2017 Preview | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

In 2016 The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks did what had never been done and what many thought would never happen, when they secured their maiden first grade premiership.

It was a remarkable season where, despite winning 15 straight games, the club was still not considered as the genuine title contender until deep into the finals. The relief and celebrations shared by all involved and supporting the club was unlike that seen before.

Cronulla's magnificent form through the early and middle rounds saw them clinch a finals berth early on. Their intensity and form dropped immensely at the end of the season, but when the finals came around, they pulled out their three best performances of the year and proved that they were far and away the best team in the competition and well deserved premiers.

Now the battle is on for them to become the first team in twenty years to go back-to-back.

Why They'll Win It

Their team has had very little change. While they've lost experienced hooker Michael Ennis, they've picked up a very talented replacement in Manaia Cherrington from the Wests Tigers, while remaining hopeful of snaring 2014 Dally M Hooker of the year James Segeyaro. They also are in a situation where they will be without fullback Ben Barba, however they have a pair of ready-made fullbacks in Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes champing at the bit to wear the number 1 jumper. They've also picked up the big back rower Tony Williams in what will be a make or break year for him.

Why They Won't

The dreaded bogey that is winning back-to-back titles is immensely hard to do in the modern game. The Cowboys of 2015 made virtually no changes to their playing squad for 2016 and while they went close to a Grand Final appearance in 2016, fell short. The Sharks squad has a good mix of youth and experience, however the experienced are another year older and the likes of Paul Gallen, Chris Heighington, Luke Lewis and James Maloney are not far away from retirement.

Key Players

Valentine Holmes | The impressively gifted back is likely to spend some time at Fullback this year, which will see him get the ball more often and that can only be a good thing. He is very confident, has an amazing turn of speed and unbelievable anticipation. He's could well form an unbeatable combination with Wade Graham and Jack Bird on the fringes of the ruck making him even harder to contain.

Tony Williams | After a stellar start to his career, the big has had major issues with his form ever since he left Manly. He has the size and power to be close to the best back rower in the game but appears to be completely lacking in confidence. There's one coach though who has a knack for making forwards better and that is Shane Flanagan. If he can work his magic on Williams and make him great again, he will fill the massive void left by captain Paul Gallen when he hangs up his boots.

Rookies

Jayden Brailey | The 2016 Holden Cup player of the year and very talented hooker will be hoping that he is a strong contender for the hooking role vacated by Michael Ennis. He is a genuine all rounder, solid defender, good organiser, with plenty of skill and zippy out of dummy half. The 20 year old is a long term prospect for the Sharks.

Kurt Capewell | Capewell' enjoyed his first season in the NRL in 2016 playing 4 games, including two during the all important finals campaign. He proved he has the ability and the composure to be a regular in the Sharks top 17 and with such great experience under his belt, he'll be confident and better in 2017 with expectations of getting much more game time. 

Player Movement

Gains | Manaia Cherrington (Wests Tigers), Jeremy Latimore (Penrith), Daniel Mortimer (Gold Coast), Tony Williams (Canterbury)

Losses | Mitch Brown (Leigh), Josh Cleeland (Canterbury), Michael Ennis (retired), David Fifita - mid-season 2016 (Wakefield Trinity), Jacob Gagan (Newcastle), Matt McIlwrick (Wests Tigers), Junior Roqica (London), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Castleford), Connor Tracey (Souths)

Best 17

1. Valentine Holmes
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jack Bird
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Gerard Beale
6. James Maloney
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Manaia Cherrington
10. Matt Prior
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen (c)

14. Fa'amanu Brown
15. Tony Williams
16. Sam Tagataese
17. Jeremy Latimore

2017 Draw

Click the image below to see the Sharks' full 2017 schedule.