Cronulla are in the hunt for the signature of NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson next NRL season after missing out on the services of Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans signed with the Gold Coast late last week, the Queensland State of Origin and Test representative resisting a big-money offer from the Sharks.
Even with his Manly teammate Kieran Foran reportedly linking with Parramatta in 2016, there are a host of big-name halves yet to re-sign with their clubs including Canterbury’s Hodkinson and the Eels’ Chris Sandow.
Hodkinson’s future is yet to be sorted with the Bulldogs, Sharks and Manly looming as the likely contenders for the NSW half’s signature.
Cronulla has promised to show loyalty to No.7 Jeff Robson, but he turns 33 in August and his future remains unclear.
Flanagan said Robson would remain in the Shire should he wish to play on and he could be used as a back-up half or utility should the club snare a prize signing like Hodkinson.
“We haven’t spoken to Trent or his management,” Flanagan said.
“We are committed to Jeff. He’s been a great player for the club and Jeff will decide if he’s going to run around next year and, if he does, it’ll be for the Sharks.
“We’ll just take a deep breath. We’re in the market for a half and have a look around.”
Flanagan delivered his side a rev-up ahead of their clash with Brisbane at Remondis Stadium on Friday night, declaring they lacked passion in their last-start loss to Canberra.
He conceded the nerves they suffered may have been a hangover from their disastrous 2014 season ruined by the ASADA investigation into the club’s supplements program.
“I couldn’t see too much passion and commitment out there. That was disappointing for us,” he said.
“The unforced errors eventually got us into trouble. We just need to concentrate on the things we can control which is not dropping the ball and not kicking out on the full and when we get penalties, kick out on the full.”
KEY STATS:
* In the 49 meetings between Cronulla and Brisbane, the Broncos have won 30 but the Sharks have won their last three matches.
* The Sharks have lost their last eight games at home with their last win coming against Penrith in round 8 last year. A defeat against the Broncos will equal the club’s record of nine straight home losses set in 1968-69.
* If the Broncos lose to Cronulla, it will be their seventh straight loss on the road, which will be a club record for away defeats.
* Since 2010 the Broncos have lost all four of their matches the week after losing by 30 points or more.
Wildman From Borneo
Guest
After last night Cronulla need to sign a gun half soon. Their attack was ordinary to say the least. Barba was never the answer to their 5/8th woes and signing Chris Sandow would be increased stupidity. Chris Sandow will never lead a team into the finals regardless of what team he plays for. Barba may only be a good fullback as he hasn't proven to be a NRL 5/8th yet. It's all academic at Cronulla anyway because, they only use their forwards as battering rams in attack anyway and any young guys with speed never seem to see the ball.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Oh no....this situation shouldn't be allowed. Clubs shouldn't be able to sign players 12 months in advance. This system is rubbish now it effects me.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Ah I see now. Yes, you're probably right.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
The pokie room at sharkies would financially secure the clubs future for decades
The eye
Guest
Where did I say I wanted anything..look at the recruiting playbook here..dying for a kicking game and we get Barba,kill for class centres and Beale,Stanley and Brown are bought..Hodko looks too obvious so ....history says expect Sandow
pjm
Roar Rookie
You want to play Sandow and Barba in the halves? Would be interesting...
Renegade
Guest
Hodkinson has a great kicking game though.... the only thing we are missing - i think it's a perfect fit. Valentine starting tonight is a no-brainer - Sharks should win tonight.
The eye
Guest
Its apparent that Sharks recruiting factors in 'scatteredness'..Hodko is too straight and which is where Sandow comes into the frame.. As for tonight really pleased Copley is out (from a shark perspective) and the coach is leaning towards starting Valentine..looks pretty even..whoever makes the fewest errors wins,sad as it sounds..
Alex Green
Roar Guru
Hodkinson would be a good signing for the Sharks. If Barba finds his groove then he's a good replacement for Robson as the steady half who can tackle, yet his kicking game is far superior. His goal kicking would also give Flanno options in regards to eventually replacing Gordon when necessary.