Sharks prepare to enter player
market

Cronulla are poised to enter the player market for the second consecutive year as they strive to plug the gaps in their still improving squad. It is understood that the key priorities are a five eighth, a goalkicker and a prop forward.

After pulling out of the race for hooker Mark Riddell, the Sharks have spoken to Souths prop, Paul Stringer. Rumours are also circulating that Adam Dykes may be granted a release from the final year of his contract with the Eels so that he could link up with his old President's Cup coach, Stuart Raper.

The club is also expected to sign Vince Mellars from New Zealand, after the centre or forward was released from the Warriors.

Of those players off contract this year, a number are still yet to re-sign. Paul Gallen has reportedly attracted some interest from Parramatta, while David Peachey is yet to convince Cronulla management that he should be retained for another year.

Some good news, however, comes from the fact that impact player Michael Sullivan has re-signed with the club for three years, despite reports that the Dragons were set to offer him a deal to replace Mark Riddell.