Staying in the Shire: Tom Hazelton flattered by the interest from rivals but decides to stay put after inking new Sharks deal

One of the most in-demand front-rowers has made a call on his future, with Tom Hazelton putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal.

While all the focus on Monday evening was on Dylan Brown’s mega deal with the Knights, there was another important bit of contract news in southern Sydney where Tom Hazelton knocked back interest from rivals to sign a new three-year deal with the Sharks.

It’s a huge win for Cronulla who looked set to lose the towering prop to the Dragons a few weeks ago, while the Storm was also linked to him before they put out a release saying the report wasn’t true.

Instead, Hazelton has agreed to stay in the Shire until at least the end of the 2028 season.

"We're building something really special. I'm over the moon to be re-signing." 🔥

Hazo is officially sticking around until at least the end of 2028!https://t.co/ufsUDS7nBS

— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) March 10, 2025

“It was very nice to have the interest from other clubs, but at the end of the day, I’ve got a really good group of mates here,” he said.

“I’ve been here for seven years and have seen the club progress so far in that time.

“I think we have a few really good years coming up, so to be a part of that was really exciting.”

Hazelton could have had a starting spot at another club but has chosen to stay put where he gets to work alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele.

“We have a lot of really talented guys in the pack, and Addin coming in has been really awesome for us already,” he said.

“To get off the back of those guys and learn from people like him and some of the older guys like ‘Brayds’ and Toby and taking bits out of their game to help improve mine, it’s only going to be better for me and the team.”

Tom Hazelton has been a try-scoring weapon for the Sharks off the bench. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Club legend Gavin Miller noticed Hazelton coming through the grades in Goulburn, with the Sharks stoked to have re-signed the try-scoring forward as he approaches the best years of his career.

“It’s a great result that Tom has decided to extend his journey at the club,” general manager of football Darren Mooney said.

“Tom has established himself as one of the NRL’s most exciting front-rowers over the past 18 months and is ready to take the next step in his career towards representative honours.

“He is a down-to-earth country boy who is deeply respected by his teammates and coaches.

“We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”