Sharks: Team Preview

Porn, drugs, grog ... no it's not the latest Underbelly script but the life and times of the Cronulla Sharks circa 2009. One day it may be turned into a TV drama but the only ratings long-suffering fans are interested in this year relate to the win-loss column. Anything has to be an improvement on last year. And the pre-season signs look positive, with a new major sponsor on board and a big increase in memberships. There have also been some handy off-season pick ups in John Morris, Adam Cuthbertson, Dean Collis and Paul Aiton. This is Ricky Stuart's greatest coaching challenge.

What has to go right: Everything. Cronulla doesn't have the depth of most clubs so it has to avoid injury, suspension, bad luck and controversy while keeping Paul Gallen focused.

What could go wrong: Confidence was naturally in short supply at Shark Park last year so a good start is imperative. A few more tries would not go astray either. Cronulla crossed the stripe just 64 times last year - by far the worst record in the NRL. Playmaker Trent Barrett needs to fire if the likes of Blake Ferguson and Nathan Stapleton are to turn that attack around. Cuthbertson could prove a very astute buy.

Nightmare headline: Gallen banned from Northies after altercation

Sportal prediction: 15th