Cronulla Sharks 2024 season review
Overview
It was more of the same for the Sharks in 2024, who played finals for a third straight year under coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
They flew out of the blocks, winning nine of their first 10 games, and only Melbourne spent more weeks on top of the ladder in 2024. Cronulla did wobble mid-season, with six defeats in eight games between rounds 12 and 21, but they bounced back to win five of their last six games and cement a qualifying final with the Storm in week one of finals.
They were hammered 37-10 in that game, but bounced back impressively in week two to see off the Cowboys 26-18 and leave themselves just 80 minutes away from the Grand Final.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t get over the line, as the Panthers beat them 26-6 to leave the Sharks still waiting for a first Grand Final since 2016.
Highs
As mentioned earlier, nine wins from the opening 10 rounds was a great way to start the year and it really laid the groundwork for a top eight finish. Their 18-25 win on Melbourne in round 10 was a particular highlight, and showed what the Sharks are capable of when they’re on song.
Defensively, Cronulla were solid too, with only Penrith conceding fewer points during the regular season.
Individually, Braydon Trindall had a strong season and his performance in the finals win over the Cowboys was a real highlight, while youngsters Kayal Iro and Dan Atkinson had strong campaigns too.
Lows
Whilst the top eight never looked in much doubt for the Sharks, they continue to struggle when it comes to taking the next step up. Their win over the Cowboys in week two of the finals was only their second win in 11 games when it comes to the business end of the year, and that’s something they need to overcome to be a genuine premiership contender.
Reasons to be positive in 2025
The Sharks have a good platform to build from in 2025. Most clubs would love to have reached the top eight for three straight years, so they’ve been consistent if nothing else.
There’s a strong roster already in place too, and the addition of Addin Fonua-Blake to the forward pack next year will only help them improve. Add in some of the exciting youngsters who have come on leaps and bounds in 2024, like Dan Atkinson and Kayal Iro, and the Sharks should be a good shout for another finals push next year.
My 2024 prediction – 5th
Final 2024 position – 4th (+1)
Ok, so I was one place out but I’m claiming a small victory with this one.
My exact words at the start of the year were…
I’m expecting a similar campaign from the Sharks to last year, with another comfortable top eight finish but no Premiership at the end of it. I like the lack of player turnover and the fact they have such a settled squad, but on the other hand they could do with one or two big name additions to edge them a bit closer to Grand Final glory again.
Looks like I had the Sharks pretty well pegged from the start.
