Cronulla has announced the re-signing of representative centre Siosifa Talakai which will see him remain at the club for at least the next four seasons.

Talakai, already contracted for 2023, has signed a three-year contract extension that will see him continue to play in Sharks colours until at least the end of 2026.

The 25-year-old made his NRL debut for South Sydney in 2016 and has played 63 top grade games, 52 of those with the Sharks.

2022 was a breakthrough season for Talakai, one in which he found a permanent home in the Sharks backline and played in games two and three of the 2022 Origin series.

He appeared in 21 matches during the 2022 season, with a shoulder injury keeping him out of the Sharks elimination finals, where his presence was missed in his teams’ loss to the Rabbitohs.

Still on an extended break following the World Cup, Talakai dropped by Sharks headquarters to sign his new contract, while expressing his excitement in securing his playing future.

In a major re-signing announcement, Siosifa Talakai will remain at the Sharks for at least the next four seasons#UpUp

— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) December 8, 2022

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities the Sharks have provided me to this point and really excited to be extending my contact and remaining at the club for the next four years,” Talakai said.

“I enjoy a close bond and have great friendships with my teammates and coaching staff which played a part in my decision to re-sign and with the quality of the players we have I believe we can do something special here at the Sharks next year and in the years ahead.”

He has also made two international appearances for Tonga, to go with his two Origin matches for the Blues.

Talakai will re-join the Sharks squad immediately after the Christmas-New Year break to begin preparations for 2023.