The Sharks have suffered a monumental blow with try-scoring machine Ronaldo Mulitalo set to miss a large chunk of the 2026 season after scans revealed he ruptured his ACL during New Zealand\u2019s win over Samoa last Sunday.<\/p>\n
The Kiwis star came off with five minutes remaining after he injured his knee while trying to tackle Samoan winger Murray Taulagi as he crossed in the corner.<\/p>\n
Scans have confirmed the worst, with Mulitalo to have surgery in the coming days before he begins an extensive rehab program that will keep him sidelined for most of the 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a massive setback for the Sharks who made the preliminary final this year, with Mulitalo scoring 17 times as he became just the third player from the club to cross for 100 tries.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll also miss his energy given he\u2019s one of the most passionate and fiery characters in the game. <\/p>\n
Local junior Sam Stonestreet will likely replace him on the wing next year, while New Zealand will have to reshuffle their backline, with livewire fullback Keano Kini a chance to come into the 17 for next week\u2019s game against Tonga. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sharks can confirm winger Ronaldo Mulitalo requires surgery after rupturing his ACL while representing New Zealand against Samoa in the Pacific Championships on Sunday,\u201d a Sharks statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cMulitalo will undergo surgery within the next week before beginning an extended recovery period. However, he will work with Sharks medical staff in an effort to return to the field at some point during the 2026 NRL season.\u201d<\/p>\n