FIVE weeks ago, the Sharks were a club in crisis and without a hope of luring a player to the Sutherland Shire. But yesterday, Cronulla boasted the signature of the hottest young talent in the game - NSW under-18s halfback Albert Kelly.
Underlining just how far the Cronulla club has come in just over a month, Kelly - the cousin of superstar Greg Inglis - ignored interest from Melbourne, Wests Tigers, the Bulldogs, Gold Coast and Parramatta to sign a two-year deal with the Sharks.
The massive coup emerged on the back of news that Cronulla had also signed Wests Tigers hooker John Morris for two seasons while also extending in-form halfback Scott Porter's contract until 2011.
Despite the persuasive powers of Inglis and NSW coach Craig Bellamy, who met and spoke to Kelly on several occasions, the exciting talent opted instead to link with former Test coach Ricky Stuart.
Kelly also played Australian Schoolboys with Sharks centre Matt Wright, which was another major lure for the Eels youngster.
"He's a very bright young talent who will add to the youth and the culturewe are building at the club, which Ibelieve has taken massive steps this year,'' Stuart said. "Albert's attacking flair is what's needed in today's game and I'm sure it will be a great bonus for us.''
Kelly, 18, will add depth to the Sharks halves while he's also considered the future replacement for when five-eighth Trent Barrett retires at the end of next season. Interestingly, Kelly grew up in Bowraville, where he mimicked his idol Barrett in the backyard alongside Inglis.
It's also believed Kelly was taken by Stuart's youth policy, which has proven the catalyst to the club's form reversal. Kelly was instrumental in NSW's 24-6 win over the under-18 Maroons last Wednesday night, while he also famously entered the history books last month by scoring a try in the NSW Cup after just eight seconds.
