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THE pressure to retain players post winning a premiership has hit Cronulla, with officials visiting the NRL salary cap auditor this week in a bid to retain veteran forward Chris Heighington.
With the Sharks to officially announce former Bulldogs forward Tony Williams on a one-year deal this week, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the premiers still have work ahead of them to keep Heighington.
The veteran forward has indicated he wants to stay at Cronulla and play his 15th consecutive season in the NRL, while coach Shane Flanagan is also keen for him to stay for at least another year.
Sharks officials met with Heighington’s manager Wayne Beavis earlier this week, but are yet to table a formal offer.
Beavis said he remained hopeful of a resolution in the near future.
“It’s still a work in progress and it’s up to them,” Beavis said.
“We are working on it as we speak and trying to get it done, but it’s up to them – they are driving the bus.”
It’s understood the club want a clearer picture on their position under the salary cap before presenting Heighington an offer.
While this process could take weeks, the Sharks remain confident of keeping the only member of their 17-man grand final squad yet to re-sign for 2017.
Heighington, 34, has also attracted interest from the Newcastle.
The embattled Knights view him as a critical player in their attempt to change a culture of under-achieving in recent seasons.
Newcastle has room under the salary cap to offer Heighington a significant deal, but it’s understood he isn’t motivated by money.
The experienced back-rower has built a strong rapport with the players at Cronulla, especially after winning the title, and he wants to continue this close association.
A new deal at Cronulla would ensure Heighington joins an illustrious group of players to have played 300-first grade games.
The Sharks’ grand final triumph over Melbourne was his 295th first grade game.
Cronulla are also set to officially announce the re-signing of Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Lewis on a one-year deal.
Fellow off-contract forward Sam Tagataese is also expected to stay at Cronulla despite expressing interest from rugby union.
This will mean the Sharks have retained the majority of their grand final winning team for next season, minus retiring hooker Michael Ennis.
But with a cast of big names becoming free agents from November 1, including Ben Barba, Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes, the battle to keep the current squad together has only just started.