Final Four: Cronulla Sharks
- Author
- Timestamp
Craig Fitzgibbon's first year at the helm of the Sharks has been an unqualified success and the club's second premiership is a very real possibility.
The golden point win over the Rabbitohs may prove to be a critical moment in Cronulla's season as it kept them in third place and denied a fellow contender two valuable competition points, while their local derby victory over the Dragons has kept them well in the hunt for a home final.
Fullback William Kennedy's ankle injury will sideline him until the finals but the Sharks have the depth to cover his absence and he'll come back fresh and ready to fire in September.
With Nicho Hynes proving one of the buys of the season and Matt Moylan enjoying a career revival, the Sharks have playmakers the equal of any in the top eight and their forwards can match it with the best of them.
The final four games
- Round 22 v Wests Tigers (A)
- Round 23 v Sea Eagles (A)
- Round 24 v Bulldogs (H)
- Round 25 v Knights (A)
The Sharks have come up with a sweet draw to round out their season with games against four sides outside the top eight.
The Sea Eagles are likely to still be in finals contention come Round 23 so a trip to 4 Pines Park looms as stern test but the Sharks should be banking on winning at least three of their last four games.
Home, sweet home
With a 9-2 home record this year, the Sharks will go in as heavy favourites in their remaining fixture at PointsBet Stadium against the Bulldogs in Round 24.
The Sharks' spiritual home ground will be packed to the rafters for that final game and those loyal fans would give Fitzgibbon's men a huge leg-up if they host a final at PointsBet.
Quick fix: Sharks v Dragons
On the road
The Sharks travel to Scully Park in Tamworth in Round 22 for a Tigers home game and then head to Brookvale (Round 23) and Newcastle (Round 25) where a hostile reception is guaranteed.
Impressive victories at WIN Stadium, Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium during the campaign showed the Sharks have what it takes to get the job done on the road.
Must-watch game
Match: Sea Eagles v Sharks
Round 23 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
11th Position
away Team
Sharks
3rd Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Cronulla and Manly played in one of the most brutal grand finals of all time in 1973 and met again in the '78 decider which had to be replayed after finishing in an 11-11 draw. There's a great history between these two beachside clubs and their Round 23 clash at 4 Pines Park looks set to have massive ramifications for both sides.
The Sharks have won seven of their past eight so victories in their last four games would make it 11 from 12 going into the finals.
Given the ladder positions of the teams they face and the composure they have shown in pressure situations that looks a realistic goal, which could see them snare second spot on 38 competition points.
- Best case finish: 1st
- Worst case finish: 8th
Use the NRL’s ladder predictor tool to see for yourself where your team can finish this year!
