Home Ground: PointsBet Stadium (Shark Park)

Coach: Craig Fitzgibbon



The Sharks got the finals monkey off their backs in an impressive campaign in 2025 - but just fell short when it really mattered. Regarded throughout the past decade as a team that went to water in the big games (minus the 2016 premiership season), the Sharks beat the highly-regarded Roosters and minor premiers Canberra in consecutive finals weeks to move to within 80 minutes of a grand final. Mind you, the Roosters had hit a wall after a number of injuries scuttled their season and the Raiders had suffered a demoralising loss to the Broncos which left them deflated with little left in the tank. It possibly made the Sharks look like they were on a flyer, as the task of beating the Storm in Melbourne was just too much for them.

But there is much to build on for 2026 and wins in nine of their last 11 games is a sign that the Sharks were able to handle the pressure that comes with the big end of season games. Halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall were key figures throughout the year, often shining in the team's big wins but not quite up to the pace when the Sharks were in trouble late in matches and needed some razzle dazzle to get the points.

The pack was among the most consistent in the league, particularly with the addition of former Warrior Addin Fonua-Blake. The big man led from the front, making plenty of hard yards and creating second-phase play with his offoads. Skipper Cam McInnes gave his heart and soul at lock every week but when he went down with injury late in the season, it was a major blow for coach Craig Fitzgibbon. However, as a team, a complete unit, they did gel well together.

Plenty are tipping the Boys from the Shire to go all the way in season 2026, but we don't see it that way. There is a feeling that this could be the last year of Cronulla's current premiership window, with the salary cap starting to squeeze. The Sharks need to find a way to take the next step this year. It has been acknowledged by Cameron McInnes already, but players will leave at the end of 2026 as the salary cap bites the Shire-based club. As the flat track bullies of the comp they can turn on the points, or completely turn off. As is such, Nicho Hynes has been known to crack under pressure and doesn't necessarily get the support from his halfs partner when he needs it most. They do have a number of young guns pressing for higher honours, with the likes of Jesse Colquhoun and Sam Stonestreet likely to be afforded larger opportunities.

The key to success is probably a settled roster, which allows Fitzgibbon to keep the same side intact from week to week - barring any major injuries. On paper, they should be in the mix for the biggest season since 2016, but another preliminary final exit, or something short of that, would have to go down as a fail in 2026.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 9TH