Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Mid-Season Report Card

With coach Shane Flanagan back on board and the ASADA drama behind them, Cronulla were expected to bounce back from their tumultuous 2014. Things haven't gone exactly to plan so far for the Sharks, losing their opening four matches, the Sharks have once again struggled in attack overall, but the emergence of Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird have provided plenty of optimism for long-suffering supporters.

Since Bird's elevation to five-eighth against the Roosters on Easter Sunday, the Sharks have played with an attacking flair that has been sadly missed in recent seasons, while the exuberance of youth has also worn off on veteran forward Luke Lewis, who is enjoying his best season since leaving Penrith three years ago.

Coming up with a series of closely-fought wins, the Sharks have shown that if the game is on the line they have the tenacity to come away with a win, as highlighted by their gritty win over the Roosters in their most recent encounter. If coach Flanagan and warhorse Paul Gallen can inspire the Sharks back into the finals, the boys from the Shire may well surprise a few teams if their attack can stand up to the elite sides.

Positives:
In nine of the matches the Sharks have played this year, the final scoreline has been no more than eight points. While the Sharks haven't been able to capitalise on all those matches, their defensive grit has allowed them to stay in matches. Pulling off two wins over competition heavyweights the Roosters, as well as a narrow victory in monsoonal conditions against South Sydney, the Sharks have surprised sides so far in 2015 with their ability to stay in contests.

Negatives:
With former Dally M Medalist Ben Barba joining the club after being granted a release from the Broncos, the Sharks have been blessed with an abundance of talent at fullback. However, the surplus of fullbacks has taken a toll on Cronulla, as Barba, Valentine Holmes and Michael Gordon have all vied for the number one position at the detriment of the halves. With Jack Bird forced to play alongside ageing halfback Jeff Robson, the Sharks have been unable to reach their potential due to instability among the spine.

Best Player:
Having signed from St. George Illawarra last season, Jack Bird has been a revelation since debuting against the Titans in Round 4. Making his representative debut for Country after only five NRL appearances, Bird has proven to be the leading contender for Rookie of the Year being the focal point of Cronulla's resurgence. Still eligible for Under 20s, the Sharks appear headed for a bright future with the versatile Bird in the side.

Predicted Finish:
While they face a tough two-month stretch coming up against the Cowboys twice, Raiders in Canberra and Bulldogs at Belmore; if the Sharks are able to remain injury free, Cronulla may well find themselves vying for a place in the finals.
7th - 12th finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 5
Lost: 7
Bye: 2
Points Scored: 195 (14th)
Points Conceded: 236 (6th)
Placed: 12th
Overall Ranking: =10th

Season So Far

Round 1 Sharks 20 v 24 Raiders

Round 2 Sharks 2 v 10 Broncos

Round 3 Storm 36 v 18 Sharks

Round 4 Sharks 22 v 24 Titans

Round 5 Roosters 12 v 20 Sharks

Round 6 Sharks 22 v 6 Knights

Round 7 Sharks 18 v 10 Rabbitohs

Round 8 Panthers 26 v 18 Sharks

Round 9 Sharks 16 v 20 Warriors

Round 10 Titans 22 v 23 Sharks

Round 12 Dragons 42 v 6 Sharks

Round 13 Sharks 10 v 4 Roosters