A promising young player in Australian rugby union is contemplating an unexpected transition to the NRL, with the Cronulla Sharks emerging as a viable option for his recruitment.
Leo Jaques, a highly-regarded winger, is mulling over a potential switch as several NRL teams show interest in the 20-year-old talent. The Sharks have escalated their efforts, engaging in detailed discussions with Jaques as part of their roster rebuild.
Jaques, who attended Scots College, made his Super Rugby debut in 2025 and is seen as a standout prospect in Australian rugby. However, union officials are actively trying to persuade him to stick with the 15-man code amid surging interest from other sports.
The Sharks' quest for Jaques is reminiscent of their past.
Previously, they took a gamble on Lachie Miller, a rugby convert from Rugby Sevens, who ultimately made his mark in the NRL before moving to the Newcastle Knights and later playing in the Super League.
Adding Jaques would enhance Cronulla's outside backs significantly.
At 193 centimeters tall, he exceeds the height of current Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, and he is only three centimeters shorter than Sydney Roosters' towering Daniel Tupou. A switch would position Jaques among the tallest outside backs in the NRL.
His combination of height and athleticism could offer the Sharks a notable advantage, particularly when contesting aerial balls.
This interest coincides with Cronulla's plans for a substantial revamp of their backline as they approach the upcoming season.