NRL 2021: Will Chambers signs with Cronulla Sharks for the rest of the season

Former Queensland Origin and Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers has signed with the Cronulla Sharks for the remainder of the 2021 season.

The 32-year-old left the NRL in 2019 to take up a deal playing rugby in Japan. 

However, he expressed a desire to return to Australia and has been given a lifeline by the Cronulla Sharks. 

The Sharks have started the season 2-4, including three close losses to the Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights. 

MORE: Predicted line-ups for each club ahead of round seven

Chambers brings 218 matches of NRL experience to the Sharks backline, Cronulla’s outside backs had a combined 129 games between them against the Knights in round six. 

It poses to be another battle between Sharks fans and the club after a tumultuous week that seriously strained relations. 

Sharks fans were left up in arms after John Morris was sacked by the club despite leading them to two straight finals campaigns with a salary cap penalty from his predecessor. 

However, Chambers’ signing could be a make or break one, the 32-year-old is a familiar antagonist to the Cronulla locals in the fierce Sharks-Storm rivalry that culminated in the 2016 grand final. 

After linking up with the Sharks squad for training this week, Chambers said he is excited to get the chance to pull on a Cronulla jumper. 

“It’s a bit different, it’s all a bit new at the moment, I’m taking it all in, getting to know the boys,” Chambers said.

“Exciting times ahead, I look forward to fitting in and to being a part of something special this year.

“I’m excited about pulling on the Sharks jersey and being a part of this special organisation, an organisation that’s very tough and very competitive.”

Chambers hopes he is able to bring some of what he has learned in his time at Melbourne to the Sharks in 2021. 

It’s clear a lack of leadership and experience has cost Cronulla in the opening rounds as they have struggled to close out games when they have been there for the taking. 

“I’m competitive and I’d like to bring that here to the Sharks,” Chambers said.

“There’s some special young boys here at the moment and I’d love to see them succeed.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a special system down in Melbourne and I’d love to bring some of that experience here to Cronulla.”

Chambers successfully completed training on Monday with Cronulla’s medical staff to make a call on when he is available for selection in the coming days.

The move is one of the first big steps for the Sharks in the post-John Morris era.