2. 2020 Recap

In 2020 the Sharks were ... average. Scored as many points as they conceded in the regular season, yet ultimately proved to be nothing more than fodder at the business end of the year.

They didn't beat a top eight side all year, routinely being wiped off the park by the big boys. That said, they also handled the sides below them with some ease, which saw them finish eighth.

Injuries to key players had a huge say in their 2020 fortunes but their inability to beat the sides above them proved fatal in terms of their season.

Their exciting crop of youngsters all have another year under their belt which should provide fruitful moving forward. Katoa, Brailey, Mulitalo, Rudolf, Hamlin-Uele and co are now cemented first graders and look better for the year.

NRL Rd 7 - Sea Eagles v Sharks
GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Sione Katoa of the Sharks celebrates scoring a try during the round seven NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Cronulla Sharks at Central Coast Stadium on June 28, 2020 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

2020 felt like a stopgap year, almost a rebuilding year as such, yet was transformed into something potentially more due to the brilliance of one man; Shaun Johnson.