LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Cameron McInnes, the captain of the Cronulla Sharks, has attracted interest from another NRL team as he prepares to enter the open market on November 1. McInnes is under contract until the end of the 2026 NRL season, but with this contract coming to a close, his future has become a topic of discussion.
A former NSW Blues representative, McInnes has been a key player for the Sharks since joining in 2022, following his time with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons. Known for his leadership on and off the field, his strong work ethic has made him a vital component of the Sharks' forward pack. However, at 31, he is nearing the latter stage of his playing career, raising questions about his future in the NRL.
Currently contracted with the Sharks until 2026, McInnes has caught the attention of the Perth Bears. This emerging team is in the process of building its inaugural roster ahead of its entry into the NRL for the 2027 season, as reported by Brent Read on Triple M's NRL Daily.
Earlier this season, McInnes expressed his willingness to take on shorter contracts, stating he was open to proving his abilities on a yearly basis rather than securing a long-term deal. He highlighted the financial prudence of clubs when it comes to signing older players, saying, "It's not smart business for clubs to be signing old blokes for too long a deal. If it means that I need to prove it every year, then that's good. At the age I'm at, that's important," as he shared with the Australian Associated Press in March.