Cronulla will struggle to retain their NRL premiership crown, says Greg Inglis
THE NRL has just launched its 2017 season, but already South Sydney captain Greg Inglis has questioned whether premiers Cronulla can retain their crown.
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THE NRL launched its 2017 season in spectacular fashion yesterday, but Greg Inglis has cast doubt over whether Cronulla can get their premiership defence off the tarmac.
The Sharks will embark on the rugby league equivalent of Mission: Impossible next week when they attempt to win back-to-back titles — something which hasn’t been achieved in the NRL era.
Brisbane were the last team to win consecutive grand finals in a united competition, way back in 1992-1993.
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The TAB doesn’t think Cronulla are about to break that 24-year drought, incredibly listing the Sharks on the seventh line of premiership betting at $13.
They sit alongside Brisbane and behind Melbourne ($7.50), Penrith ($7.50), North Queensland ($8), Canberra ($9) Sydney Roosters ($10) and New Zealand Warriors ($11).
On a day when the NRL launched its season before thousands of fans at Sydney’s Martin Place, Rabbitohs captain Inglis — part of the Souths team which famously won the 2014 grand final, but couldn’t back it up a year later — spoke of the pressures in attempting to win two straight premierships.
Asked did Cronulla face the hardest task in the NRL this year, Inglis said: “I think it has been proven over the years that it is.
“Obviously I don’t know their roster and I don’t know what’s going on down there (in the Shire) but, to answer your question, it is difficult to defend it. Like I said, that has been proven over time.
“You hold the trophy and there are 15 other clubs who want that big prize. There’s no doubt there’s going to be challenges along the way for every club.
“The thing with the Sharks, they are on such a high. It’s about getting back into week-in, week-out footy.
“But who says they can’t do it? Only they would know. You saw history made last year — what side can make it this year? All I can concentrate on is what South Sydney can deliver this year.”
Cronulla kick off their premiership defence this coming Thursday night with a massive match against Brisbane at Shark Park.
Asked about his side’s premiership defence, Sharks skipper Paul Gallen said: “It’s going to be tough. This is uncharted waters for us. It’s all about what we do well every week and playing to our potential every week. If we do that, we will win the majority of our games once again.
“Last season meant so much to the people of Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire. It showed that anything is possible if you believe. That together, history can happen.”
Souths were disappointing last season but the signing of Robbie Farah has given the club a nice kick-along. And in a comment that make shock some fans, the brilliant Inglis questioned his own form over in recent seasons.
“The last few years haven’t been that great for me, personally,” Inglis said. “More in a non-consistent basis to be honest.
“As a leader of the club, I know personally that I have to perform each week. I’m looking forward to a fresh, new start this year.”
All 16 captains attended Thursday’s launch with fans turning out in their team’s colours and excited that the footy was finally back.
“It’s not the wins and losses I remember — it’s the people, teammates, coaches, opposition and the fans,” said Storm skipper Cam Smith.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg spoke about the importance of rugby league’s loyal fans,.
“Our fans and members make a difference every week,” Greenberg said. “They all ride the highs and lows of every team, they celebrate every win and feel every defeat. The mantra for us this year is Let’s Make History. It is fitting as it suggests a collective effort. Our fans, our players, our clubs, are in the fight together.”
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