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.
3. Nicho Hynes
Nicho Hynes had his most consistent season since joining the Sharks, showing improved defensive reads and better balance between running and passing. He became more composed off the ball and more accountable in edge defence. But in several big matches, he hesitated at crucial moments — holding back on attacking kicks or passing options when Cronulla needed assertiveness and control.
2025 snapshot
- Appearances: 27
- Tries: 8
- Goals: 98
- Try assists: 21
- Line-break assists: 31
- Average run metres: 89
- Average kick metres: 220
Why his role is so important
Hynes remains the heartbeat of Cronulla's attack. When he runs decisively and kicks with confidence, the Sharks' tempo lifts instantly. When he plays too cautiously, their sets flatten and rhythm fades. His ability to balance composure with conviction will determine whether Cronulla can take the final step to premiership contention.
Key focus areas
- Be more aggressive with attacking kicks and fifth-tackle plays under pressure
- Maintain improved edge defence and communication
- Back his running game and instinct when defences compress
- Lead from the front in high-pressure moments rather than deferring to structure
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.