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Premiership-winning hero Andrew Fifita to quit Cronulla at end of 2022

Brett Graham

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Sharks forward Andrew Fifita has ended months of speculation over his future, confirming that Saturday's match against the Bulldogs will be his last home game for the club.

The 33-year-old has played 246 NRL matches, 207 of those for the Sharks, as well as representing Australia, Tonga, New South Wales and the Indigenous All Stars.

Fifita scored the match-winning try in Cronulla's drought-breaking 2016 premiership win.

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"I announced to the boys that it's going to be my last year at the Sharks," Fifita said.

"It's the right time to tell the boys, leading into the last home game of the season, I feel like they deserve the right to know before anyone else.

Andrew Fifita in action for the Sharks.

Andrew Fifita in action for the Sharks. Getty

"It's time for me to move on from the Sharks. Much as I'm heartbroken, I'm quite happy I've left on good terms, and especially with the young ones coming through, it's time to depart."

Fifita, who started his career with the Wests Tigers in 2010, is open to a stint with another NRL club, or possibly joining twin brother David in the English Super League.

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"I wouldn't say retirement," he explained.

"I reckon I've still got another year in me somewhere else."

Paul Green's life in pictures: From Sharks prodigy to premiership-winning coach

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