Newcastle beaches to remain closed for record ninth day

Beaches around Newcastle will remain shut for a record ninth day after repeated sightings of a five-metre great white shark nicknamed Bruce.

Also in the waters off Newcastle is a three-and-a-half metre shark that on Thursday snacked on a dolphin.

Inspectors will consider reopening beaches on Monday, but only if the sharks are not spotted for at least 24 hours and appear to have moved away.

A 1.5m shark also bit the hand of a 17-year-old boy, while he was spearfishing at Mollymook Beach, on the NSW south coast yesterday.

He is in a stable condition in a Sydney hospital.

Despite the attack hundreds of nippers competed in a surf lifesaving competition at the other end of the beach.

The 3.5m shark was last seen by helicopter crews near Burwood Beach yesterday morning.

It is thought the predators are hanging about due to increased marine activity and warm weather.