LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Cronulla Sharks once again reached the finals in 2025 but struggled to overcome their challenges, failing to secure a victory on the first Sunday of October.
The core of the team remains robust, with many key players signed for the long term. Key re-signings, such as center KL Iro and future captain Blayke Brailey, will be crucial for the team's trajectory. However, there are whispers that 2027 may be a pivotal year for the Sharks, potentially prompting a reset if they choose to take that route.
Despite the high expectations surrounding the acquisition of Addin Fonua-Blake, the Sharks failed to elevate their performance this season. Although they made it far in the playoffs, they never truly appeared as genuine championship contenders, relying heavily on a defensive strategy during the latter part of the season.
Decisive choices loom for the Cronulla organization, with numerous players nearing the end of their contracts in 2026. There's a growing sense that it may be crunch time for head coach Craig Fitzgibbon if he aims to advance the team to new heights.
Current Cronulla 2027 squad
Blayke Brailey, Addin Fonua-Blake, Michael Gabrael, Thomas Hazelton, Nicho Hynes, KL Iro, Liam Ison, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, Riley Pollard, Braydon Trindall, Teig Wilton
Off-contract at the end of 2026
Billy Burns, Jesse Colquhoun, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Sione Katoa, Cameron McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Jesse Ramien, Toby Rudolf, Sam Stonestreet, Siosifa Talakai, Chris Vea'ila