JUST 31 days after lifting the trophy, Cronulla returned to work on Friday to prepare for the club’s first premiership defence.

A handful of the Sharks’ emerging players were on deck for testing under the watchful eye of coach Shane Flanagan.

It wasn’t a busy day in terms of training, but Flanagan still had his hands full with the club confirming several signings for next season headed by former Gold Coast utility Daniel Mortimer.

Flanagan couldn’t be happier to land Mortimer’s signature, telling The Saturday Telegraph the former Roosters premiership-winner would provide the Sharks with invaluable depth.

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“I think Dan was close to going to going to a couple of Sydney clubs, but we decided he would be a good fit for us,” Flanagan said.

Barely a month after winning the title the Sharks are back into it. Source: News Corp Australia

“He is experienced and we needed a back-up half, so Dan fits that bill perfectly.

“I’ve known him for a while, just through Parramatta and he is a really good trainer, person and club man.

“He is coming down on Monday to do some testing and see the physios, but he won’t start training until the following Monday.”

Flanagan also confirmed veteran back-rower Chris Heighington had agreed to a one-year extension.

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“Chris will definitely be here and that’s all done,” he said. “He was in on Friday morning signing his contract, which is great for us.”

Heighington’s re-signing is significant news for the Sharks, who will need every bit of his experience to defend their crown.

No team has won consecutive titles since Brisbane in 1992-93 and Flanagan knows the Sharks will have to improve to rewrite the record books.

Heighington will stay with Cronulla for at least one more year. Source: News Corp Australia

“Obviously grand final success changes things,” he said.

“The guys in the Four Nations won’t come back until January, so it’s a bit of a different pre-season because we usually all come back at the one time.

“All our younger guys start back this week and then our older, experienced guys come back next week.

“Signings like Tony Williams and (Jeremy) Latimore and then a few more will come back a few weeks after in early December.

“This pre-season will throw up a few different scenarios, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”