At the commencement of the 2019 NRL season, a lot of the experts’ top eight predictions didn’t mention the Sharks.
There was good reason for this. From the Sharks side who reached the preliminary final in 2018, missing were Val Holmes, Luke Lewis, Jesse Ramien, Ricky Leutele and Edrick Lee.
On top of that, the side would be without Wade Graham for the first half of the season. Without Graham, the Sharks’ left edge would lose the focal point of their attack.
The Sharks are only three and three after six rounds of the competition. Hardly stuff to write home about. However, it’s the way that they have registered the three wins that has put the rest of the competition on notice.
The Sharks are notoriously slow starters. At this stage last year, the Sharks were two wins and four losses. This year has been little different.
Over the first 480 mins of action, Cronulla have probably been at their best for only 80 mins, being the second half against the Cowboys and the second half against Penrith. Those 80 mins featured flawless football. The combined score over those 80 mins was 60-12.
At full strength, with Shaun Johnson, Matt Moylan and Wade Graham all in the line up, the Sharks should have the artillery to put sides away.
With all three spending time on the sidelines so far this season, we haven’t seen this combination as yet. Against the Roosters, none of them played. However, Sharks fans will be hoping they see plenty of the trio in the second half of the season.
Against the Panthers, Shaun Johnson did it largely by himself with the other two watching from the sidelines, all in the second half, although it should be said Chad Townsend’s organising skills has given Johnson some free rein.
Rather than running the ball himself, Johnson and Briton Nikora have formed a lethal combination on the right edge while his cut out pass to Bronson Xerri set up Josh Dugan’s match-winning try. Three or four moments of brilliance from Johnson was enough to swing the game.
It was the same with Johnson and Moylan clicking into gear in the second half against the Cowboys, before Moylan went down with a hamstring injury that has kept him out ever since.
Joshua Dugan of the Sharks. (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)
The other thing getting Sharks fans excited is the young players coming through the system. Junior competition wins over the last few years and a NSW Cup grand final last year promised much. With a number of senior players nursing long-term injuries, youth has taken a further step forward this year.
Briton Nikora had wraps on him beforehand but his integration into first grade has been seamless. His combination with Johnson has been first class and left hand edge defences are always in two minds.
It doesn’t make it easier for these defences that Bronson Xerri now sits outside Nikora. Xerri has shown us enough in his first three games to confirm that he will be playing first grade for a long time.
Blayke Brailey has also shown plenty when coming on late in games to replace his brother Jayden. John Morris needs to find a way to keep both of them on the field for longer periods of time, with possibly Jayden spending some time at lock and Paul Gallen moving to prop.
Braden Hamlin-Uele, although originally from North Queensland, played his fourth game of NRL last Friday night and showed that he should be an adequate replacement for Aaron Woods as he continues his rehabilitation. Will Kennedy was also solid at the back in his NRL debut.
The Sharks have shown enough glimpses so far this season, with Shaun Johnson finding his role within the team and the young brigade not just filling holes, but creating headaches for the opposition. The return of Matt Moylan and Wade Graham will only make things more uncertain for opposition defences.
The Sydney Roosters and Melbourne are the rightful favourites for the 2019 NRL season. However, if there is a dark horse for this year’s competition, it’s the Cronulla Sharks.
Stav
Guest
So when Crowd averages don't grow after the honeymoon period ends what will be your excuses for nobody going then Taipan?
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Sharks are the 7th line of betting at $15. That's about right.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
This will be the season where they struggle at the back and will fight to stay in the 8 come round 25. Raiders the darkhorses.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I’m with you Randy - Wade Graham is their best player... you add him Moylan and Woods back in plus add in the form they’ll find towards the finals as the combinations continue to build. I think they’re a genuine chance to end up as one of the two sides that take part in the big dance but I’d certainly be disappointed if they aren’t at least one of the last four remaining. April form means nothing.... it hasn’t for a few seasons now.
RandyM
Guest
any team with SJ is a dark horse plus they still got a stack of experience. I wouldn't be surprised if they make the big dance again, i'm not sure if they will win it though.
Peter Piper
Guest
Yeah, I think Bateman has been a real find for them. He has been the difference this year.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Big call. I never thought we were a dark horse this season, I was always of the opinion that the Sharks were still a top 8, possibly top 4 side. There is still a lot to get right before the end of the year, but there is also still a very long way to go. With our full roster back on deck and the spine working together as a unit we should be there or there about at the pointy end of the season. For mine there are two real smokies, Parra and Canberra. Parra are playing rocks and diamonds at the moment but when they are on they are really on. If they can get the team playing together each week they will really give the comp a shake this season. Canberra are having one of their "on" years. They seem to do this quite often. Play great footy, then poor for a season or two and then great again. The big difference is that I don't get the feeling they are making it up on the fly this year. There seems to be a bit more calm in the capital and they are playing some very good footy.The Pommy injection seems to be working for them, and they should be quite competitive once they end of the year rolls around.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I've said it before and I'll spell it out again,Xerri continuing along with his current from ,his speed and add in old fashion experience down the line, thenext ET clone could be coming off the production line. I knew he had speed, but when he clicked into overdrive to accelerate past teh Panther's fullback, it left me gobsmacked. The youngsters that have arisen like a phoenix from the Sharks juniors coupled with some astute buying to make the NRL,need plenty of guidance, guile and patience of the experienced players like the Grahams,Woods and Moylans. This was evident with the big loss to the Roosters. I unashamedly had them in the 8 at the year's start,I think they are around the 5 to 6 mark at this early stage. Yet it is the game against the Donkeys on Saturday I fear.Just the type of game ,where the occasion may get the better of them. In terms of danger teams the Raiders are smoking hot, their ad lib brand of football at times hard to defend against. Interesting times ahead ,and that new stadium at Parramatta, is simply orgasmic.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I was surprised pre season how many people had them missing the 8. To me they’re a top four roster. They’re still quite a way off the pace, albeit in April. At their peak they’re capable of matching any of the top sides but at the moment too big and too regular gap between their best and worst. They might have put in two strong 40 minute spells but they were truly awful in the first 40 against the Panthers. Big injury toll and rookie coach finding his feet doesn’t help but still a lot to do.
Paul
Roar Guru
David, I think you've pinned a lot og hopes on potential rather than on field reality. Sure Graham coming back will be a huge boost, but that's not for weeks and it will take him time to gain match fitness. The young fellas you've mentioned have plenty of upside, but the team still sits 3 and 3, with a loss to the 15th placed Knights and another against the Eels not being season highpoints. The next two games could define their season, if they can beat both the Broncos & Storm. It will also build confidence in John Morris as a coach.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Spot on ! They have had an awful run of injuries early on, yet are still doing enough to win some matches. They have a great mix of youth & experience but most importantly they have three (3) potential match winners in the team in Johnson, Moylan & Fifita. Right now their right side has taken prominence with Johnson , Nikora & Xerri. When Moylan & Graham return their previously favoured left side will be just as potent again. Whilst Fifita, Gallen & Co still have plenty of control of the middle. They have two of the best young hooker prospects in the Brayley boys, and good depth across the board. In my mind they have always been top 8 material despite the loss of Holmes and Lewis this season.
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Yep - a potentially strong side with Moylan, Wade and Woods back. Good mix of youth, hard heads and flair. Nikora has really pleased us, runs great lines and very fast- could be a centre. Flying under the radar is how most teams like it, including the Raiders and Dragons. Roosters and Storm of course look good but - only mid April Remember not too long ago in 2015 it was "Roosters and Rabbitohs all the way!" and Cowboys won it all.