The Cronulla Sharks entered 2025 with one of the most balanced rosters in the NRL.
Under coach Craig Fitzgibbon, they have been a consistent finals force since 2022, built on defence, cohesion, and effort. The addition of Addin Fonua-Blake was meant to push them into premiership territory, yet the season ended one week short — a preliminary final loss to Melbourne.
The Sharks' consistency is undeniable, but their ability to take control of big moments still separates them from the elite. For them to turn consistent top-four contention into a genuine title threat, these five players must elevate again in 2026.
2. Tom Hazleton
Tom Hazleton remains one of Cronulla's most popular players, but 2025 exposed both his promise and inconsistency. He brought impact off the bench but struggled to maintain intensity over longer minutes. Handling errors and discipline occasionally stalled Cronulla's momentum in key moments.
2025 snapshot
Why his role is so important
Hazleton's go-forward and aggression set the tone for the middle rotation. When he plays with energy and precision, the Sharks dominate territory and tempo. His challenge is to bring that same physicality across multiple stints without error.
Key focus areas
- Improve ball control under fatigue
- Extend high-intensity minutes
- Maintain discipline and reduce penalties
So; all the spine and an impact player off the bench need to improve ?
More important than any of these – in my opinion – is an improvement from coach Fitzgibbon. He needs to drop players who are not performing to expectation.
At the moment, regardless of how they performed, any of last week’s 17 will get a run again this week, unless they are actually wearing a moonboot.
Thank you for your comment. Some things to consider. It’s a 17 man game and 36 man squad you’re relying on. These are the 5 players that must continue to improve to give Sharks the edge.
This is a team developed carefully with a strong core and a heap of experience. As much as fans want to believe the answer is in reserve grade, it’s always proven not to be the case. Sharks have continued to increase their depth and unearth young talent into a stable roster. It’s a proven formula. I think the coach learnt you need cover on your bench and can’t rely on a power game unless you complete over 78 percent and can maintain 52 percent possession.
The fact he has developed longer minutes out of kaufusi and looks like Uele is finally fit, it enables them to use the bench more effectively. As far as which players to improve, if Hazzelton and the spine improve in the areas mentioned, they will be getting another chance at a prelim im sure of it.
Gould has outlined the key to cap success and on field success. Cronulla have ability to put big scores on struggling teams, develop juniors that love the club and have been getting closer to taking the next step. But the roster is getting older, they need to take it soon.
Nice article
I can’t see any Cronulla player improving.
To be honest I’m surprised they are still in the NRL competition.
They add so little to the overall product, look at the numbers the get for a semifinal.
But amazingly even with Buzz Rothfeild as there number 1 ticket holder, the Cronulla Sharks still have a loyal bunch of fans and to all those fans I wish you well.