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AAP
Sport
Jasper Bruce

Cross-code star Emma Tonegato signs with NRLW's Sharks

NRLW newcomers Cronulla have landed a coup with the signing of cross-code star Emma Tonegato. (Tim Goode/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Jillaroos representative Emma Tonegato could be in for a switch away from fullback after Cronulla confirmed her signing ahead of their inaugural NRLW season.

AAP reported late last month the rugby sevens convert was set to join a host of big names in leaving St George Illawarra ahead of the 2023 season and on Sunday, the Sharks revealed she had inked a two-year contract.

Having won gold at the Rio Olympics as part of Australia's women's rugby sevens team, the 28-year-old switched codes to rugby league in 2021 and won the Dally M Medal in her rookie season with the Dragons.

She has since represented NSW in the State of Origin and Australia at international level and joins former Dragons teammate Quincy Dodd as one of two players unveiled by the Sharks so far this off-season.

"I'm so excited to be here and I'm looking forward to the season," Tonegato said.

"I had a few decisions to make and ultimately it came down to what was exciting for me and that was the Sharks and to being a part of the inaugural team."

Tonegato has teased a possible move away from fullback, likely to the halves, in her first campaign as a Shark but would not divulge specifics when pressed on a switch.

"A potential positional change might be on the cards but we'll see in pre-season how that all rolls out," she told the Nine Network's Sunday Footy Show.

"It might be a little bit different for me but I'm excited to have pre-season.

"(Sharks men's halfback) Nicho Hynes has already reached out and offered to help me with my game so I think that's kind of invaluable at this point."

The 10 NRLW franchises have until May 24 to finalise their 24-woman squads.

Kezie Apps, Rachael Pearson, Shaylee Bent and Taliah Fuimaono are among the other players leaving the Dragons, who have managed to lure reigning Dally M Medallist Raecene McGregor for Jamie Soward's third season as coach.

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