LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The 2026 NRL season represents a crucial opportunity for Cronulla to secure a long-awaited championship as their chance to compete begins to wane.
As the Sharks mark a decade since their inaugural premiership, clinching another title would provide an ideal celebration of this milestone.
After reaching the preliminary finals for two consecutive years, Cronulla aims to advance further to the grand final.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon benefits from a stable squad, with only utility player Daniel Atkinson notable for his departure.
The halves duo of Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, now in their fifth year together, will seek to elevate the team's offensive play.
The significant addition of imposing prop Addin Fonua-Blake in 2025 had a notable impact on the Sharks, enhancing the forward momentum for Blayke Brailey and the backs to exploit.
Brailey had the best season of his career, and a representative call-up for New South Wales seems probable if he begins 2026 as he finished the previous year.
Despite having a largely settled roster, the Sharks are facing challenges as they deal with a double ACL injury setback.