Sharks reel in Shayler

RUGBY LEAGUE: When it comes to Christmas gifts, they don’t come much bigger for Kurtis Shayler than signing for premier NRL club Cronulla.

The former Pittsworth junior and star under 20 Clydesdales centre was snapped up by the Sharks this week and will begin his journey towards a possible NRL career from January 4.

Shayler — last season’s leading Queensland FOGS Colts competition try scorer — had also been in the sights of the Gold Coast Titans and Ipswich Jets.

But after shining with two tries for his new club in a recent Sydney trial match against the Bulldogs, Cronulla wasted no time locking up the services of the Toowoomba 19-year-old.

“About 2 weeks ago Cronulla contacted me offering me a trial match,” Shayler said yesterday.

“They paid for my flights and accommodation and really looked after me well.

“I played the second half of the trial game.

“I scored two tries and I thought I went pretty well.

“About a week later they got back to me with an offer I found too good to refuse.

“This is something I’ve wanted for a long time.

“The plan will be to play half a season in the under 20 competition and then perhaps move into the NSW Cup.

”If all goes well, hopefully in 2018 I’ll be in line for an NRL spot.

”I really appreciate all the help and support I’ve had along the way from the Pittsworth Danes and Clydesdales to get this opportunity.”