Even though Dylan Brown’s massive contract with the Knights received all of the attention on Monday night, there was also some significant contract news in southern Sydney when Tom Hazelton rebuffed rivals’ interest in signing a new three-year contract with the Sharks.
It’s a significant victory for Cronulla, who a few weeks ago appeared to be losing the towering behemoth to the Dragons. The Storm was also connected to him before they issued a statement denying the allegation.
Rather, Hazelton has committed to remaining in the Shire through the conclusion of the 2028 season at the latest.
“Having interest from other clubs was great, but ultimately, I have a great group of friends here,” he remarked.
“Over the course of my seven years here, I have witnessed the club’s growth.
“Being a part of that was really exciting because I think we have a few really good years coming up.”
Despite having the opportunity to start at another club, Hazelton has opted to remain where he can work with Braden Hamlin-Uele, Toby Rudolf, and Addin Fonua-Blake.
“Addin’s arrival has already been really awesome for us, and we have a lot of really talented guys in the pack,” he stated.
“It will only benefit me and the team if I can get off the back of those guys, learn from him and some of the older guys like ‘Brayds’ and Toby, and take some of their game elements to help improve mine.”
The Sharks are thrilled to have re-signed the try-scoring forward as he nears the peak of his career after club veteran Gavin Miller saw Hazelton progressing through the grades in Goulburn.
“Tom’s decision to prolong his tenure at the club is a fantastic outcome,” stated Darren Mooney, general manager of football.
Over the last 18 months, Tom has emerged as one of the NRL’s most exciting front-rowers, and he is prepared to advance in his career and compete for his country.
His teammates and coaches hold him in high regard as a grounded rural kid.
“What we can accomplish together excites us.”
Why Hazelton spurned NRL rivals to ink new Sharks deal
After securing his long-term NRL future with an improved deal at Cronulla, rough-and-ready front-rower Tom Hazelton is relieved the Sharks will continue to cover his most vital expense: electrical tape.
“If I had to pay for my own, I’d be broke, mate,” Hazelton told AAP on Tuesday, a day after inking a three-year contract extension.
The 26-year-old has quickly become a favourite at Shark Park since making his debut for the club in 2022 due to his no-nonsense running style and his throwback look.
“I started (using tape) to keep the hair out of my eyes but the older I got, the less hair I had,” Hazelton said.
“I shaved my head in year nine for a cancer shave and already had a bald spot, receding hairline, I knew then I was on a slippery slope.”
But Hazleton’s form at the back end of last year also began to catch the eye of rival NRL sides after his emergence as a front-rower with a nose for the tryline.
The 198cm prop commanded significant interest from St George Illawarra and the Warriors.
But the prop’s retention by Cronulla is seen as a shot in the arm for coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s hopes of leading the Sharks to a second premiership.
“I met with some really good, impressive coaches who gave me a lot to think about,” Hazelton said.
“I didn’t really have it done until we got back from Vegas but when I met back up with the club it was a relief to get it done.
“I’m appreciative of the time and effort I got from the other clubs I was speaking with as well.
“Where I started a few years ago, on a 10-week training contract, to now securing another three years – it’s massive for me and my partner.
“It’s no surprise that since (Fitzgibbon) has come in the success that we’ve had – obviously we haven’t won anything yet but we’re building something special here and we all want to stay around and be coached by him.”
As well as Hazelton, who has 10 tries in 45 NRL appearances, Cronulla have Cameron McInnes, Oregon Kaufusi, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton and Addin Fonua-Blake locked up for at least the next two seasons.
Hazelton spoke of his admiration for Fonua-Blake and said the ex-Warriors front-rower had quickly assumed his position as the leader of the Sharks pack.
Fonua-Blake’s arrival has been spoken of as a circuit breaker for Cronulla as they look to turn their immense promise into premierships.
The Sharks were beaten 28-22 by four-time defending premiers Penrith in Las Vegas and Hazelton feels his side is beginning to close the gap.
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