Griffin’s verdict: 2019 season to prove a huge test of Sharks’ bite
Cronulla boast a well earned reputation of resilience, however, they will be thoroughly tested following a well documented turbulent off-season that was finally put to rest on Friday, writes Anthony Griffin.
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The Cronulla Sharks are a club that has been built on toughness and resilience.
Their well earned reputation, however, will be thoroughly tested following the Sharks well documented turbulent off-season that was finally put to rest on Friday.
New coach John Morris will be under pressure to fill Shane Flanagan’s shoes and deal with a significant turnover of talent on their roster.
Luke Lewis’s retirement, the lost of outstanding young centre Jesse Ramien and winger Edrick Lee to the Knights, Joseph Paulo and Ricky Leutele move to Super League and Valentine Holmes’ departure to chase his NFL dream leave a big hole.
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However, the additions of Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris and the likely round nine return of Wade Graham certainly make things look a lot better.
And depending on the Sharks ability to get under the salary cap prior to round one, the expected registration of James Segeyaro’s contract is also significant for Cronulla’s depth and talent at hooker.
Knowing Cronulla I will not be surprised if they come out firing in 2019.
FORWARDS
Up front Andrew Fifita and Matt Prior will stand up to any opposition. Fifita runs 128 meters a game and led the league in offloads (79) last season. Prior is a punishing defender and rarely plays a bad game.
These forwards are one big reason why the Sharks have been and will be hard to beat.
The edge back row positions are where the Sharks are little bit inexperienced. Kurt Capewell (39 games) and Scott Sorensen (20 games) look the most likely to fill these spots.
Jason Bukuya has played 170 games but was mostly used off the interchange in 2019. He’s versatile and can cover anywhere in the forwards.
There will be healthy competition for spots when Graham returns. Aaron Woods is a great player to bring off the bench. He is a rep player with loads of experience and has a strong carry and late offload.
Also available for the interchange will be Ava Seumanufagai and Braden Uele and Jack Williams. It is a big advantage to have the quality of experienced forwards that Cronulla do.
Despite the loss of Lewis and Paulo they still have the firepower to take on anyone.
THE SPINE
Shaun Johnson’s arrival could be a godsend for the club. He can play five-eighth and Matt Moylan can move back to fullback.
This not only covers the loss of Holmes, but it gives Johnson and Moylan roles that they are best suited to.
Chad Townsend will be the main playmaker at halfback which will allow Johnson the luxury of having more time and space both physically and mentally.
Johnson’s biggest asset is his speed and footwork and this positional change will allow him to play to these strengths.
Much the same with Moylan who is a brilliant attacking player with great anticipation. He backs himself anywhere on the field. The freedom of going back to fullback and playing off the halves will make him extremely hard to contain.
Jayden Brailey is approaching 50 games in the NRL and looks ready to go to another level. He has handled the hooking position extremely well since making his debut. It looks as though Kyle Flannagan may start from the interchange. He and Blayke Brailey are both talented members of this excellent playmaker group.
OUTSIDE BACKS
There are some holes to fill in the outside backs. Josh Morris will probably start in his preferred left centre position and Josh Dugan will be on the right.
These two are both experienced strike centres who will prove a handful for any defence. Dugan only managed 14 games last season but still crossed for 6 tries. They are both very aggressive defenders as well.
Young flyer Sione Katoa should start on the right wing outside Dugan after impressing in his debut season. Aaron Gray and Sosaia Feki look like the obvious options for the left wing. Feki played 16 games there in 2018 and was part of the 2016 premiership team. Morris has eased a bit of the strain, but they still don’t look as strong without Ramien and Holmes.
The Sharks have only missed a top eight finish once since 2012 and this does not look like changing.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
Sharks junior Bronson Xerri could be a bolter this year. The 18-year-old is a classy centre who has played for NSW at U/18 and U/20s level. He gave up a spot in the Australian Schoolboys so he could complete his first off-season in the club’s top 30.
STAT ATTACK
The Sharks made the least number of tackles in the NRL in 2019 — 272.7 per game
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