2017 NRL Season Preview - Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla Sharks 2017 NRL Season Preview
2016 Review - No Sharks’ fan will even forget 2016 as they claimed their maiden title in their 50th year as a Club. After a couple of seasons of fairytale victories from the Rabbits in 2014 and Cowboys in 2015, the ultimate fairytale occurred in 2016 as Cronulla held off Melbourne 14-12 in what was a gripping and tense Grand Final. The Sharks looked like they were on their way to a huge victory, completely dominating the Storm in the first half, however only led by 8 points at the break. The Storm rallied to hit the front with 15 minutes to go before a late try to Andrew Fifita gave the Sharks the Premiership they deserved after a fantastic finals series. The Sharks had a really gutsy, backs to the wall win in Canberra in Week 1 of the Finals, coming from 12 points down, before completely dominating and overwhelming the Cowboys in the Preliminary Final with a powerful and skilful display.
The Sharks had many highlights as a team throughout the year, no more so than the amazing 15-match winning streak they put together from Round 4 to Round 20. They were the masters of the close games, winning 12 games by 10 points or less, as their experienced players like Gallen, Ennis, Lewis, Maloney and Graham made them a really tough and competitive side every week. The Sharks were also one of the most dynamic attacking sides in 2016 with 49 tries between Barba, Feki and Valentine Holmes. There were no real negatives for the Sharks in 2016, although at times they tread a fine line with their discipline and their niggling tactics as they liked to get under their opponent’s skin. The Sharks conceded 190 penalties which was the second most in the NRL behind only the Sea Eagles.
2017 Gains - The Sharks have snapped up a really good outside back in Edrick Lee late in the piece from Canberra to fill a hole for them on the wing. With Valentine Holmes expected to move to fullback, Lee is a towering winger who is extremely dangerous in the air and very quick. The Sharks have not really been able to replace Michael Ennis, however there have been rumours that they are still trying to work out a deal which could see James Segeyaro play for them this season. The Sharks have signed two replacement hookers in Manaia Cherrington (Wests Tigers) and Daniel Mortimer (Titans), however both those dummy halves have been rebounded bench players and they may share the duties in Round 1. The Sharks have given much maligned Tony Williams (Bulldogs) anther crack to find his best after his hugely underwhelming stint at the Bulldogs. To add further depth to their pack the Sharks also picked up Jeremy Latimore from the Panthers.
2017 Losses - The Sharks have done very well to hold on to the majority of their Premiership winning roster, however they do have to fill two big holes in their spine with the retirement of gun hooker Michael Ennis and Ben Barba’s move to French Rugby. I feel Ennis is virtually irreplaceable with the crafty skills and veteran leadership he brought to the Club in the Number 9 role. Barba was electric last season, however he has a propensity to not back up good seasons so I think the Sharks have a solid enough replacement there for him at fullback in Valentine Holmes. Other players the Sharks have lost over the off season include David Fifita (released), Mitch Brown (Leigh), Josh Cleeland (Bulldogs), Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Castleford Tigers), Jacob Gagan (Knights), Matt McIlwrick (Wests Tigers) and Junior Roqica (London).
2017 Player To Watch - Jack Bird - I feel like Jack Bird might be about to emerge as a really dominant Origin player in the next few seasons. Last year I thought he was excellent coming off the bench in Origin and I feel he has the right mix of toughness and skill to make the centre position for NSW his own. I think defensively he can be an excellent player as he is not afraid to put his body on the line against bigger men running at him. Bird has a strong running game for a centre, averaging nearly 110 run metres per game last year in the NRL. He was also dangerous on the edge making 9 line breaks, however will want to improve his try scoring rate crossing just 6 times last season.
2017 Draw - (good) The Sharks have been given a great draw in terms of their preparation for games with not a single 5-day turns round this year. Along with the Tigers, they were the only Club to be granted none, and they also have three 9-day turnarounds which will give them an advantage over their opponents heading into those games. However, with Brisbane and Canberra in their first two games it could be a tricky season opening for the Sharks, although they will back themselves to rack up some wins between Round 3 and Round 5 where they take on the Dragons, Eels and Knights.
2017 Forecast 5th (14-15 wins)
I'm a bit worried about the Sharks this year, however there is no doubt they still have a great side on paper. I think they have an outstanding mix of flair in the outside backs and power and experience up front. In James Maloney and Chad Townsend I think they have a great blend in the halves of one creative and scheming player and one structured and more robotic player. My doubts over the Sharks have been whether they really have the same desire and edge that they played with for the majority of last season.
We have seen so many times in the NRL that the Premiership hangover is real, particularly for Clubs that have broken through after a long drought. I don't think the Sharks can get anywhere near the same amount of production and leadership that they got in the Number 9 position with Michael Ennis last year. Also some of their forwards are getting on a bit in age so it will be interesting to see whether guys like Gallen and Lewis, who were outstanding last season, start to hit the wall a bit. Overall this side should still make the Finals, however my gut feeling is they won’t be true Premiership contenders in 2017.