NRL 2025: Sharks extend Oregon Kaufusi, sign Hohepa Puru as Raiders close in on Xavier Savage
The Sharks have continued their signing spree, locking down a star forward and poaching another from Canberra, as the Raiders close in on a star back. See the latest transfer news.
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Cronulla have continued their recruitment drive by locking down prop Oregon Kaufusi and recruiting talented young prop Hohepa Puru from the Raiders.
As first reported by this masthead, Kaufusi opted against triggering a get-out option in his 2025 contract to instead commit to the Sharks for next season.
Kaufusi played the first 23 games of the 2024 season for the Sharks, sat out round 27, before then playing the club’s three finals matches in emphasising his durability and resilience.
“We took some positive steps forward last season and I’m keen to play my part in helping the team continue to improve again next year,” Kaufusi said.
“We have a close group here at Cronulla, I enjoy working with Fitzy and the coaching staff and I’m excited about the season ahead.”
Puru, twin brother of talented NSW Cup half Niwhai Puru, joins the Sharks’ full time NRL squad for the 2025 season as an edge or middle forward after making his NRL debut with Canberra last season.
RAIDERS CLOSE IN ON FLYER
The Raiders are poised to extend the future of try-scoring talent Xavier Savage to a new multi-year deal.
The 22-year-old flyer was rewarded for his impressive 2024 season with selection on the wing for the Australian PM XIII team last month.
In best season since making his NRL debut in 2021, Savage enjoyed 24 appearances for the Green Machine, scoring 15 tries.
Savage has a wonderful strike rate of tries with 24 in 46 NRL matches.
The Raiders view Savage as a genuine X-factor in their backline and a key member of the club’s development of so many young stars.
Savage and his management have been in talks with the Raiders hierarchy for a number of weeks.
It’s expected that a deal is close to being finalised which will keep Savage at the club beyond his current 2025 contract.
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Originally published as NRL 2025: Sharks extend Oregon Kaufusi, sign Hohepa Puru as Raiders close in on Xavier Savage
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