Will Kennedy's contract standoff with Cronulla is over, with the Sharks fullback agreeing to take a pay cut to stay at the NRL club for 2026.
A free agent throughout the 2025 season, Kennedy had been at risk of being squeezed out by the Sharks when his contract expired later this month.
The 28-year-old at one stage led this year's Dally M count, and played every game in Cronulla's run to a second straight preliminary final.
But he found himself in a situation where every other club had a fullback locked in for 2026.
At the same time, Cronulla had already retained a swag of players for next season and could not meet Kennedy's asking price of close to his current $500,000 salary.
Kennedy confirmed to AAP last month that his management had held talks with breakaway rugby competition R360, but he held no real interest in joining it.
At the same time the Super League was not an appealing option, with his partner due to give birth to their second child in December.
Ultimately, the fullback agreed to a reduced deal for 2026 with Cronulla, who have had little room to budge given their salary-cap situation.
"I feel really happy to stay at the club. I've been here since (under-18s) SG Ball, so it really means a lot to me," Kennedy said in a statement.
"It's been a pretty special run that we've had, making it to the finals.
"Making that next step is a big one, I'm very excited to do that with these boys.
"I know we've got it in us to do it. We'll have a good pre-season together and it'll take care of itself."
Kennedy's deal ensures he remains in the NRL for Perth's entry in 2027, which is set to push the player market into overdrive on November 1.
Papua New Guinea's scheduled entrance for 2028 means there are an additional 60 roster spots opening up in the space of two seasons.
Cronulla have a long-term decision to make at fullback, with Liam Ison to return from an ACL rupture in 2026 after being injured in NSW Cup early this season.
Elsewhere, Penrith have confirmed Jack Cogger's return to the club on a three-year deal after the playmaker was released by Newcastle.
Cogger was a premiership hero at the Panthers when he came on for Jarome Luai and partnered with Nathan Cleary late in the 2023 grand-final comeback against Brisbane.
His arrival as Penrith's utility and back-up half comes with Brad Schneider bound for the Dolphins, where Sean O'Sullivan is off-contract and expected to join Canterbury.
