LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the talented young hooker, Samuel Healey, has revealed his decision to cross the Tasman and join the New Zealand Warriors for the upcoming 2025 season.
Regarded as one of the top prospects in the Cronulla Sharks squad, Healey's move to the Warriors caught many by surprise as he leaves behind his family ties to the Shire.
His father, a stalwart who clocked over 200 games for the Sharks over a dozen seasons, must surely be feeling a twinge of pride mixed with a dash of nostalgia at his son's departure.
Having cut his teeth in the Sharks' junior system, Healey found himself playing second fiddle to the likes of Blayke Brailey and Jayden Berrell in recent times, limiting his chances to shine on the first-grade stage.
Nonetheless, he remained a linchpin for the Newtown Jets, the Sharks' reserve-grade outfit.
Not content with merely making up the numbers, Healey played a pivotal role in propelling the Newtown Jets to a NSW Cup triumph in 2024.
His stat line speaks for itself - eight tries, 60 tackle busts, four try assists, and an average of 56 metres and 23 tackles per game over 25 appearances.
With his sights set on new horizons across the ditch, Healey is poised to make a splash in the Warriors lineup and carve out a name for himself in the fierce world of NRL rugby.
Time will tell if this bold move pays off for the rising star, but one thing's for sure - the rugby league landscape just got a whole lot more interesting.