NRL market watch: Cronulla Sharks’ Vegas boost as Ronaldo Mulitalo makes big contract call

Cronulla have pulled off a major coup with cult hero winger Ronaldo Mulitalo signing a long-term deal to remain at the club as they chase their first premiership since 2016.

Ronaldo Mulitalo has signed a long-term extension with the Sharks. Picture: NRL Photos

Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo can surpass the great David Peachey’s record of tries after re-signing a new three-year deal at the club.

An emotional Mulitalo said he rejected interest from rival NRL clubs to stay loyal to the Sharks after arriving at the club as a 15-year-old with a “half-filled suitcase and just dreams.”

“I was a raw kid when I came in and I’ve got so many people to thank for getting me to this point in my career,” a tearful Mulitalo said.

“Every year that I’ve been here I’ve tried to get better, to try and lift my legacy and my last name.

“Getting to the point of signing this contract and to the reality also that it could potentially be my last year here ... that was a pretty scary feeling.

“I’m going to remember that feeling every time I get the opportunity that I get to don the jersey.”

Mulitalo will remain at the Sharks until the end of 2028.

One of the most prolific try-scorers in Cronulla’s history, the 25-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite due to his extraordinary strike rate of crossing the tryline.

His total of 83 tries in 110 games saw Mulitalo move into third most tries of all-time and past club legends Steve (82) and Mat Rogers (75).

Mulitalo only needs 27-tries over the next three seasons to surpass Peachey (110) and sit in the extraordinary company of second behind club immortal Andrew Ettingshausen (166).

Mulitalo said that with his future secure at the Sharks, his plan was to repay the faith of the entire club in him.

“I’m filled with emotions, super grateful,” Mulitalo said.

“For me and my family it’s massive. Hopefully, I’ll finish my career here as a Sharkie forever.

“It wasn’t easy telling my family back home that I will be committing to this family here in the Shire.

“It’s time for us to deliver on what we set out to do as a group.

“The big one (premiership) would be nice, but for us it’s about being good men in the community and also being good clubmen and being what a Shark is.”