The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks announced today that Westpac Sky Blues speedster Emma Tonegato will stay with the club until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Tonegato has made 22 NRLW appearances since debuting in 2022, including all nine games of the Sharks’ inaugural season in 2023.
Tonegato, who switched from fullback to five-eighth last season, had a successful season, scoring three tries, 24 tackle breaks, six line assists, and making 133 tackles.
The 28-year-old has played for the Sky Blues three times since her debut as fullback in 2022, when NSW won the Origin Shield.
Tonegato was voted the NSWRL Women’s Origin Player of the Year in 2023 after breaking 13 tackles in two games, assisting on a try, and averaging 177 meters.
Tonegato is one of the most accomplished players in the NRLW, having won the 2021 Dally M Medal, the 2016 Olympic gold medal in Rugby Sevens, and the Jillaroos World Cup in 2022.
Tonegato, who recently signed her first long-term contract, says the future looks promising for both herself and future players.
“It was fantastic to make my Sharks debut, and the first season was particularly memorable for me. “I’m excited to carry on that legacy,” Tonegato told sharks.com.au.
“As women in sports, we’ve always had such short-term contracts. It’s the first time in a few years that I’ve decided where I’ll be.
“Off the field, that allows me to plan, know where I’m going to live, and what my income will be. This is the first time I’ve ever been in that position.
“It’s really nice and I’m hoping that will translate to a stress-free on-field performance.”
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