The inclusion of Jackson Ferris in the 21 man squad for Round 5, 2020 confirms his promotion to the NRL squad. He was previously listed as a development player for 2019 and 2020.
He was also included in the 21 man squad for Round 1, 2020. In that case the team required special permission from the NRL to include a development player in the squad.
His Sharks.com.au profile lists him as being born in 1997, which is incorrect. He is born in 1998 (he played U18's in 2016 and U20's in 2018).
https://www.sharks.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/jackson-ferris/
Ferris was signed from NZ in 2015 as a 17 year old. He joined the SG Ball (u18) squad for 2016, playing fullback for almost every game that season. He was part of the NYC/U20 squad in 2017 but missed most of the year with injury.
In 2018, Ferris started the year in U20 outside the starting 13, returning on the wing in round 6, and playing on the left wing outside Xerri up until round 17. When Ronaldo Mulitalo got a season ending injury (shoulder) the team tried various options at right centre (Lumelume, Tevaga and others) before shifting Ferris there. He played out the last the season and finals at right centre, and played left centre for the junior Kiwis (Hiroti was on the wing outside him).
In late 2018 he signed a 2 year contract extension for 2019 and 2020, which added him to the Sharks development list.
https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2018/09/14/ferris-signs-two-year-extension/
In 2019 Ferris played 13 games for the Jets, splitting time between wing, centre and being out injured. He missed the Grand Final (injured) but returned to play in the State Championship the following week, coming off the bench at half time and playing left wing. He scored a try midway through the second half to get the Jets closer, and then the next bit I think we all know about.
Congratulations to Jackson for his promotion to the top squad, and good luck on getting a debut in the near future.
