NRL Market Watch: Tom Hazelton gives biggest indication he will stay at Sharks

Off-contract Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton has given the biggest indication yet on where he will land for next year and beyond following interest from the Dragons, Dolphins, Knights and Warriors.

Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton has given his greatest indication yet that he is poised to re-sign with the Sharks by declaring: “My aim has always been to stay loyal to the club that gave me my start.’’

The subject of mass interest from the Dolphins, Newcastle, New Zealand and St George Illawarra, Hazelton remains off-contract beyond this season.

However, with a desire to make a call prior to the Sharks’ opening round blockbuster against Penrith in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT), Hazelton won’t be on the open market for much longer.

“Ideally, I want to sort it all out this week and I’m confident that will happen,’’ Hazelton said.

“It’s been a bit of a process, largely because it’s an important decision.

“But also because I’ve been so appreciative that there have been other clubs that have reached out for a chat.

“They are all quality clubs, so there’s a bit involved in making the call.’’

Tom Hazelton has given a big indication he will stay at the Sharks. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Hazelton’s comments come after this masthead reported the club walked away from positive talks with coach Craig Fitzgibbon, chairman Steve Mace and CEO Dino Mezzatesta over a seafood lunch.

A cult figure among Sharks fans for his huge 198cm frame and ability to score tries as a front-rower, the Goulburn-born product said the rising premiership stocks of coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s side were a major lure to stay.

“There’s definitely something special brewing here under Fitzy and all his staff,’’ Hazelton said.

“For me, this isn’t about money, it’s about wanting to be at a club that will continue to develop my game, while also being successful.

“I know that will happen at the Sharks, but I also appreciate there’s a couple of other clubs that see that in themselves also, which is what I have to weigh up.

“Hopefully, as I said, I can put it all to bed and charge into the new season with everything sorted.’’

The Sharks began last November 1 with a host of players off-contract beyond 2025, but brick by brick they have been able to retain the majority of them, with only talented half Daniel Atkinson opting to pursue his dream of becoming a starting half at St George Illawarra in 2026.

Hazelton said the club’s retention of so many of their big guns, including Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton and Oregon Kaufusi was also a factor in his decision.

“I’ve come through the grades with so many of these boys, so it would be very difficult to leave, only to watch them go on and have success,’’ Hazelton said.

“As I said all along, my priority is to stay.’’

Hazelton joined the Sharks on the training paddock on Sunday for the first time since arriving for a four-day training camp in Los Angeles.

The Sharks used the prestigious grounds of the University of Southern California USC to commence their build-up towards their season opener.

“It was good to get the legs moving and shake off the jet lag,’’ Mulitalo said.

The Sharks will train in LA again on Monday after attending an NHL ice hockey game between the LA Kings and Utah at Crypto Arena.

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Tom Hazelton gives biggest indication he will stay at Sharks