NRL SuperCoach 2016: Cronulla Sharks study guide reveals their big guns and value players
THE Sharks boast several SuperCoach guns like Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita but the team still has question marks over how they will line-up.
THE Cronulla Sharks boast several NRL SuperCoach guns such as Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita and James Maloney, yet the team still has a number of question marks regarding its make-up.
The Sharks will field a largely new spine with new halves James Maloney (Sydney Roosters) and Chad Townsend (New Zealand Warriors) along with a new fullback which will most likely be Jack Bird or Valentine Holmes.
Maloney is a star recruit but is priced at a premium and will take time to gel with his new teammates. Paul Gallen is 35 years old this season and injury concerns along with State Of Origin duties make him a SuperCoach dilemma.
Andrew Fifita is a SuperCoach enigma who can be equally devastating on the field as he can be to the aspirations of SuperCoach players who have to deal with his indiscretions.
Undoubtedly they will all figure in SuperCoach calculations during the season. However, all are likely to fall in price and therefore a wait-and-see approach might be the best strategy.
Valentine Holmes may prove the value player if he lands the fullback role.
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Ins: James Maloney (Sharks), Chad Townsend (Warriors), Joseph Paulo (Eels), Jesse Sene-Lafao (Sea Eagles), Matt Mcllwrick (Roosters), Kurt Capewell (Ipswich Jets), Josh Cleeland (Ipswich Jets), Jordan Drew (Broncos)
Outs: Michael Gordon (Eels), Jeff Robson (Warriors), Anthony Tupou (Wakefield), Tinirau Arona (Sharks), Blake Ayshford (Warriors), Kyle Stanley (Retired), Josh Addo-Carr (Tigers)
PREDICTED BEST 17
Jack Bird, Valentine Holmes, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Sosaia Feki, James Maloney, Chad Townsend, Sam Tagataese, Michael Ennis, Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Ben Barba, Jason Bukuya
Cronulla’s star recruit James ‘BBQ’ Maloney is an astute signing and will bring added experience and class to the backline. The Chad Townsend swap for Jeff Robson with the Warriors also makes Cronulla’s halves appear stronger. However, the likely pairing raises a number of questions around the composition of the side, particularly in the fullback position and where to play Jack Bird and Ben Barba. Bird was the Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2015 but will move from the five-eighth position - where he starred last year - to accommodate Maloney.
Bird has indicated that fullback is his desired position for 2016 and will most likely get first opportunity. However, the Sharks certainly have other options.
Barba is a former Dally M winner and if in top form would have a mortgage on the position. However Barba’s past few seasons have been very disappointing and whilst he is likely to be in the 17, his role is not certain. In 2015 he largely played from the bench but he will face competition from another utility in Fa’amanu Brown, who missed last year with an ACL injury.
Further complicating matters is Valentine Holmes, who played some fullback in 2015 and looks very suited to the position. Holmes is a serious contender for the No. 1 jersey but with Bird in the mix he may have to be content to remain on the wing, where he is a proven finisher. The centre position is one that lacks depth for the Sharks and Bird may find himself there if the move to fullback is not a success, or if Barba or Holmes are given an opportunity.
The Sharks possess a lot of talent but a largely new spine, including a new halves pairing and fullback, will need some pre-season answers before the team composition is fully settled and SuperCoach squad inclusions finalised.
GUNS
Paul Gallen ($499,500)
Paul Gallen is the second most expensive player in NRL SuperCoach 2016. His ability to do endless hit ups, tackle like a machine, gain metres and offload is beyond question. He is a proven SuperCoach gun and in 2015 played 16 games averaging 79 SuperCoach points. He is a safe captain choice week in week out. Gallen has completed pre-season training prior to Christmas for the first time in nearly a decade so he will be rearing to go in 2016.
However, there are plenty of question marks.
He has been injury prone in past seasons and at 35 concerns linger. There is enough depth in the Sharks’ forwards to allow coach Shane Flanagan the option to manage Gallen’s minutes and maximise his contribution over the entire season. Furthermore, he will play State of Origin, where he misses the bye rounds and would have to back up after all three games. Gallen’s willingness to work is unsurpassed, but at $499,500, these questions raise doubt on whether he is a must have in initial NRL SuperCoach squads.
Andrew Fifita ($464,000)
What do you do with a player like Andrew Fifita? Fifita is a devastating player on his day and able to make metres, break tackles, carry or brush off defenders, offload and score tries. In 2015 he averaged 73.38 SuperCoach points in 16 games yet he ruined his season with suspension and controversy. At $464,000 he is priced as the seventh most expensive SuperCoach player in 2016. At his best he is a super gun but questions remain as to whether he should be considered in initial SuperCoach squads.
As mentioned above Fifita is prone to controversy. Any indiscretion will mean further suspension and thus he comes with risk. He is also prone to giving away penalties and mistakes which often eat away his points. The presence of Gallen also reduces the points available for Fifita by taking many of his hit ups. At $464,000 he is priced at premium and is most likely to fall in value as he builds to full fitness. However, Fifita is a must have if Gallen is injured or not selected for State of Origin.
James Maloney ($418,900)
James Maloney is the Sharks’ 2016 star recruit and a proven SuperCoach performer. At the Roosters he shared playmaking responsibilities with Mitchell Pearce but he is set to dominate this responsibility at the Sharks. He is also a gun goal kicker. Even so, SuperCoaches should take a wait and see approach with Maloney for a number of reasons.
In 2015 he averaged 66.25 points in 24 games for the Roosters. However those impressive points were amassed in a star studded Roosters backline. The Sharks backline is not as potent and it will take some time before Maloney gels with his new teammates. Maloney will be an astute purchase once his price drops.
VALUE
Valentine Holmes ($291,400)
If Valentine Holmes lands the fullback position he will prove great value for NRL SuperCoach squads. Blessed with explosive speed, he is a devastating open field runner and would make the position his own. Similar to Tuivasa-Sheck, Holmes has been blooded into the NRL on the wing even though his preferred position is fullback. Also similar to Tuivasa-Sheck, he will have the masterful James Maloney providing him line break and try scoring opportunities. Sharks coach Flanagan however has to accommodate Jack Bird in the backline so it’s a wait and see on Holmes, who hopefully lands the No. 1 jersey from round one.
CHEAPIES
Jacob Gagan ($149,200)
Jacob Gagan is a talented winger with strength and abundant speed. He made his debut for the Sharks in 2014 and scored five tries in just seven appearances. His 2015 however was curtailed through injury setbacks but he is ready for the 2016 season. The Sharks lack depth in the outside backs and Gagan could very likely find himself as a candidate for a first grade position. His chances would increase considerably if Valentine Holmes lands the fullback role.
NO GO ZONE
Chris Heighington ($287,900)
Chris Heighington is nearing the end of his career and will face stiff competition for minutes in a depth-filled Sharks pack. Awkwardly priced at $287,900.
ROOKIES
The Sharks have recruited Ipswich Jets second rower Kurt Capewell, who won the 2015 NRL State Championship. Capewell is a very talented 22-year-old NRL rookie who could make his mark around Origin time and is available in dual second row and centre/wing positions.
Former Junior Kangaroo and reigning Holden Cup Team of the Year member Jordan Drew is another interesting signing. He played one game for the Brisbane Broncos in 2013, scoring a try on debut against the Dragons. The centre position does not have as much depth for the Sharks and Drew could find a starting spot if the Sharks suffer any injury problems.
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