September has arrived, and the start of finals footy is here, as eight teams are left fighting for the premiership.
With every side making the cut, we take a look at the weaknesses that could bring their 2026 campaign to an end.
Cronulla Sharks: Their finals history
The current form of the Cronulla Sharks has dropped dramatically since their climb to the top eight. In addition, their history with finals games has brought consistent heartbreak for the club.
Cronulla has made the finals many times, but has only made it to the grand final four times, bringing home one premiership. The club seems to fall short when pressure rises in finals, and with their current form, the same story may just rewrite itself.
They have had impressive performances over the season but also significant losses that create cracks in their foundation. With their recent 38-18 loss to the Parramatta Eels followed by a final round blunder against the Storm, Sharks fans fear that the side peaked too early.
Under Craig Fitzgibbon, the Sharks have made four finals and two preliminary finals, but have failed to reach the grand final and have often struggled to get it done against the top sides.
Will the current squad of the Cronulla Sharks be able to overcome previous results? It's tough to see it happening.
On the Sharks, Bella, I believe their biggest weakness is their coach.
Ever since he arrived in Cronulla he has been loath to make best use of the players he has in his squad.
He consistently picks the same old faces, regardless of the quality of newer squad members.
Hence he ran into a brick wall a month out when injuries meant he has had to play old guys out of form or bring in new guys with zero experience is first grade.
Add to that his poor handling of the bench. He used only 3 interchange players in last weeks loss to the Storm. He has selected SIX forwards on the bench for the first week of the finals. No backs, and this with Trindall being rushed back in after his shoulder dislocation.
I genuinely believe that a better coach would have had the same squad as genuine contenders this season.