Sharks star vows to 'step up' and help marquee man

Sharks forwards have vowed to take some of the workload off marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake to ensure the big man is fresh for the big end-of-season matches. The former Warriors prop has been a great acquisition for the Sharks, leading the way up front across the opening nine weeks of the competition. In a tight win over the Eels in Magic Round, Fonua-Blake ran for 140 metres with the ball - more than any Cronulla forward. But his teammates realise there is a chance of burnout over a long season and want to ease the burden on the giant front-rower. "Addin has been massive for us - on and off the field," in-form back-rower Briton Nikora told Wide World of Sports. "His leadership is proving a real asset and he is great with the young blokes, but we can also use him better - we know that. "We don't want to rely on him to do everything and want to try to keep him fresh and fit for when we really need him in the big games. "It's up to the rest of us in the forwards to step up and not make him have to push himself so hard." Nikora is in career-best form for the Sharks, running off well-timed passes from halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall to create havoc for defences. "I've been playing with these guys for a few years now and we know each other's games," the Kiwi star said. "They have the ball skills and it's up to me to run the right lines, but I'm happy with the way things are going." Cronulla face a big test of their credentials against Manly at Brookvale on Sunday. "That's a hard place to win and they have a good team so we will need to be at our best," Nikora said.

Sharks Replacement Impressing Suitors

Mawene Hiroti is proving a fine replacement for injured Kayal Iro in the Sharks backline. The 26-year-old centre can't secure a spot in the team when the Sharks are at full strength but when he comes in he does his job - scoring tries. In a remarkable stat, the Kiwi born centre has played five NRL games since the start of 2023 … and scored in every one of them. He was at it again in the impressive win at Newcastle on Sunday, crossing the stripe as the Sharks dismantled the fancied Knights outside backs. Hiroti comes off contract at the end of the season and rival clubs could do a lot worse than look at the former Rabbitohs and NSW Residents centre.

Fitzy's message rings true

Craig Fitzgibbon demanded his players get over their second half 'blues' - and the Sharks responded in Perth. After scoring just one try in their last three second halves, Cronulla went on with the job against Manly. Leading 8-0 at the break, the Sharks piled on three tries in the second session in Perth to finish 24-18 winners. Against a Manly team that has little trouble scoring points, it's just as well the Sharks found their tryscoring clout, otherwise they would have been in danger of tumbling to a third straight defeat. Fullback Will Kennedy was outstanding for the Sharks, scoring a spectacular solo try and having another 90-metre effort disallowed.

Staggering call to bench Nicho Hynes as shock new position floated for $1 million Sharks star

NRL great Bryan Fletcher has made the shock call that Cronulla should bench Nicho Hynes until he finds some form and confidence again. And Scott Sattler believes a switch to lock could be on the cards. Hynes didn't have a poor game in the Sharks' loss to Penrith in Las Vegas, but fans would have been expecting him to take charge more. As we saw in the back-half of 2024, Braydon Trindall appears to have taken over as the chief playmaker at the Sharks, with Hynes not getting his hands on the ball as much. Hynes provided a lovely ball to Jesse Ramien for the game's first try, but he took more of a back seat as Trindall steered the team around. Questions have also emerged as to whether Hynes is fully-fit due to the fact he gave up the goal-kicking duties to Trindall as well. Hynes is on $1 million per season at Cronulla, and many believe his output hasn't matched the big contract in recent times. Some have suggested the Sharks should switch him to fullback so Daniel Atkinson can start in the halves, but that would mean axing regular No.1 Will Kennedy. Speaking on SEN radio on Monday, Roosters and Souths great Fletcher floated the shock option of benching Hynes for a period. "Trindall is their playmaker and their spark," Fletcher said. "We saw that in the semi-final last year and everyone was saying 'Nicho has done well to take a back seat'. "But I don't think it's Nicho taking a back seat, I think it's Braydon Trindall just demanding the ball. I think Kennedy is quicker than Nicho, so I don't know what they should do. "I personally would start Nicho from the bench. I know that's a big call, but at the moment...I'm not saying he's a passenger, but I think he might benefit from a spell on the bench just to get the fire back into his belly."

'Worried' star lifts lid on surprise Panthers role

LAS VEGAS: The Panthers' accidental hero in Vegas admits he was terrified when he was called off the bench into battle after just three minutes. Classy utility back Daine Laurie didn't even know if he would get a run in the game - and ended up scoring two blistering tries that proved the difference over a brave Cronulla. But when Laurie had to replace concussed winger Casey McLean in the opening exchanges, he was a worried man. "I can play just about anywhere in the backline but when I had to come on to the wing, I was worried," Laurie told Wide World of Sports. "I played wing a few times last year and it didn't go well. "I made some mistakes that cost us and so my confidence wasn't high. I prefer fullback, centre or the halves - anywhere but wing - but hey, you do what you have to for your team." On top of his two tries, Laurie ended up making two line breaks - more than any player on the field in a tight contest - and earned special praise from coach Ivan Cleary. "He did an unbelievable job when he came on," Cleary said. "It is a hard job, being No.14 - but he can play anywhere in the backline and came up with some big plays for us." McLean, by the way, was shaken but recovered well after taking a heavy hit to the head. "He's not too bad," Cleary said.

'Painful' video sessions driving Sharks to topple premiers

Sharks skipper Cam McInnes is adamant that hours of painful video work on last year's preliminary final loss to the Panthers will see his side turn the tables on the premiers on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) in Las Vegas. Cronulla were knocked out one game short of the grand final 26-6 to end their 2024 campaign - but McInnes insists this isn't about revenge. "It would be great to get one back on them after coming so close last year but revenge is not a motivation," McInnes told Wide World of Sports. "It's more about playing the benchmark team and seeing just where we are at to start the season. We've reviewed that game a lot on video and it wasn't easy watching but we got some good lessons from it and know what we need to do. "We know the formula - I don't want to give too much away but field position is the key to beating them - they are such a good side and just grind down the field and then put points on. If we can match them in that area then we are on our way. "But then, they are also so good at defending try line… that's why they are the greatest team of the modern era. "The build-up is actually pretty similar for both matches - both massive games with so much on the line. It's been a long summer and the boys are itching to get out there." The defending premiers will be without star winger Brian To'o for the clash in Sin City, while the Sharks won't have winger Sione Katoa on deck for an extended period.

'Phenomenal' move that could end ugly Sharks trend

Phil Gould believes the Sharks are a "genuine premiership chance" as the arrival of star forward Addin Fonua-Blake bolsters their roster. For the past few years, Cronulla have floated in and around the top four, but have failed to take the next step and compete with the likes of Penrith and Melbourne. However, there's reason to believe that won't be the case in 2025 and it could be Fonua-Blake who catapults the side towards their second NRL title. "They are a genuine premiership chance and they've been knocking on the door for a couple of years," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus. "Fonua-Blake can be phenomenal for them. It's that little bit of leadership that they have been looking for and off them back of him, it should see [Nicho] Hynes, [Will] Kennedy and [Braydon] Trindall create a lot of opportunities. "They are a premiership chance, no risk in the world … it's just about how they match up against the good sides on the big days, that's what they have got to do. "They have been top-four now for a couple of years, knocking around there. There hasn't been a great deal of change, so there's a lot of familiarity in their roster. "Craig Fitzgibbon has been there for a couple of years and the culture is well-ingrained." Cronulla have perhaps the most well-balanced squad in the competition, possessing the type of depth that is hard to come by in the modern game. The sign of a strong roster is often proven by those who miss out on selection and this year there's a chance that players such as Toby Rudolf, Sione Katoa and Daniel Atkinson miss out on a first grade spot when Fitzgibbon has everyone available. Their feeder side, the famous Newtown Jets, also took out the NSW Cup competition last year and many of those players will still be in the fold should injuries strike. Gould also pointed to the growth in oft-maligned playmaker Nicho Hynes as a reason for Cronulla's potential success, admitting the signs are there that the 2022 Dally M Medal winner is poised for a big year after struggling at times in 2024. "I think Nicho has got really good at ignoring the noise from the outside," he said. "It might have worried him early on, but he seems very settled in himself at the moment." Cronulla will begin their NRL campaign against reigning premiers Penrith on March 2 in Las Vegas.

Hidden talent emerges as replacement for Sharks cult hero

With cult hero prop Tom Hazelton seeming almost certain to leave the Sharks in 2026, the club hasn't taken long to find his replacement. Auckland-born prop Tuku Hau Tapuha was a standout in the 12-all draw with the Warriors in the trials, scoring a try and making several other probing runs. The 23-year-old, who learned his trade in Brisbane before making his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2021, joined the Sharks in 2023 and has been groomed by the club for regular NRL footy. A Maori All Stars representative, he played 10 games for the club last season and could play double that in 2025. The big prop stood right up to the powerful Warriors pack and has the aggression and size to replace Hazelton - if he moves on.

Shock Welch replacement eyes immediate switch

In-demand prop Tom Hazelton could be the shock replacement for recently retired Storm veteran Christian Welch - and it could even happen this season. Welch decided to hang up the boots on medical grounds this week and the Storm were given salary cap relief to cover his loss. Hazelton comes off contract with the Sharks at the end of 2025 and his management sees him as the ideal man to fill Welch's shoes at Melbourne. "We have had preliminary talks and it is still early days," Hazelton's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "The Storm is such a great organisation and Tom would learn so much there and if he signs a long-term deal with Melbourne, Cronulla may even let him go now. "You never know… stranger things have happened." A host of clubs, headed by the Dragons and Newcastle, have shown interest in Hazelton, who was again impressive in the Sharks' win over Canberra in the national capital last night. With Addin Fonua-Blake coming on board this season, the Sharks have a host of big middle men and look at long odds to retain the much-improved Hazelton.

Big shark on the rise

Tom Hazelton's stocks continue to rise with the Sharks' cult hero prop scoring the opening try of the trials in the draw with the Warriors. The big forward is off contract at the end of the season and has yet to commit himself to the Sharks, letting his football do the talking as rival clubs circle. Big and strong, Hazelton should be a fine foil for marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake in the strong Sharks pack. At least three rival clubs are keen to swoop on the big man - but he is taking his time and will be one of the most sought-after middles on the open market for 2026.

'All-important' question with Sharks star's future in doubt

Sharks fans should know within the opening six rounds of the new season whether their team has what it takes to be genuine contenders in 2025. After making the top four last year and being knocked out by the champion Penrith team, the Sharks have arguably the toughest early draw in the league. They meet their nemesis, Penrith, again in Vegas to kick their campaign off, followed by the Cowboys in Townsville, Wayne Bennett's rebuilt Bunnies, the improved Bulldogs, Canberra in the ACT and the dangerous Manly in round six. Running the gauntlet so early will be hard - but it means Craig Fitzgibbon's men can assess where they are and look forward to some 'easier' games down the track. Much of the Sharks' hopes revolve around marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake from the Warriors. If he can rediscover his best football, the big man will add genuine strike power to an already formidable pack capable of pushing around any forward outfit in the NRL on their day. There will be much interest in how the halves play for the Sharks in the new season. When Nicho Hynes was out injured and then lost his way in 2024, Braydon Trindall took over the playmaking role and was among the form halves in the premiership in the big games. With Hynes fit again, will he play second fiddle to Trindall as he did late last season, or will Fitzgibbon give him first use of the football again? Overall, a well-balanced squad with the speed and power in the backline to back up the go-forward of the pack … A real chance for a second NRL title if things go well.

2025 gains - Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Hohepa Puru (Raiders)

2025 losses - Jack Williams (Eels), Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers), Siteni Taukamo (Knights)

Local rivalry escalates as Sharks star confirms departure

Daniel Atkinson has been confirmed as Shane Flanagan's latest recruit at the Dragons, with the star utility to join the club on a three-year deal. The 23-year-old impressed this season for the Sharks and despite the club putting an offer on the table, they were unable to match their local rivals. Atkinson will head to St George Illawarra at the start of the 2026 season, but remains committed to the Sharks for next year. "Daniel received a significant offer from another club, one which we unfortunately were unable to compete with," Cronulla general manager Darren Mooney said. "In his time at the Sharks, Daniel has developed into a quality NRL player, will be an integral member of our squad during the 2025 season and we look forward to him making a substantial contribution to our success this year." With both Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes blocking his path to a regular starting spot, Atkinson will head down to Wollongong, in hopes of cementing himself in the top grade. Atkinson will join the likes of Valentine Holmes, Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook as the marquee signings, since coach Flanagan took over at the start of 2024. "We're really happy to be welcoming Daniel to the club in 2026," he said. "He's a classy player who has shown an ability to cover multiple positions as well as a strong competitor who will come in and improve our squad as a whole. "We have a big year ahead with a squad which will improve further in 2025 and look forward to welcoming Daniel for the 2026 season."

'Real x-factor': Knights snatch young gun from Sharks

The Knights have scored a coup by signing a highly rated Greek World Cup utility back for next season. Siteni Taukamo, a speedy 20-year-old from the Sharks, was being chased by at least four rival clubs before deciding to sign a train and trial deal with the Knights. The youngster, who can play five-eighth, centre, wing and fullback, could be a handy back-up player for Knights coach Adam O'Brien. Taukamo made history in 2022 when he scored Greece's first-ever World Cup try. He followed that up with his team's only try in a record 94-4 loss against England. He has played the past couple of seasons for the Newtown Jets, impressing with his speed and versatility. "I think the Knights have got themselves a quality player with real x-factor," Taukamo's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "He was in the Sharks' top 30 but never got a chance because their backline rarely got any injuries. "We saw more opportunity at the Knights and hopefully he will get his chance."

Brutal Sharks reality laid bare as $1m star 'loses his way'

The Sharks managed to break their finals hoodoo in 2024 - but only just. After losing nine of their previous 10 finals games, the Sharks managed an impressive win over the dangerous Cowboys in the second week of the big end of season games to move within a win of the grand final. But in the end they were no match for the Penrith machine and finished the campaign with two losses from their three finals - still a worry for a club with a good roster and plenty of strike power. Compare that to the Panthers, who have won a record 11 straight finals, and you see the gap between the elite teams and the next level. There was a massive changing of the guard in the second half of the season with Nicho Hynes losing his way and Braydon Trindall taking the keys to the attack. Trindall played the game of his life in the win over the Cowboys but couldn't repeat the feat in the clash with the Panthers as the Sharks fell one game short of the big dance. There were plenty of positives about the season, however. Fullback Will Kennedy was solid while wingers Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo were genuine strike weapons, bagging 35 tries between them. Young centre Kayal Iro came of age as an NRL player, running with power and purpose and defending strongly, while his backline partner Jesse Ramien was one of the most dangerous wide runners in the league. Another youngster, Dan Atkinson, proved a fine utility player, filling in most spots in the backline with ease.

Best signing: Addin Fonua-Blake

His arrival will add plenty to the Sharks' already formidable size and fear factor up front and could see them improve on this year's near grand final finish.

2025 gains: Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors).

2025 losses: Dale Finucane (retired), Sam Healey (New Zealand Warriors), Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers).

Cronulla Sharks: 2023 finish: 6th | 2024 finish: 4th

Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro in doubt for Cronulla

But the Panthers aren't alone in having injury concerns, with the Sharks reportedly rocked by doubts over starting centres Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro. Ramien reportedly tweaked an ankle injury last weekend, while Iro is said to be dealing with a bicep issue. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has the option of using Siosifa Talakai in the centres, while wingers Sam Stonestreet and Mawene Hiroti are part of the extended squad. Utility Daniel Atkinson has also played on the wing this season and might slot into the centres if Ramien and Iro are both out.

Grand final players pulled in Sharks double blow

The Sharks are facing an uphill battle to have their best team on the field ahead of their preliminary final against Penrith with their backline dealt a major blow. Centre Jesse Ramien is doubtful to play and his centre partner Kayal Iro is also struggling to overcome a biceps strain he suffered in the win over the Cowboys. Ramien is all but expected to be ruled out and be replaced by Sifa Talakai at right centre after he was unable to finish the Cowboys match last week due to an ankle problem. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has already made a move to cover the potential losses with Daniel Atkinson and Mawene Hiroti withdrawn from feeder club Newtown Jets' grand final preparations for their clash against the North Sydney Bears at CommBank Stadium on Sunday. Hiroti is on standby for Iro, while Atkinson is expected to sit on the bench for the Panthers clash. Cronulla will need to overcome a poor record against Penrith to qualify for their first decider since 2016. Ivan Cleary's men lead the head-to-head 7-3 in the past ten meetings. But the data is particularly damning in their last two clashes, with the Sharks failing to register a point in either match. Penrith beat the Sharks 42-0, scoring seven tries in round 12 this season at PointsBet Stadium. Cronulla was also pumped 28-0 in a round 22 match last year in Penrith, giving up five tries without posting points of their own. Fitzgibbon's men also went down to Penrith during their round 19 clash in 2022, but the score was a little more respectable, losing 20-10. The Panthers were down 10-0 and piled on 20 unanswered points to grab the win in that game.

'Announced himself': Gus in awe of unsung hero

A late Cowboys resurgence was not enough to dim the brilliance of Braydon Trindall as the Sharks book their spot in the grand final qualifier. The 26-18 victory marks the end of the Sharks horror finals run since 2018 and the first September football triumph with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm. But it was Trindall who was the unlikely hero for the side, recording two tries, one try assist and a linebreak. The playmaker ignited the Sharks early onslaught with a penalty try as he was pulled to the turf without the ball by an incoming Reuben Cotter. The surprising decision was backed up by a steaming Cameron McInnes try, which was produced by the brilliance of a Ronaldo Mulitalo and Trindall partnership. Trindall and Mulitalo followed the effort to close the half with a 24-point lead over the interstate visitors. "What a try - outstanding from Trindall in the corner," Peter Psaltis said on Nine. Valentine Holmes halted the Sharks onslaught in the opening minutes of the final 40 with his trademark footwork pushing him to plant the ball down next to the posts. But a pinpoint kick by Trindall forced a set restart in favour of the Sharks and set Sione Koata up to score, but he was later denied by the Bunker due to a knock on. Royce Hunt looked certain to score minutes later but was also denied by the Bunker as an earlier knock on by Mulitalo was missed on field. An additional two tries by the Cowboys was of little concern for the five-eighth, who forced yet another repeated set before rattling the Cowboys to earn a penalty goal. "He's playing like a veteran and that was fantastic," Paul Vautin said. "He has had a magnificent game Trindall." After the game, halves partner Nicho Hynes heaped praise on Trindall and believes their combination is coming together well at the right time of year. "He's killing it Tricky," he said. "All I wanted to do was come back and suit our style. Tricky has been kicking well and playing well, so we've got to stick to our strengths as a football team. "We're gelling pretty nicely at the right part of the year." The highest praise however came from Phil Gould, who claims Trindall is now a bonafide first grade star who will have plenty of clubs knocking on his door soon. "Every finals series, a player emerges and rise to the occasion to announce themselves," he said on Nine's post-game recap. "I think that's a breakout game. We know he's been a talented player, he had to wait for a long time at the Sharks - but tonight was a breakout game. "He really announced himself on the stage of NRL football … that was a superb performance and he really did take the pressure away from Nicho Hynes. "He was able to simplify his game … Trindall came up with the big plays."

How 'The Beast' is behind young gun's Sharks rise

Cronulla young gun Kayal Iro has one of the rugby league world's best centres of the 1990s watching his every move and working to improve his game. The tutor just happens to be his dad Kevin, so destructive in his playing days that he was known in both Super League and the NRL as 'The Beast'. "I'm too young to have seen him play but I've seen plenty of him on video," Kayal told Wide World of Sports. "I've tried to model my game on him but he was definitely more dynamic than me - he was amazing. "He is living back home in the Cook Islands but watches the games and we talk or text during the week. "He gives me plenty of feedback - good and bad - but that's what I need and I know it comes from the heart. "He has helped me improve my game and I can't thank him enough." The 24-year-old Kayal has followed in his father's footsteps, playing Test football in the centres for the Cook Islands - and managed to do it before he became a regular first grader. This season has been his breakout year, with the strong running centre cementing a regular top grade spot for the Sharks and scoring some spectacular tries. "I'm happy with the way I'm going but feel I am still learning first grade footy," he said. "Having Dad in my corner is a big help and I'm sure we will talk again before Friday night's game against the Cowboys."

Cult hero 'in hot demand' amid 10-player Sharks squeeze

Cronulla is in danger of losing cult hero prop Tom Hazelton, with at least seven clubs circling the giant Shark. The 25-year-old late bloomer has become a fan favourite at the club this season, playing 23 games and powering his way over for seven tries. But Hazelton is still unsigned for 2026, which means he can sign for any club in the league from November 1. The Sharks are desperate to keep the long-striding prop but it is believed they have salary cap issues and need to cut some dead wood before offering him a new deal. "I have had inquiries from seven or eight clubs about big Tom - they are waiting until November 1 when they are officially allowed to talk to him about 2026," Hazelton's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "He is really in hot demand - he's had a breakout year." Hazelton hails from Goulburn and was recommended to the Sharks by club legend Gavin Miller, who also hails from the same NSW country town. The Sharks have a lot of work to do to retain their squad - Oregon Kaufusi is unsigned for 2025 while Cameron McInnes, Daniel Atkinson, Briton Nikora, Braydon Trindall, Kade Dykes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Teig Wilton and Teig Wilton are also free to talk to rival clubs come November 1.

Cronulla Sharks coach responds to ugly claims around Nicho Hynes ahead of Storm clash

Craig Fitzgibbon has shut down claims star halfback Nicho Hynes fails to deliver in the big games having warned the Sharks are primed for a deep NRL finals run ahead of their clash with the Storm on Saturday. The Sharks have produced in recent weeks having won five of their last six outings to finish the NRL season. There only loss in the last six games came against the Warriors in the final play of the game. One of the form teams entering the finals, the Sharks will play minor premiers the Storm in the first round of the NRL finals. And coach Fitzgibbon has praised his team for finding form at the right time of the season. "The last two years we've probably almost limped into the finals, players in, players out," Fitzgibbon said ahead of the clash with Melbourne. "This year we've got a bit of energy about us and we feel like we've surged through the back end of the year with energy." And Fitzgibbon knows all eyes will be on Hynes as he enters another NRL finals campaign with question marks hovering over his ability to deliver when it matters. Hynes was selected for State of Origin Game 1 this year, but was dropped for the remainder of the series after an underwhelming performance in the game's biggest arena. He has also come under question a number of times for the Sharks having failed to deliver when the game has been on the line. However, Hynes returned from injury two few weeks ago and looks fresh with the halfback producing one of his best games of the season in the Sharks' demolition of Manly last week. And Fitzgibbon believes Hynes is an invaluable player for the team as they look to quell doubts surrounding their title credentials. "He hasn't had that many (big games) so he might not have yet, but that's not to say he can't in the future," the Sharks coach said of Hynes.