He was already contracted through the end of next season, but such is the high regard in which he is held in at the Sharks, Briton Nikora became a re-signing priority, with the young backrower extending his time at the Cronulla club for another two seasons.

Nikora had the remainder of 2019 and 2020 to run on his current contract, but after his impressive debut season the Sharks left nothing to chance, securing the Kiwi rookie until the end of 2022.

He signed his contract extension at Sharks today, ahead of his teams crucial round 16 clash against the Broncos on Sunday.

“It’s very exciting and I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay at Cronulla. It’s a dream come true,” Nikora said. “I’m learning every day at training, learning from all the senior players.”

“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and the Sharks and I’m happy to be here and to be given the opportunity.”

Earning a first-grade spot after an outstanding pre-season, Nikora has been one the standout performers for the Sharks through the opening 15 rounds of the season.

Having missed only one game in 2019 which was due to a one game suspension, Nikora has built up a partnership on the Sharks right had side with halves Shaun Johnson and Kyle Flanagan, with his form good enough to earn selection in the New Zealand team for their recent Test Match against Tonga.

Arriving from the Gold Coast as a trialist for the NYC under-20’s in 2016, Nikora earned a contract and worked his way up to become a standout for in the Sharks Holden Cup side, named in the competition’s 2017 Team of the Year.

In 2018 he trained with the Sharks full-time squad, playing for the Newtown Jets in the second-tier competition, before winning and then cementing a position in the NRL forward pack in 2019.

His contract extension complements the re-signing of a number of the Sharks younger brigade, with Blayke Brailey, Jack Williams, Barden Hamlin Uele and Billy Magoulias among the current crop of young stars to commit their next few years to the Cronulla club.

Upon signing his contract extension, Nikora spoke to Sharks TV, with his interview now playing.