The Cronulla Sharks have pulled off a significant cross-code coup, securing one of Australian rugby union’s brightest young prospects after confirming the signing of Leo Jaques on a three-year contract.
The 20-year-old forward will join the Sharks after impressing in rugby union, with Cronulla believing he has the athleticism and work ethic to develop into an NRL player over the coming seasons.
Sharks Beat Rival Interest for Exciting Prospect
Jaques had attracted attention for his performances in rugby union before the Sharks moved quickly to secure his signature.
Cronulla confirmed the versatile young forward has signed a three-year deal, with the club viewing him as a long-term development prospect rather than an immediate first-grade player. Sharks General Manager of Football Darren Mooney described Jaques as an “outstanding young athlete” and said the club was excited about his potential in rugby league.
The signing continues Cronulla’s strategy of identifying elite young talent from outside the NRL system and investing in their long-term development.
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Successful Transition Already Underway
The Sharks have enjoyed success in recent years helping players transition from rugby union and other sporting backgrounds.
Jaques will now enter Cronulla’s high-performance program, where coaches will focus on developing his rugby league skills while taking advantage of the physical attributes that made him one of union’s emerging prospects.
At just 20 years of age, the Sharks believe he has ample time to adapt to the demands of the 13-man code.
Cronulla Continue Building for the Future
The signing comes as the Sharks continue strengthening both their NRL roster and development pathways.
Rather than focusing solely on established first-grade players, Cronulla has also invested heavily in emerging talent capable of becoming long-term contributors to the club.
Jaques joins a system that has consistently produced NRL talent under coach Craig Fitzgibbon and the Sharks will now look to unlock his potential over the next three seasons.
Long-Term Project With High Upside
While Jaques is unlikely to feature in first grade immediately, the Sharks clearly believe the upside is worth the investment.
Cross-code signings always require patience, but Cronulla’s recruitment team has identified the young forward as a player capable of making the transition successfully.
If his development progresses as hoped, the Sharks may have unearthed another valuable piece for the future while beating rival clubs to one of rugby union’s most promising young talents.
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