For all the Sharks fans out there it will be a relief to say hello to 2015. After the tumultuous 2014 season the Sharks endured, they can finally start again.
They can take great satisfaction out of the way they played at the Auckland Nines, and maybe just maybe the porch light will be turned off.
The Sharks this year possess a potentially lethal backline, which is not something you would normally associate with Cronulla. With the emergence of young up-and-comers like Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird, the Sharks will have speed, size and talent out wide.
They have had an unusually strong recruitment drive which saw the likes of Ben Barba, Gerard Beale, Chase Stanley and Bird arrive at the Shire. With Barba and Jeff Robson combining well for a short but successful stint in the trial against Manly, there are signs that these two are creating a strong combination and understanding of each other’s game.
Adding in the the strong support play and high ball security provided by Michael Gordon, the Sharks backline might just start providing some defensive headaches for opposition this year.
The real test, however, will come when the season actually begins.
The forward pack of Cronulla is one of the biggest and most mobile packs in the league, and providing they stay injury free it could be a big year for them. With Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis nearing the ends of their careers surely they will be more determined than ever to go out on a bang and deliver a long overdue premiership to the Shire.
Wade Graham is the one I suggest people keep a close eye on in 2015. With his increased leadership role within the club, he has matured into a much more stable and productive player in the side. I don’t think anyone doubts his talent and ability but I think he could be a smokey for the Blues come State of Origin time and he thoroughly deserves a run for the Blues.
This season might be a stretch too far for the Sharks winning the competition but 2016 could well prove to be the year the drought is broken and Harold Holt returns home.
The Sharks will shake off the shackles of 2014 and provide their fans with a memorable season. The top eight should be their main goal and it should provide a rather achievable goal. With the new recruits, the dramas being over and Shane Flanagan back at the helm, they might just be the dark horses and do what Penrith did last year and shock the league.
Well, we can all dream at least.
Jara W
Guest
Thought I would revisit this thread, and glad I did!! Fact 1. A year goes for 12 months. Fact 2. A ban means you're not allowed to play. Didn't realise I would have to state either of them. My apologies.
Michael
Roar Rookie
I don't see a problem with them trying harder to beat a rival during a season than concerning themselves with winning a premiership mid year can only take it one game at a time, Just make sure that when that Dragons game comes around we give them a good kicking along the way.
Fiddlesticks
Guest
Typical Cronulla fan, more concerned with beating the dragons than actually winning a premiership. Small town mentality
Fiddlesticks
Guest
Maybe you shouldn't make claims with no facts and finish with "end of story"?
Fiddlesticks
Guest
Maybe you shouldn't make claims with no facts and finish with "end of story"?
Fiddlesticks
Guest
C'mon mate David fifita couldn't hold a first grade spot in the injury ravaged wooden spooners and after 1 trial he is origin material?
Michael
Roar Rookie
That is a good point thanks for bringing it up. I think Politoni might steal some game time of Ennis, considering I think the Sharks might use Politoni off the bench a bit like how the used De gois and Morris.
Tiger
Guest
Don't undere the positive influence of Ennis..
Michael
Roar Rookie
He looked the goods at the nines but will have to see how he fairs after 80 minutes, I think a fair few players will be caught out early in the season.
Michael
Roar Rookie
Belting the Dragons and Manly are always high on Cronullas mission lists but it hasn't happened for a while
The eye
Guest
Sharks are on 2 missions this year..the 2nd one,using Steve Price as chief strategist, is to belt the livin' bejesus out of the Dragons
The eye
Guest
If the raps materialize Sal Houma will eventually be 1st prop on the bench
Muzz
Guest
I think Merrin also wants the Panthers to spend 10 odd mill and build a wave pool/garden.
Lano
Roar Guru
LOL!
Michael
Roar Rookie
I was reading that just then about Docker dragons should take that and run for the hills get rid of Merrin going to cause a distraction amongst the team if he's there when season starts. You don't need players guessing who is staying and leaving all year.
Ken
Guest
Yep as a Dragons fans I was initially hugely disappointed to hear that Merrin wanted out. At this point though I just wish he'd hurry up and get lost so we can replace him. He's asking for too much and if someone else is silly enough to pay him then good on them. There's talk today of a swap + compensation to the Dragons for Docker - I think the Dragons should take that and run before the Panthers changed their minds.
Ken
Guest
A disclaimer for the Chase vs Kyle mixup? Chase is still at the Dogs I think, Kyle is his younger, more talented but even more injury-prone brother.
Michael
Roar Rookie
Leutele will hold down a centres spot for sure he was immense for them last year, especially palming off SBW. Everyone loves seeing that happen!!
Michael
Roar Rookie
Yeah I didn't read it the right way. Seems strange no one wants to be at the dragons a couple years ago it was the place to be
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Add all the injuries they had last year.