2024 Preview: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Embed from Getty Images

Andrew Ferguson looks ahead to the Shire boys' season coming up in 2024.

The Sharks dominated the also-rans in 2023, but can they overcome the top sides?

After an unexpectedly brilliant 2022 campaign, hopes were high that the new look Sharks would remain one of the top 4 sides in 2023, however they were inconsistent and struggled against the top teams. They ultimately did well enough to finish in 6th place.

The Sharks 2023 campaign never got out of second gear. They won 2 of their opening 5 game, in Rounds 2 and 4. The Sharks then had a bye, which they followed up with 5 wins from 6 games, their sole loss coming against the Dolphins. Cronulla then had their second bye which then followed 2 losses against Brisbane, by 8 points and the Storm, who racked up a big 54-10 victory over the Sharks.

Cronulla bounced back with 3 strong consecutive victories, albeit against the 3 worst sides of the 2023 season (Bulldogs, Dragons and Tigers). Then came 3 more losses, 2 of which were heavy one against Warriors (12-44) and Penrith (0-28). As they started to slip towards 8th place, they won 3 more games to lock in their place in the finals with 2 rounds left. The Sharks were then humbled 32-6 by the Knights, before scoring a 24-6 victory over the Raiders in the final Round.

The Sharks finals campaign ended in the first week when they fell by just 1 point to the equally as inconsistent Roosters.

There have been very few changes to the Sharks roster for 2024 which augers well for them, especially early on in the season. They have a very solid pack, potent attack in the backs and an ability to put big scores on teams they're expected to beat. They just need to work on their steeliness in the big games and they will move into the top 4 sides.

Why they'll win it

The Sharks have that great mix of youth and experience, grafters, toilers and flashy players, a very strong forward pack and a top-quality spine. They've also maintained a barely unchanged side over the last 2 season, which is great for their team cohesion.

The Sharks attack is also very potent. In 2023 they were one of the 5 best attacking sides in the competition. Their defence has been reasonably solid, but definitely has room for improvement.

Why they won't

Mentally it would seem that the Sharks are very aware of their struggles against top sides and by the tail-end of 2023, they seemed to approach those games differently and moved away from the systems that worked so well against all the other sides. They need to break that cycle very quickly, otherwise they'll get stuck in a routine of finishing between 6th and 8th but lasting only 1 or 2 games in the finals.

Player movement

Key players

Nicho Hynes' first season at the Sharks was absolutely phenomenal. His 2023 campaign failed to reach those heights, although he still played very well all year long. His unique skillset makes him a constant and unpredictable threat from anywhere on the field and at any time.

Brilliant fullback Will Kennedy seems to have a good game every week. He has continued to improve and is genuinely one of the most consistently performing fullbacks in the NRL. He combines well with his outside backs, is a brilliant support player and is very safe at the back.

Rookie watch

Kayal Iro spent all of 2023 banging down the door for a spot in the Sharks NRL side and eventually that door has had to be opened. He was absolutely outstanding in the NSW Cup in 2023 and it is entirely expected that he will be in the backline in Round 1 and will be a standout for the Sharks.

Best 17

1. Will Kennedy
2. Ronaldo Mulitalo
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Sione Katoa

6. Kade Dykes
7. Nicho Hynes

8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Siosifa Talakai, 15. Oregon Kaufusi, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Billy Burns

2024 fixture list

All times Sydney local (AEDT to end Apr 6, AEST thereafter)