After a rocky start to the season, with the coaching drama being the main headline, Cronulla have turned things around on and off the field.
They have been successful in recruiting some of the most sought-after players on the market, in no small way due to incoming rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his vision.
This week they added Dale Finucane, who brings experience and strong leadership to a talented, developing pack, which has been missing after Paul Gallen’s retirement.
Cameron McInnes comes in also as an experienced dummy-half and lock forward, which could be a key to how their spine is built.
Nicho Hynes is the other big recruit, who has been recruited to be one of the first-choice halves.
Nicho Hynes (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The majority of Hynes’ playing time in top grade has been at fullback, filling in at times at 14 or in the halves. Though he has also played in the halves in reserve grade, it will take time to build and strengthen his game in that role at a new club, system and style of playing.
Hynes has been in red hot form this season as a fullback replacement for Ryan Papenhuyzen. His running and playing style look best suited to being a five-eighth and second receiver, linking up with Will Kennedy at the back.
This leaves the number seven role with a big question mark.
With veterans Chad Townsend and Shaun Johnson leaving, the only proper halfback remaining is rookie Braydon Trindall, who re-signed this season.
They have also decided to re-sign Matt Moylan for one more year, who is now a permanent five-eighth. The other halfback in the squad is utility Connor Tracey, who is also a running five-eighth but hasn’t been given many opportunities in the halves.
Rumours have linked Luke Brooks and Kyle Flanagan, which suggests the Shire club are still looking for a proper number seven to partner Hynes.
They missed out on Adam Reynolds and Aidan Sezer, who were the top in-form, experienced sevens on the market. What’s left are halfbacks who have been struggling to keep their positions in top grade, such as Anthony Milford and Ash Taylor.
If they see Trindall and Tracey as future halves, but are still in development stages, they need to sign an experienced halfback to fill that gap.
He would have to be a game manager and a good kicker, so that all the pressure is not on Hynes while he’s finding his feet, and Moylan isn’t known for his game management.
An option could be bringing Albert Kelly back to the Shire. Kelly, a proper seven who can also play six, has plenty of experience. His return to the NRL has been positive, showing he still has a lot to offer. A deal as the Sharks’ seven may appeal to him, seeing that he could be stuck behind others at the Broncos.
The other candidate who may fit is unwanted Bulldog Lachlan Lewis.
A tough competitor who has a lot of potential with his strong running, good kicking game and solid defence, Lewis is 24 and coming to the age of maturity for halfbacks.
With good coaching, mentors and a strong playing group around him, a confident, mature Lewis could be the missing piece.
Either way, it’s the number seven jersey that will determine if the Sharks are serious title contenders.
With the new signings and retaining their promising players that have come through together, they now have a window for a title shot in the next three years.
Jeff Cook
Roar Rookie
I don't think he'd be to keen to leave Redcliffe right now !
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Still WIP Tony, but coming along nicely.Good goal Kicker too.Still think sharks need a quality experienced half back to complement Trindal,Nicho,Moylan. Of all the available No7 I think Lewis and A Taylor are the best of an average bunch
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Yeah still work in progress without Graham.Bikuya and Capewell.Got some promising backrowers coming through with Talaki,Wilton,Williams
Muzz
Guest
Milford is looking for work.
Leo Morgan JUNIOR
Guest
Hi Everyone, It's Dijarigo all the way up North in Papua New Guinea.I am a die hard Cronulla Sharks supporter as well as New Roar member just now.I like to send a big thank you to John Fox on his artical.Very ATD on things happening at Sharks HQ for next year. From a new coach,players and who's going to be our #7 etc. So thanks John Fox. Congrates on your 1st Roar Artical.Cheers mate!!UP UP CRONULLA FOR LIFE!!!
Leo Morgan Junior
Guest
Excellent artical from a rookie author. Enjoyed reading it , especially when I am a die hard Cronulla Sharks supporter here in Papua New Guinea.GREAT JOB John Fox. Look forward for more from you.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
But when you think of those big plays how many were in big games ? He's been here for 3 years and all going well this will be 3 consecutive Top 8's. But he's only played in one, did zilch in a smacking from Manly..out week 1. Last year out injured and this year set my watch to it and right on schedule, missing again when the club needs him most. Money wise a straight change for Nicho looks an excellent deal for a club that has more ambition than Week 1.
Tony
Roar Guru
I like the look of Trindall
no one in particular
Roar Guru
considering Moses is second choice NSW, its not surprising
no one in particular
Roar Guru
The new game has McInnes at 13 they are also lacking a match winning backrower
Black Sharkie
Guest
100% agreed Sharkies are missing a number 7 but you forgot the team is also missing Peptides... It can't be easy readjusting after having an unfair advantage all those years. Good luck Sharks, cheers to anther premiership in 50 years!
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Trindall started out the season off the bench had a couple of fan frustrating expensive defensive misses but when given the starters role in the 6 a month ago has been really solid..all the better considering he's only played those 4 NRL games as a starter.. and he's got the Shark tough punk walk~the ~talk about him. Be very surprised if Fitzy brings anyone in over the top of him. Last September Freddie interview had him call McInnes the best player of 2020, very tidy highlight reel, hits hard, can take a punch and still rotate nicely with 9 and 13 for 80. Quietly confident of a week 2 final minimum and feel there's no glaring missing piece given a fair share of injuries.
Knocka
Roar Rookie
Bring back Tommy Bishop!
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think Dale/Toby to start at 13 with McCinnes at 9 to take the sting out of the game. Brailey comes on around 25-30 min and McCinnes moves into the middle as a running/ball playing middle. Basically need to have a strong defensive middle, add in a few big bodies like Uele and that middle looks like it can hold. Maybe short of a big body prop if they let Woods go.
Joe
Roar Rookie
McCinnes and Brailey should be used how Cheese and Grant are currently used at the Storm as a 1-2 punch. McCinness takes the sting out of the game, gets spelled for 10 or so and comes back as a ball playing middle who can make breaks himself if given the opportunity.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
Ultimately, I think there are a few holes there for Cronulla. Although the additions of McInnes at 13 and Dale at prop seem good with the likes of Rudolf, Graham and Nikora, the fact McInnes is coming off an ACL will take some time to sit with him and he may not be as durable or as reliant as he usually is. The halves are a huge problem, with only the likes of Trindall, Tracey and Moylan there to partner Hynes. Hynes, not proven at 5/8 or at a club other than Melbourne, must be worrying, add in the fact that he doesn't have an experienced half partner, that must be worrying too. Kennedy keeps proving me wrong every game and gets better and better, but he will need to continue to rise to keep the Sharks happy and relevant. Few missing pieces there but Fitzy is on his way to fix them I think!
kk
Roar Pro
$$$$?????
Paul
Guest
Short in the forward pack? Maybe 1 bench prop but given the depth every where else they will use one of the big second rowers if needed Props - Rudolph, Uele, Royce Hunt, Pele, Tolman (who will likely be re-signed) 2nd Row - Talakai, Williams, Nikora (Wade Graham & Wilton) Lock - Dale Finucane and McInnes Hooker - Blake Brailley and McInnes
kk
Roar Pro
Beautifully put. There are hundreds of us at Belmore who want him to stay.
RLFan
Roar Rookie
Perhaps they would like Flanagan back.