Hidden talent emerges as replacement for Sharks cult hero

With cult hero prop Tom Hazelton seeming almost certain to leave the Sharks in 2026, the club hasn't taken long to find his replacement. Auckland-born prop Tuku Hau Tapuha was a standout in the 12-all draw with the Warriors in the trials, scoring a try and making several other probing runs. The 23-year-old, who learned his trade in Brisbane before making his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2021, joined the Sharks in 2023 and has been groomed by the club for regular NRL footy. A Maori All Stars representative, he played 10 games for the club last season and could play double that in 2025. The big prop stood right up to the powerful Warriors pack and has the aggression and size to replace Hazelton - if he moves on.

Shock Welch replacement eyes immediate switch

In-demand prop Tom Hazelton could be the shock replacement for recently retired Storm veteran Christian Welch - and it could even happen this season. Welch decided to hang up the boots on medical grounds this week and the Storm were given salary cap relief to cover his loss. Hazelton comes off contract with the Sharks at the end of 2025 and his management sees him as the ideal man to fill Welch's shoes at Melbourne. "We have had preliminary talks and it is still early days," Hazelton's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "The Storm is such a great organisation and Tom would learn so much there and if he signs a long-term deal with Melbourne, Cronulla may even let him go now. "You never know… stranger things have happened." A host of clubs, headed by the Dragons and Newcastle, have shown interest in Hazelton, who was again impressive in the Sharks' win over Canberra in the national capital last night. With Addin Fonua-Blake coming on board this season, the Sharks have a host of big middle men and look at long odds to retain the much-improved Hazelton.

Big shark on the rise

Tom Hazelton's stocks continue to rise with the Sharks' cult hero prop scoring the opening try of the trials in the draw with the Warriors. The big forward is off contract at the end of the season and has yet to commit himself to the Sharks, letting his football do the talking as rival clubs circle. Big and strong, Hazelton should be a fine foil for marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake in the strong Sharks pack. At least three rival clubs are keen to swoop on the big man - but he is taking his time and will be one of the most sought-after middles on the open market for 2026.

Cult hero 'in hot demand' amid 10-player Sharks squeeze

Cronulla is in danger of losing cult hero prop Tom Hazelton, with at least seven clubs circling the giant Shark. The 25-year-old late bloomer has become a fan favourite at the club this season, playing 23 games and powering his way over for seven tries. But Hazelton is still unsigned for 2026, which means he can sign for any club in the league from November 1. The Sharks are desperate to keep the long-striding prop but it is believed they have salary cap issues and need to cut some dead wood before offering him a new deal. "I have had inquiries from seven or eight clubs about big Tom - they are waiting until November 1 when they are officially allowed to talk to him about 2026," Hazelton's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "He is really in hot demand - he's had a breakout year." Hazelton hails from Goulburn and was recommended to the Sharks by club legend Gavin Miller, who also hails from the same NSW country town. The Sharks have a lot of work to do to retain their squad - Oregon Kaufusi is unsigned for 2025 while Cameron McInnes, Daniel Atkinson, Briton Nikora, Braydon Trindall, Kade Dykes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Teig Wilton and Teig Wilton are also free to talk to rival clubs come November 1.