NRL 2022: Cronulla Sharks facing salary cap distraction before finals

The Sharks are facing a salary cap distraction as they head towards the finals as they try to keep their squad intact beyond next season.

The Sharks are facing a salary cap squeeze. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

High-flying Cronulla are facing a brutal salary cap distraction involving their starting back five as they prepare to head into the finals with genuine hopes of winning a second premiership.

The Sharks, having entrenched themselves in the top four, are threatening to become victims of their own success as they confront the prospect of their coterie of outstanding backs heading on the open market on November 1.

Will Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, Sifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo will all enter the final year of their existing deals at the start of November.

At that point, they can sign with rival clubs for 2024. What makes the situation even more pressing is the upcoming World Cup, which will mean four of the five are likely to be overseas when November 1 arrives — Kennedy may be the only one who isn’t part of the World Cup.

The clock is ticking for the Sharks as they try to keep their squad intact beyond next season.

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Ronaldo Mulitalo, right, is among a host of Sharks players who could head onto the open market on November 1. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Club officials are well aware of the juggling act they face in keeping the quintet of backline stars given all are likely in line for pay rises.

Talakai and Mulitalo have become State of Origin and international representatives in recent months, having played a central role in the Sharks’ soaring start to the year.

Kennedy is in the form of his life at fullback, Ramien has been devastating in the centres and Katoa has been scoring tries for fun.

The Sharks will gain some salary cap latitude with Andrew Fifita and Wade Graham set to make decisions on their futures in coming weeks — both are on contracts in excess of $800,000 a year.

Fifita is expected to retire, although his recent form could yet prompt a rethink. Graham is likely to sign a one-year extension on a smaller contract, easing the load to a certain extent.

The Sharks are keen sign Siosifa Talakai to a new deal.

However, that may not be enough to cover the expected wage increases for their back five. The next month is likely to be crucial for the club given they are unlikely to burden the players with contract talks during the finals.

News Corp understands Cronulla put talks with Talakai on the backburner while he was involved in the State of Origin series but have resurrected discussions as they look to sign him for a further two years at the very least.

There is a sense of urgency around the others as well as coach Craig Fitzgibbon looks to ensure the contract negotiations don’t become a distraction heading into the finals.