NZ Warriors target Braden Hamlin-Uele has recommitted to Cronulla Sharks and signed a contract extension through until the end of 2026.
The forward reportedly received a $2.2 million three-year contract offer from the Warriors, who need to sign a front-rower in preparation for Addin Fonua-Blake's departure from the club.
With Fonua-Blake headed to Cronulla from 2025, Hamlin-Uele seemed the man to make way, with his previous contract expiring at the end of 2024.
On the eve of the new season, which will coincidentally see the Sharks and Warriors meet in round one, Hamlin-Uele has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see he and Fonua-Blake combine onfield.
"I had this sort of realisation moment of having to look at the boys and tell them - if I was to leave - that I was leaving," said Hamlin-Uele.
"I just broke down and cried and I knew just then that I'm meant to be a Cronulla Shark for as long as I can and I'm meant to be in the Shire.
"This club means everything to me, the boys mean everything to me.
"I love them like a second family and I'm just so grateful and thankful that I can be here for another two years with them."
So far, Hamlin-Uele has played 99 NRL games, with 98 of those coming for the Sharks, after debuting for North Queensland Cowboys.
At test level, the prop has played once for NZ Kiwis, before switching allegiance to Toa Samoa for the 2022 World Cup in England.
