NRL Profile: Cronulla Sharks

Cronulla Sharks suffered more finals heartbreak in 2023, but have the potential to make up for it in the new NRL campaign.

The Sharks have taken big strides over the last few seasons, but have failed to step up to the plate when it really matters and that is something they will look to put right in 2024.

They last won the Premiership back in 2016 but have played finals in six of the last eight seasons.

Cronulla can be backed at 4.50 to make the top four, and 23.00 to go all the way and win the grand final.

Sharks fall short again

The 2023 NRL campaign was another season of great promise that ended up in disappointment for Cronulla Sharks.

Craig Fitzgibbon’s side managed to finish sixth on the ladder, qualifying for finals, but could not kick on to the grand final.

They saw off Canberra Raiders with relative ease, 24-6, in week one of finals to earn another home clash with Sydney Roosters.

However, they were on the wrong end of a thriller, with the Roosters running out 13-12 winners, in a game that could have gone either way.

The Sharks will be highly motivated to make finals again and make up for the disappointment of 2023.

Cronulla are priced at 1.80 to make the top eight in 2024, which is the very least they will be expecting.

Key men move on

The Sharks have parted company with a couple of influential players ahead of 2024, with both Matthew Moylan and Connor Tracey moving on.

Experienced playmaker Moylan was granted an early release from his contract so he can take up a multi-year deal to play in the English Super League.

Meanwhile, Tracey was also allowed to move on and he will be on board with NRL rivals the Canterbury Bulldogs from the start of 2024.

Gabrael snapped up by Sharks

The Sharks have confirmed the signing of the very highly-rated young centre Michael Gabrael, who arrives from the Bulldogs.

The 18-year-old is blessed with lightning speed and will help fill the void left by Tracey, after penning a deal that will run until the end of 2026.

Gabrael will go straight into the Sharks full-time squad of 30 players and will be one to keep an eye on in 2024.

Rudolf re-signs

One of the highlights of the off-season for the Sharks sees experienced forward Toby Rudolf signing a new deal to take him through until the end of 2026.

The 27-year-old is one of the best front-rowers in the NRL and has a huge role to play for the Sharks in 2024 and beyond.

Meanwhile, Cronulla have also retained the services of hooker Jayden Berrell and outside back Mawene Hiroti, while local product Kade Dykes has extended his contract.

It means the Sharks have a quality roster with plenty of strength-in-depth for the 2024 season.

Sharks to face Warriors

Cronulla face a tricky clash to open their 2024 NRL campaign when they travel to New Zealand to take on the Warriors.

The Sharks can be backed at 2.35 to begin with a win, while the Warriors are the hot fancies at 1.60.