2019 Preview: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

An uphill battle looms for the Sharks after an off-season from hell.

The side has been one of the most consistent in recent times, reaching the finals for four straight years, and on paper they have one of the best teams in the comp yet again.

But an offseason marred by controversy could well derail their season before it's begun. First, they lost Test star Valentine Holmes, who was granted a release to pursue an NFL career. This was countered by the news that the club had signed New Zealand Test half Shaun Johnson.

However this was overshadowed by their coach Shane Flanagan being de-registered after it was found he breached his suspension in 2013. Assistant coach John Morris will take over as head coach. 

2018 saw the Sharks finish in fourth place and had they won the game they lost to Manly in Golden Point, they would've been Minor Premiers. They lost to both Grand Finalists either side of a tight Semi Final victory over Penrith.

Their 2019 squad has picked up Josh Morris to replace departing centres Ricky Leutele and Jesse Ramien, while Shaun Johnson will reunite with Chad Townsend in the halves as Matt Moylan shifts to fullback to cover for the loss of Holmes. There's been just one change in the forwards, with Luke Lewis retiring.

Why They'll Win It

Forwards. Again. The Sharks have one of the best forward packs around and they have a lot of experience.

Front Rowers Andrew Fifita and Matt Prior are two different body types and have played 190 and 228 NRL games respectively. Wade Graham has played 219 NRL games and will be joined by captain Paul Gallen in his 19th and final season as well as Aaron Woods, who has played 172 games. If that pack gives Shaun Johnson room to play, this Sharks side will be genuine title threats in 2019.

Why They Won't

Too many key changes. A brand new coach in his first head coaching role. Essentially a new, permanent fullback in Moylan and five-eighth in Johnson. There's a lot of combinations that those two will be involved in and they take time.

2019 Draw

Key Players

Matt Moylan

Moylan's second half of 2018 was brilliant at five-eighth for the Sharks. He looked comfortable and set in the role and was enjoying his footy. He'll be reverting to fullback in 2019 and while he is more than capable of handling those duties, it remains to be seen how this impacts on his morale, given he looked to enjoy his role in the halves.

Shaun Johnson

Johnson is set to be five-eighth, but won't be burdened with the same workload he had at the Warriors. He'll have kicking options all around him in Townsend, Graham and Moylan. He'll also be at five-eighth, which could see him have more freedom, which could well give the Sharks that creative x-factor they had with Ben Barba in 2016.

Jayden Brailey

The young rake had another solid season last year but will need to continue growing on that in 2019. The Sharks forwards are a powerful lot, but if he can run from dummy half a bit more, it may get his forwards more momentum to make them even more damaging.

Rookies To Watch

Billy Magoulias

The 22 year old back rower made a strong appearance for Greece in the Emerging Nations World Cup last October and is seen by the club as the potential long term replacement for Paul Gallen. With Wade Graham sidelined for the start of the 2019 season, Magoulias is in contention to fill a back row spot either in the run on side or on the bench.

Bronson Xerri

The loss of centres Leutele and Ramien, winger Edrick Lee and the fact Sosaia Feki will miss the start of the season due to injury, could mean the very talented 18 year old Xerri will make his debut. He is both a fast and powerful runner, standing at 188cms and weighing 100kgs.

Player Movements

Gains: Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (Sharks)

Losses: Jesse Ramien, Edrick Lee (Knights), Ricky Leutele (Toronto), Kurt Dillon (Rabbitohs), Joseph Paulo (St Helens), Valentine Holmes (NFL opportunity), James Segeyaro (released), Luke Lewis (retired)

Best 17