Lewis, 24, burst onto the first grade scene as a 20-year-old for the Roosters under the tutorage of Stuart in 2006. After Stuart linked with the Sharks in 2007, Lewis only played one more top grade game for the Roosters before being shown the door.

He joined Gold Coast for the remainder of that season and played his final first grade match in 2008.

Lewis joined with Wests Tigers last season but spent the year playing for Balmain in NSW Cup.

"I pretty much decided last year was going to be it for me,'' Lewis said.

"I was finding it hard to get a full-time deal.'' Until Stuart intervened.

The Sharks mentor called Lewis in January and offered him an opportunity to join Cronulla's NSW Cup side.

"I'm pretty happy to finally get a deal,'' Lewis said.

"Last year was frustrating. I thought I was playing good footy and the Tigers weren't going well so I had my head down a little bit.''

Lewis spends a few sessions a week with the top squad while also working part-time in the demolition business.

The Sharks are close to securing Welsh international Mark Lennon.

Lennon, a Sharks junior, has played for Manly in the NRL and had a long career in English Super League playing for Castleford, Hull KR and Celtic as a five-eighth or fullback.