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Boost on eve of finals as Sharks re-sign star
Jasper Bruce, AAP • September 9th, 2025 4:20 pm
Star centre and prolific tryscorer KL Iro has re-signed with the Sharks until 2029 | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Not so long ago KL Iro considered giving up on his NRL dream, but the star centre has now signed a new deal that keeps him at Cronulla through 2029.
News of Iro's three-year contract extension is a welcome boost for the Sharks ahead of Saturday's elimination final against the Sydney Roosters.
The Cook Islands international has battled a pectoral injury in his second full NRL season but has been among the Sharks' best when fit.
He scored in all of his first nine games of the season, with 10 four-pointers across 11 appearances so far.
Iro had already been contracted for next season but his new deal keeps him away from forthcoming expansion sides Perth and Papua New Guinea.
The deal is fitting reward for the 25-year-old, who needed to wait until last season to become a regular in the Sharks' backline.
"Four years ago I was close to giving up footy, so to sign this contract is massive," said Iro, son of former New Zealand international Kevin.
"I was reflecting on it when I signed. If I stayed back in the (Cook) Islands, I don't know what I'd be doing.
"Being here now and calling this home for another four years is massive for me.
"This club gave me an opportunity when no one else would."
Iro is now a walk-up starter at the Sharks and will be key to restricting the Roosters' potent back five in the elimination final at Shark Park.
The new deal means hooker and stand-in captain Blayke Brailey is the only player to hold a longer Sharks contract than Iro.
Fellow backs Sione Katoa, Sam Stonestreet and Jesse Ramien are out of contract at the end of next year so can begin negotiating with rival clubs from November.
Sharks fullback Will Kennedy remains unsigned beyond 2025.
