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.
4. Blayke Brailey
Blayke Brailey took his game to another level in 2025, earning selection on the Australian Kangaroos end-of-year tour and pushing into NSW State of Origin contention. His defence was elite, and his work rate unmatched. Yet, despite his consistency, Brailey can still be too passive in attack. When he backs himself from dummy-half, Cronulla's middle opens up; when he doesn't, their forwards can be blunted.
2025 snapshot
- Appearances: 27
- Tackles made: 1,220
- Tackle efficiency: 94.8%
- Try assists: 14
- Line-break assists: 11
- Total run metres: 1,346
- Average run metres: 49
Why his role is so important
Brailey's running from dummy half sets the tempo for Cronulla. When he darts off the back of their forward power, he creates momentum and time for Hynes and Kayal Iro to strike. There's a clear pattern: when Brailey runs for more than 65 metres, Cronulla almost never lose. His leadership, communication, and balance between defence and attack are central to their success.
Key focus areas
- Run from dummy-half more often and surpass 65 metres consistently
- Stay composed and vocal through long defensive periods
- Maintain high defensive standards while expanding his attacking influence
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.