Cronulla have found their heir apparent to Michael Ennis’ hooking role, signing young Wests Tigers dummy-half Manaia Cherrington.

After weeks of rumours linking the 21-year-old to the NRL club, the Sharks confirmed the New Zealander had signed a one-year deal for 2017 on Friday.

“The boys here at the Sharks are going really well, its exciting times and I cant wait to be a part of it,” Cherrington said.

Renowned as a dynamic player out of dummy-half, Cherrington made his debut for the Tigers last season in round 13.

He was picked in New Zealand’s train-on squad for last year’s tour of England, started the 2016 season off the Tigers’ bench this year, however was dropped back to NSW Cup after five rounds.

Cronulla used Matt McIlwrick in Ennis’ absence last weekend, but he is off-contract at the end of this season.