Highly rated Sharks centre Chris Vea'ila will realise a boyhood dream tomorrow night after being confirmed to make his long-awaited NRL debut against the Roosters in front of a home crowd.
The 22-year-old has been elevated to the starting side in the 24-hour team update after the withdrawal of veteran Jesse Ramien due to hamstring tightness.
Vea'ila, who was a key part of Sharks feeder club Newtown's NSW Cup premiership last season, has been pressing hard for an NRL call-up for some time.
He was mobbed by his elated teammates after receiving the news at Thursday's training session before ringing his proud parents back home in New Zealand.
"I'm excited to get my debut and live out my dream," Vea'ila said.
"It's a credit to the club for giving me the opportunity.
"It'll be a big game, but I'm keen to get out there and give back to the club for giving me the opportunity. I'm more keen than nervous, to be honest."
Vea'ila's league journey began with the Point Chevalier Pirates in Auckland. He was scouted by the Knights as a 14-year-old, winning a Harold Matthews title in 2019 before progressing through the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup ranks.
The fleet-footed outside back linked with the Sharks midway through 2023, making his mark in the under 21s and playing one game for Newtown that season.
His sharp rise continued in 2024, scoring 10 tries in 21 matches as the Jets took out the reserve-grade competition. In an indication an NRL debut wasn't far off, the speedster was named 18th man multiple times last year.
Vea'ila has felt at home at Cronulla from day one, crediting the likes of winger Ronaldo Mulitalo for immediately bringing him into the fold.
He re-signed with the Sharks in May, extending his contract until the end of 2026.
"These boys have been massive for me since coming down here," he said.
"They've welcomed me with open arms. I've never enjoyed coming to training so much. That's a credit to the group that we have here – good, genuine blokes.
"Ron showed me the ropes around here."
Vea'ila will have a wave of support behind him at Sharks Stadium, with his mum and dad set to make the trip across the ditch as he becomes NRL Shark No.565.
He comes into the clash with the Roosters in strong form, having helped fourth-placed Newtown to four victories from their past four matches.
Adding to the sense of occasion, Vea'ila will share the milestone match with revered prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who is celebrating his 200th NRL appearance.
