Sharks Replacement Impressing Suitors

Mawene Hiroti is proving a fine replacement for injured Kayal Iro in the Sharks backline. The 26-year-old centre can't secure a spot in the team when the Sharks are at full strength but when he comes in he does his job - scoring tries. In a remarkable stat, the Kiwi born centre has played five NRL games since the start of 2023 … and scored in every one of them. He was at it again in the impressive win at Newcastle on Sunday, crossing the stripe as the Sharks dismantled the fancied Knights outside backs. Hiroti comes off contract at the end of the season and rival clubs could do a lot worse than look at the former Rabbitohs and NSW Residents centre.

Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro in doubt for Cronulla

But the Panthers aren't alone in having injury concerns, with the Sharks reportedly rocked by doubts over starting centres Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro. Ramien reportedly tweaked an ankle injury last weekend, while Iro is said to be dealing with a bicep issue. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has the option of using Siosifa Talakai in the centres, while wingers Sam Stonestreet and Mawene Hiroti are part of the extended squad. Utility Daniel Atkinson has also played on the wing this season and might slot into the centres if Ramien and Iro are both out.

How 'The Beast' is behind young gun's Sharks rise

Cronulla young gun Kayal Iro has one of the rugby league world's best centres of the 1990s watching his every move and working to improve his game. The tutor just happens to be his dad Kevin, so destructive in his playing days that he was known in both Super League and the NRL as 'The Beast'. "I'm too young to have seen him play but I've seen plenty of him on video," Kayal told Wide World of Sports. "I've tried to model my game on him but he was definitely more dynamic than me - he was amazing. "He is living back home in the Cook Islands but watches the games and we talk or text during the week. "He gives me plenty of feedback - good and bad - but that's what I need and I know it comes from the heart. "He has helped me improve my game and I can't thank him enough." The 24-year-old Kayal has followed in his father's footsteps, playing Test football in the centres for the Cook Islands - and managed to do it before he became a regular first grader. This season has been his breakout year, with the strong running centre cementing a regular top grade spot for the Sharks and scoring some spectacular tries. "I'm happy with the way I'm going but feel I am still learning first grade footy," he said. "Having Dad in my corner is a big help and I'm sure we will talk again before Friday night's game against the Cowboys."

Super League clubs eyeing young Shark

Super League is also looking at Kayal Iro, son of former Kiwi international Kevin Iro.Iro has been among the most promising young centres in the NRL but in two seasons at Cronulla, the 23-year-old has managed just one NRL game.Iro can't break into the strong Sharks backline and several rival clubs are looking to sign him.But the biggest interest comes from the UK, where his dad was a household name.Kevin, who had brief stints with Manly and the Hunter Mariners, played his best football in Super League, playing over 100 games for Wigan, Leeds and also having a stint at St Helens.Castleford is believed to be leading the hunt for the strongly built centre, who can also play wing and fullback.

Sharks Could Lose Son-Of-A-Gun

The Sharks have a got a 'gun' youngster in their ranks in boom young centre Kayal Iro.The 23-year-old son of former Kiwi Test star Kevin Iro, Kayal has been on fire in the NSW Cup for the past couple of seasons but has played just one top grade game for Cronulla.The Sharks have plenty of experienced and talented outside backs ahead of Iro on the pecking order blocking his path to a regular top grade spot.As a result, I'm hearing the Cook Islands international is assessing his options for next season and could be on the move.Plenty of NRL clubs are in need of class outside backs and he would have no trouble finding a new home.