NRL 2026, Cronulla Sharks, best 17, injuries, Nicho Hynes, Blayke Brailey, signings, grand final quest

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Sun 1 Feb 2026, 08:01 AM

The 2026 NRL season looms as Cronulla's best chance to claim a breakthrough title before the club's premiership window starts to close.

The Sharks are celebrating 10 years since their maiden premiership and another grand final victory would be the perfect way to honour the occasion.

After two straight trips to the preliminary final, Cronulla are desperate to take the next step and progress to the decider.

Hynes all class

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has the luxury of a settled squad, with utility Daniel Atkinson the only notable departure.

Halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall are entering their fifth year together as a combination and will look to take the side's attack to another level.

The arrival of imposing prop Addin Fonua-Blake in 2025 provided a major impact for the Sharks, with the forward generating go forward for Blayke Brailey and the backs to play off.

The hooker enjoyed the best season of his career and a NSW jumper beckons if he starts 2026 the way he finished last year.

Brailey runs the show for the Sharks

While the Sharks have a settled roster, they have been dealt a double ACL blow on the injury front.

Captain Cam McInnes is due back around May as he recovers from a knee injury suffered late last season, while winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is on track to return in the second half of the year after tearing his ACL during the Pacific Championships.

Emerging forward Jesse Colquhoun made the most of his opportunity during last year's finals series and will again fill the void at lock before the skipper returns.

Out wide, local junior Sam Stonestreet is set for more game time in Mulitalo's place as he looks to continue his development into a full-time starter.

Having made the preliminary final in two-straight years and with 14 players off contract at the end of the season, the pressure is on for the Sharks to go at least one better in 2026 and book a place in the grand final.