Cronulla Sharks rise from rock bottom to keep NRL premiership dream alive

FORGET the Manly loss. The shocking start to 2015 and what the club has overcome means it has still been a meritorious year for the Sharks.

Sharks v Manly

WHAT a difference 12 months can make. This time last year, the Sharks were rock bottom.

The ASADA situation, a wooden spoon, no coach, no culture, no discipline, a Mad Monday scandal and Todd Carney’s “bubbler” photo.

Their chief executive was also about to be sacked.

The start to this year wasn’t much brighter. Four games, four losses. Michael Gordon wanted out. A coach and CEO allegedly at loggerheads.

And then suddenly it all transformed.

Sure, Sunday’s gripping loss to Manly is a shattering blow to their chances of breaking the longest premiership hoodoo in the game.

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Paul Gallen on the charge for the Sharks against Manly. Picture: Brett Costello

They will now have to do it the hard way from outside the top four. Considering the shocking start and what the club has overcome, it has still been a meritorious year.

This club has come a long way. Now they play premiers South Sydney in a knockout semi-final.

Their strength is having the most experienced pack in the NRL.

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Throw in Jeff Robson, the 2009 grand final halfback at Parramatta, and Gordon at fullback and you’ve got a side that won’t crack under finals pressure.

Also throw in Andrew Fifita, who returns from suspension.

The porch light is still flickering for at least one more week.

Originally published as Cronulla Sharks rise from rock bottom to keep NRL premiership dream alive