The Sharks have extended coach Craig Fitzgibbon until the end of 2027 following his stunning rookie season last year.
Fitzgibbon took Cronulla from ninth on the ladder in 2021 to second last year as his star recruit Nicho Hynes won the Dally M Medal.
The 45-year-old was however taught a coaching lesson in September football as his men crashed out of the finals in straight sets.
But that hasn’t stopped the club extending Fitzgibbon – who was already signed until 2025 – until the end of 2027.
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“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to build on what we started here at the Sharks last year,” Fitzgibbon said.
“We have outstanding playing talent, backed by a board led by Steve Mace who are supportive of what we are trying to achieve.
“We enjoyed our first season, but our journey has just begun and we are looking to create an even stronger environment going forward.”
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Club chairman Mace believes Fitzgibbon can deliver the club their second premiership.
“Craig managed to create an immediate impression when appointed to the role of head coach, his results then spoke for themselves and we believe that the sky is the limit for our football program under his leadership,” Mace said.
“I indicated some months ago that is was our goal to have Craig as our head coach long term and to get the deal done and to make it a reality, is extremely satisfying.”
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Fitzgibbon enjoyed a decorated playing career that included 19 Tests for Australia, 11 matches for NSW, a Clive Churchill Medal and a premiership at the Sydney Roosters in 2002.
As an assistant coach at the Roosters, Fitzgibbon helped the Tricolours win titles in 2013, 2018 and 2019.
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