Of one of the many, many reasons we all love rugby league is its unpredictability.
I can't tell you the last time a pre-season predicted top eight came to pass.
There's always a host of teams who outshine their standing while some teams just simply can't live up to their own hype.
2025 is no different.
I'd even go so far as to suggest that 2025 is a special case altogether. Look at the fact that the Penrith Panthers rode the bottom of the table for weeks.
Today we are here to look at a few of those occurrences that were somewhat, or totally, un believeavle back in late February.
I'm nothing if not humble. I'm more than happy to admit where I've been wrong. Unfortunately it happens so often it has become a habit.
Below are five statements I thought I'd never be typing in the pre-season:
2. Craig Fitzgibbon may not be "the guy" for the Sharks
As a Sharks fan, I was convinced that Craig Fitzgibbon was not only the perfect coach for the club but that he would deliver the next Premiership.
Non Sharks fans may think I'm crazy given the fact the Sharks have never missed Finals under Fitzgibbon, and were in the Prelim Final last year.
My doubts here have arisen over our coaches inability to integrate newer/younger players into the side.
Names like Hohepa Puru, who is the form forward of the NSW Cup competition and Chris Vea'ila just can't get a game, while Sam Stonestreet, KL Iro and Jesse Colquhoun had to wait far too long for their chance.
Meanwhile Oregon Kaufusi and Dan Atkinson would be flat chat making any other side in the competition yet are two regulars.
I'm absolutely not calling for Fitzgibbon's job by any means, but I am nowhere near as certain as I once was.
“I’m absolutely not calling for Fitzgibbon’s job by any means, but I am nowhere near as certain as I once was.”
Come on Dan, have the courage of your convictions and tell us what you _really_ think.
The Sharks’ team selection is poor, rotation is worse, and retention/recruitment is execrable. The Head Coach has the major say in all three.