NRL 2022 Coaching clipboard sessions: Craig Fitzgibbon on Cronulla’s tough questions
After landing Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes there have been questions over how the Sharks will line up in 2022. Now coach Craig Fitzgibbon reveals his plans.
NRL
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This season brings the Cronulla Sharks a new coach, some new faces and a return to a beloved home ground - Craig Fitzgibbon lets fans know what they should expect in 2022.
DR: Fitzy, it’s obviously your first pre-season as a head coach. Describe your approach, have you been hands-on from the start, or have you taken a back-seat view and allowed your assistants Steve Price, Josh Hannay and Daniel Holdsworth to run the pre-Christmas sessions?
CF: “I’ve got really good staff, but I’ve definitely been trying to be hands-on - that’s the most enjoyable bit.
“Plenty of people who I have been coached by had warned me that it’s all the external stuff outside of coaching that takes most of your time, but I’ve got to say, I’ve enjoyed every minute of every day.”
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DR: What are your pre-season impressions of the Sharks 2022 squad?
CF: “Good. Some things are new and so the window is open for everyone, there’s excitement and enthusiasm across the board. But because we’re still a way off from playing, I’m not sure where we’ll land. Every coach is guilty of having their bias towards a favourite player in pre-season, but until they get on the field and play, you never know. I’ve got to say their attitude, intensity and preparation, I’ve been really happy with.
DR: Two players Cronulla fans respect for their success is Andrew Fifita and Wade Graham, how have they been going?
CF: “They’re both leading really well. Both seem really happy within themselves. I’ve spent quite a bit of time with those lads this pre-season and I see how the club means so much to them. It comes out of the pores of their skin. They love the place and they really care for their teammates. They nurture guys and it’s really pleasing to see that type of leadership.
DR: Nicho Hynes - new club, a chance to lead his own team in the halves, as he did through the juniors - how has he fit in?
CF: “He’s connected with the group really quickly. Like all our recruits, he’s a quality guy, so we feel really confident he’ll come in and execute his role. But what excites us all is the quality players that were already here and that the new recruits will only compliment them. I’ve also been really impressed how welcoming those players already at the club have been to the new recruits.
DR: Everyone would acknowledge that when Matt Moylan is at his best, he has an elite-level running and passing game. How confident are you that you’ll get a big 2022 out of him?
CF: “Matt is looking healthy and fit, but the best thing is, all the halves in our club are pushing and encouraging each other. We’ve got some great competition in the halves with Nicho, Braydon Trindall, Matt Moylan, Luke Metcalf, Ryan Rivett and Lachie Miller, all preparing really well.”
DR: Do you know who will be your starting halves in round one next season?
CF: “It’s starting to take shape, but we’re not locked-in. Prior to Christmas it’s all about our style of play, style of defence, our principles and what we’re going to represent. Combinations will come after Christmas.”
DR: You mention the word represent. What do you want the Sharks to represent?
CF: “I know the answer. But to those on the outside looking in, that will be revealed in time, due to a number of factors, individually as a coaching and playing group and collectively as an entire club.”
DR: When I think Craig Fitzgibbon, I think relentless attitude, toughness and one of the world’s best defensive coaches. So is it fair to say the natural instinct for you as a coach, will be to turn the Sharks into a defensive force - because statistically, they’ve dipped in that key area in recent years?
CF: “Yes, it’s a natural instinct because I believe in it. So it definitely lends me to coaching towards my strengths. But we also feel we’ve got some really high-level attacking talent, so we won’t be stifling any creativity from the players. I think it’s pretty clear in recent history when you defend well, your attack can flourish.”
DR: You talk about that balance between attack and defence. Will Kennedy showed glimpses of brilliance in 2021, but I felt his goal-line defence was an area of improvement. Do you think Will can take that next step in 2022?
CF: “Will has got some more gears in him and we’ve spoken at length about that this pre-season. So far I’ve seen nothing to suggest Will has taken his foot off the gas, if anything, he’s acutely aware he wants to go up another level. That’s not just a mindset. That comes with a lot of hard work and application and he’s spending a lot of time with the staff on the training paddock. I’ve also noted his voice in commanding the team around the field.’’
DR: How important was re-signing Blayke Brailey until the end of 2026?
CF: “I’m really happy with our squad so we want to try and keep as many of the boys together as we can. It’s very hard in the current climate. It’s virtually impossible, but a player like Blayke who grew-up here and won premierships with a large portion of the team in the junior rep system, makes me excited for Blayke to be around. He’s incredibly resilient. He got hurt (ankle syndesmosis) at the back-end of season 2020 and played pretty much every game in 2021. His skills are obvious, but his toughness shouldn’t be underestimated.”
DR: Does Brailey start at hooker, or does Cameron McInnes take over the nine jersey?
CF: “No, Blayke will play nine and Cam can help out there if needed. We want Blayke’s attributes to shine and if he needs a breather from time to time, we’ve got Cameron there and Jayden Berrell also to do that. He’s also been very impressive.”
DR: Will Wade Graham retain the captaincy under your coaching?
CF: “Wade’s the leader and he has turned up from day one and led. In the New Year, we’ll have a chat about leadership, but in training and preparation, I’ve seen nothing to suggest he’s not capable of being our captain.”
DR: Last one, the Sharks return to PointsBet Stadium in 2022 after two years away. How crucial is that for the team?
CF: “Yes it may have some limitations with the ongoing development site, but every time we walk in here, we’re excited about what the future holds here. It’s representation of good times ahead for us. If the boys yelling and screaming at their first training run here is anything to go by, I think we’re all happy to be back home.’’
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