Season Preview: Cronulla Sharks

9th

The Sharks are, undoubtedly, the hardest team to predict. They have the firepower to finish as high as fifth, or they have the "ability" to finish as low as 12th. It all depends on factors that they simply cannot rely on right now.

Shaun Johnson is one of the game's elite players. Wade Graham is the best ball playing second rower in the game. Matt Moylan is a try assist machine when fit. Jesse Ramien is almost impossible to tackle when he's on song. When will Johnson be back? Can Wade overcome a poor 2020? Can Moylan stay fit? When will Ramien be on song?

Then of course there's the coaching situation. Until John Morris is either relieved or re-signed there will be constant talk re the future of the role. Shane Flanagan's name will never truly not be linked to the role given his history.

Honestly how do you rank this side? Last year they scored literally as many points as they conceded. On any given day they could put 50 on a side, or cop 50. Their not beating a single top eight side last year fills me with worry. Then again, they fact they beat almost everyone they were expected to shows some level of consistency.

Ultimately it will all come down to how Moylan starts the season. He fills in at six while Johnson is injured. If he returns to top form, then the Sharks will be fine. He took the side to a Prelim in 2018 with a similar (minus Val Homes) wide.

They look far better than six sides but a step or two behind six. Where they fall from there depends on injuries, tight finishes and luck.