LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
As the Sharks hit the field in round 1, it was clear that Fitzgibbon's surf sessions had paid off.
The team looked sharp and focused, displaying a level of cohesion and determination that had been missing in their disappointing end to the previous season.
With stars like Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend leading the way, Cronulla put on a clinic against the Dragons, reminding everyone why they were once considered premiership contenders.
On the flip side, the Titans struggled to find their footing in their clash against the Warriors.
Des Hasler's men looked disjointed and lacking in direction, with errors and poor decision-making costing them dearly.
The coach was left scratching his head, wondering how his team had managed to start the season on such a low note.
But perhaps the most concerning issue to come out of round 1 was the increasing resemblance of the NRL to soccer.
With players milking penalties, diving and feigning injuries becoming more common, fans and commentators alike were left questioning whether the spirit of the game was being compromised.
As the league grappled with this identity crisis, it was clear that changes needed to be made to ensure that rugby league remained true to its roots.