Cronulla prodigy Jack Bird has extended his stay at the Sharks agreeing to an additional two years on his current deal meaning the utility back will be in The Shire until at least the end of 2017.

“The members and fans might wonder why it all took so long, but I was always confident he was going to stay,” Coach Shane Flanagan said.

“It was just drawn out due to the details of the contract.

“He has a long career ahead of him and it started here so we look forward to having him around for a few more years.

“Young players like Val Holmes, Ricky Leutele and Sosaia Feki are the future of our club and its great Jack will also be a part of it.”