Cronulla are the latest NRLW club to reach a cross-code contender with former New Zealand Black Ferns forward Pia Tapsell signed for the next two seasons.
The 25-year-old will join the Sharks in July after finishing the season with Perth-based Super W side.
It is her first venture into rugby league after representing the Black Ferns in six tests in 2019.
She will add attacking firepower to the Sharks who come into their second NRLW season primed to improve.
“Pia is the most professional because she has been a full-time athlete for five years,” Sharks head coach Tony Herman said.
“We think she is a great addition to our team and are excited to see what she will bring to us.”
She joins fellow converted rugby union professionals Emma Tonegato and Tiana Benitani at the Sharks, but is the latest across the game to make the switch from the rival code.
Last season, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Niall Williams-Guthrie and Cheyelle Robins-Reti all joined the NRLW from the Black Ferns system.
“I've always been keen to play in the (NRLW) so I thought I'd give it a go this year,” Tapsell said.
“I really liked the way the Sharks play on the field. Just chatting with the coaches, the staff and some of the other girls on the team, it seems like a really nice environment.
“The team seems to be growing. I'm keen to grow with the team.”
The NRLW season kicks off on July 27 when the Sharks take on North Queensland at PointsBet Stadium.
Originally published as Rugby union Sharks land Pia Tapsell converts in another NRLW win
