boys mean everything to me.
"I love them like a second family and I'm just so grateful and thankful that I can be here for another two years with them."
