Jersey Flegg: Upbeat Sharks ready for Bulldogs in grand final at CommBank Stadium

The Cronulla Sharks have come from the clouds to win a spot alongside the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sunday’s Jersey Flegg grand final at CommBank Stadium. See what the Sharks coach has to say.

Cronulla centre Michael Gabrael started the season playing SG Ball. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography.

A little over two months ago, the likelihood of Cronulla challenging Canterbury for the Jersey Flegg title seemed laughable.

Following their loss to the reigning premiers in round 19, the Sharks slumped to eighth spot, still five points adrift of fifth and with little prospect of playing finals footy.

In the 10 weeks since, the Shire boys’ transformation to grand final contender is scarcely believable.

Under the watchful eye of coach Andrew Dallalana, Cronulla have flipped the script. Since edging out Parramatta to make the finals, the Sharks have swept aside all comers and on Sunday at CommBank Stadium face the prospect of hoisting the trophy with a 10th consecutive victory.

“We’ve been thereabouts all season, it’s probably just a change in mindset and a bit more self belief,” said Dallalana, of his side who last week ended Canberra’s season after the minor premiers had no answers in a 38-18 drubbing.

“The team is similar to what we had at the start of the season. Although it was mostly a new and young squad, so it has just taken a while to understand what is required to develop a week in, week out grind style mentality.”

While this year’s under-21 squad have slowly turned the corner, Dallalana shed light on an overarching program that points to a brighter future across the board.

“The Shire junior base isn’t the biggest in the league, but I think over the past decade the club has punched above its weight in what they actually produce,” Dallalana said.

“There’s a strong emphasis on player development and there is a really good team running the program.

“We had a lot of top age guys in Jersey Flegg last year, and now many of those guys like Sam Stonestreet and Chris Vea’ila are playing for Newtown in this week’s NSW Cup grand final.”

Sharks halfback Riley Pollard takes on the line. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

As Cronulla chase its first Flegg title since 2018, Dallalana will call on the experience of a handful of stars led by fullback Siteni Taukamo and prop Salesi Ataata who have also tasted Cup action throughout the campaign.

“The club is starting to blood younger guys through the grades and they are getting a taste of reserve grade earlier than they probably ever have. But that’s a result of the continuity of having players together over a decent period of time,” he said.

“Siteni’s progress is really pleasing. He’s been in the system since he was about 15 and now trains with the NRL squad.

“With age, the penny has dropped that this rugby league stuff isn’t too bad, compared to working five days a week.”

Having finished on the wrong end of the score in both clashes with Canterbury this season, Dallalana will seek to maximise every advantage at his disposal.

“It’s always a good battle with the Bulldogs, they have a good junior system too and I think it brings out the best in both teams.”

Ahead of Sunday’s big clash, here’s several Sharks guns to keep an eye on.

Sharks fullback Siteni Taukamo is rising through the Cronulla pathways. Picture: Tim Hunter.

SITENI TAUKAMO (FULLBACK)

The hard running No.1 is reaping the rewards for his commitment to Cronulla’s respected pathways program.

Noted for his imposing presence, Siteni is a threat from either end of the field and hasn’t looked out of place in seven NSW Cup appearances this season, crossing for five four-pointers.

CHAZ JARVIS (HOOKER)

The younger brother of rising boxing sensation Brock Jarvis, Chaz sets the Sharks’ standard with his own fighting qualities.

A former playmaker, the young hooker has come along in leaps and bounds since pulling on the No.9 jersey this season. A fierce competitor, his infectious work ethic brings out the best in his teammates.

Cronulla’s Chaz Jarvis during his time in SG Ball. Picture: Tim Hunter.

SALESI ATAATA (PROP)

Alongside Lachlan Crouch and Felix Faatili, Salesi forms part of a formidable Cronulla middle rotation.

Since leaving New Zealand to follow his dream, the punishing No.10 has built a solid reputation for taking command in centre field. Now in his final season of Flegg, his six appearances for Newtown indicate there’s even brighter days ahead.

Cronulla prop Salesi Ataata takes a power of stopping. Picture: Sharks Media

TAJ FORD (FIVE-EIGHTH)

The South Coast product arrived in the Shire this season after playing SG Ball for the Illawarra Steelers. Missed a swag of games due to injury, but is now returning to his elusive best at the pointy end of the season.

Has struck up a key partnership with halfback Riley Pollard, and sizzled with a three-try performance in last week’s big win over Canberra.

MICHAEL GABRAEL (CENTRE)

A quality prospect and key signing from Canterbury, the 19-year-old centre is a genuine line breaker who trains full time with the NRL squad.

All going to plan, Michael is set to line-up against older brother Danny in a spirited contest for family bragging rights.

Originally published as Jersey Flegg: Upbeat Sharks ready for Bulldogs in grand final at CommBank Stadium