Sharks Season Preview
02/22/2012 07:52:40 PM
Team: Cronulla
Last year: 13th
Gains: Todd Carney (Roosters), Bryce Gibbs (Tigers), Andrew Fifita (Tigers), Mark Taufua (Knights), Isaac De Gois (Knights, Jon Green (Dragons), Jeff Robson (Eels)
Losses: Luke Douglas (Titans), Kade Snowden (Knights), Taulima Tautai (Eels), Johnny Mannah (Eels), Dean Collis (Wakefield), Paul Aiton (Wakefield)
What has to go right: Paul Gallen and Todd Carney must stay fit and in form if Cronulla are to make a noise. Gal was just sensational in 2011 and we all know what Carney is capable of. It's so far, so good for the tattooed playmaker and Sharks fans will be patrolling Northies and the area's other hotspots to make sure it stays that way.
What could go wrong: Colin Best and Ben Pomeroy are good, honest footballers but lack the dash and penetration of others centres in the NRL. They really need to aim up and ensure Carney's work inside them is not in vain. The Sharks must also learn not to drop intensity in the final five to 10 minutes of matches.
Nightmare headline: Carney causing carnage again
Dream reading: Carney lifts Sharks to maiden premiership
Predicted finish: 11th
Lucius says: On paper the Sharks boast one of the best forward packs in the competition and they are blessed with plenty of talent and depth in the halves. But it's out wide - in the centres and on the wing - where things may come a little unstuck. Todd Carney is, of course, the x-factor when you look at Cronulla's hopes. If he has a big year and stays out of trouble, the boys from the Shire may well prove us wrong and challenge for the top eight.