NRL 2020: Toby Rudolf backs himself to deliver by signing one-year contract extension with Sharks

Toby Rudolf could have had a three-year deal with the Warriors or a longer contract with Cronulla — but he turned them both down in a surprise decision. Find out why.

Toby Rudolf owes his NRL career to backing his own ability, so when the time came to negotiate a new contract with Cronulla the 24-year old wasn’t going to change his tune.

Rudolf has signed a one-year extension with the Sharks - turning down a longer contract in the process - in an effort to prove he’s worth a more lucrative deal next time around.

A late bloomer who made his NRL debut earlier this season at 24, Rudolf fought his way through the lower grades for Redcliffe and Newtown to become a crucial cog in the Sharks’ forward pack this year.

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Toby Rudolf has impressed in the middle of the field this year.

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“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my rookie season as a Shark, I’m enjoying my time here and with this contract extension I’m looking to build on what I’ve achieved so far this year,” Rudolf said.

“We have a very strong playing group which I’m pleased to be a part of, and I’m keen to finish this year on a high note, to take my form into next season and to hopefully continue my improvement and development under John Morris and the coaching staff here at the Sharks.”

With Aaron Woods off-contract at the end of next year and Andrew Fifita’s future under a cloud due to persistent injuries, Rudolf’s gamble could well pay off.

A hard-nosed and physical customer, Rudolf has taken to the NRL well, averaging 120 metres gained and 25 tackles per match.

Rudolf was nearly lost to the Sharks after he agreed to a three-year deal with the Warriors earlier this season.

Rudolf has backed himself to land a longer deal. Picture by Brett Costello.

But Rudolf secured a release on compassionate grounds to look after his legally blind mother and ill grandmother, the fiery prop opted to stay in the Shire.

It’s a boost for Cronulla’s future and a serious blow to the Kiwi club, who are also expected to miss out on sidelined St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin.

Rudolf played for Newtown’s State Championship winning team last year and joins fellow Jets alumni Ronaldo Mulitalo, Will Kennedy, Teig Wilton and Siosifa Talakai, as well as new recruit Royce Hunt, in committing his future to the Sharks.

“Toby’s signing is amazing news for the club and no doubt will be very well received by our members and fans,” said Sharks coach John Morris.

“It was always a priority of mine to retain Toby and he has shown with his impressive performances in his first year in the NRL how valuable a player he is.

Rudolf played in Newtown’s State Championship-winning team last year.

“Toby has not only shone with his performances on the field but he is of outstanding character off it, a great team player who works very hard on his game and is very coachable.

“His re-signing, along with the other youth we have extended and re-signed this year is an example of the exciting future we are continuing to build at the club.”

Originally published as NRL 2020: Toby Rudolf backs himself to deliver by signing one-year contract extension with Sharks