Holmes’ departure hits hard as Sharks forced into shuffling spine

The unexpected loss of Valentine Holmes will hit Cronulla hard, fortunately they’re well-placed to replace the star fullback. FULL ROSTER ANALYSIS

Cronulla Sharks 2019 roster analysis.

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The unexpected loss of Valentine Holmes is a cruel blow for a side that will have planned much of their 2019 season around the star fullback.

Fortunately, Cronulla have several high quality options to replace him in the custodian role.

Should the new-look spine develop a strong combination, the Sharks can again figure prominently in September.

Here’s how Cronulla’s roster is shaping up ahead of the 2019 NRL season.

Cronulla Sharks 2019 roster analysis.

Full squad

1. Blake Brailey, 2. Jayden Brailey, 3. Jayson Bukuya, 4. Kurt Capewell, 5. Josh Dugan, 6. Sosaia Feki, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Paul Gallen, 10. Wade Graham, 11. Aaron Gray, 12. Sione Katoa, 13. William Kennedy, 14. Isaac Lumelume, 15. Billy Magoulias, 16. Josh Morris, 17. Matthew Moylan, 18. Briton Nikora, 19. Matt Prior 20. Ava Seumanufagai, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Cruz Topai-Aveai, 23. Chad Townsend, 24. Braden Uele, 25. Jack Williams, 26. Aaron Woods, 27. Bronson Xerri, 28. Shaun Johnson

Ins

Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2020), Aaron Woods (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2021), Shaun Johnson (2021)

Outs

Kurt Dillon (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Trent Hodkinson (Manly Sea Eagles), Edrick Lee (Newcastle Knights), Ricky Leutele (Toronto Wolfpack), Luke Lewis (retired), Joseph Paulo (St Helens RLFC), Jesse Ramien (Newcastle Knights), James Roumanos (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Valentine Holmes (Released)

Matt Moylan could be set for a return to fullback. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Best 17

1. Matt Moylan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Sione Katoa, 6. Chad Townsend, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14. Aaron Woods, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Jayson Bukuya/James Segeyaro

Recruitment strength

Prior to the late signing of Shaun Johnson, Cronulla had been minor players in the transfer market with Josh Morris the only incoming recruit. Jesse Ramien is a huge loss, while the club’s depth has taken a major hit with the likes of Ricky Leutele, Edrick Lee and Luke Lewis (retired) departing the Shire. The off-contract James Segeyaro would be a strong re-signing for the club should cap space permit.

Aaron Woods could force his way into the starting line-up. Picture: Brett Costello

Forwards

The pack will run out similar to last year, with Lewis a significant loss. Kurt Capewell is expected to come into the starting side and is a more than capable replacement, however the loss of his versatility off the bench could create a few headaches for coach Shane Flanagan. Don’t be surprised to see Aaron Woods force his way into the starting side at some point early on in the year.

Backs

While not as dynamic as his younger days, veteran centre Josh Morris has plenty of quality football left in him and his defensive prowess suits Cronulla’s grinding style. Depth in the outside backs has taken an enormous hit with the departures of Ramien, Lee and Leutele.

Spine

The departure of Valentine Holmes has been eased by the signing of Shaun Johnson. Johnson’s arrival will force young gun Kyle Flanagan to bide his time in the lower grades. Cronulla have several options to replace the NFL hopeful, with Matt Moylan or Josh Dugan expected to fill the role, while William Kennedy is another quality option. A shift for Moylan looks likely, with Johnson and Chad Townsend to combine in the halves. Moylan is a seriously gifted footballer, but the added responsibility of directing the side from five-eighth plays against his strengths. A return to the number one jersey could bring out the best in the former Origin playmaker.

Where they’re lacking

If Cronulla are to remain as genuine title contenders the likely new-look halves combination of Townsend and Johnson needs to click. The unexpected shake-up to the spine is far from ideal, but at least it occurred in time for the playmaking unit to develop some fluency over an entire pre-season. If Townsend maintains his form it’ll allow Johnson to ease into his role at the club.

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Originally published as Holmes’ departure hits hard as Sharks forced into shuffling spine