Prediction: Fifth

Finish: Fifth

Cronulla always looked like being one of the big improvers of 2022. The signing of Craig Fitzgibbon to his first head role, coupled with the acquisition of Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes, and a sprinkling of rising stars added up to success for the Sharks.

Fitzgibbon had served a long apprenticeship as an assistant, and it was unfortunate he had to miss his first game as a head coach due to COVID protocols. Upon his return, the Sharks defeated Parramatta, and never looked in danger of missing the finals.

Hynes in particular reached a new gear in 2022, becoming one of the most effective game managers in the business. A highlight was his golden point field goal to give the Sharks a 21-20 victory over South Sydney in round 20.

The Sharks cemented their place in the top four in the final rounds, and leapfrogged North Queensland to finish in second spot. It was the Cowboys that brought Cronulla undone in the first week of the finals after an epic match which was forced into extra time. The Sharks had little left against South Sydney, and finished a stellar season with a disappointing 38-12 loss.

Fitzgibbon improved the games of Siosifa Talakai (who represented NSW in Origin), Toby Rudolf, Royce Hunt and Ronaldo Mulitalo among others, while Matt Moylan had his best season in years. Rookies Lachlan Miller, Kade Dykes and Kayal Iro all had a taste of first grade, and look to be the future of the club.

GRADE: A-