SHARKS
Ladder: 6th (7-0-5, +38)
What’s gone right: New coach Craig Fitzgibbon has instilled the steel of old in the Sharks pack from when they won their maiden title in 2016. The Sharks have made some astute purchases in Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes and their commitment and effort has rubbed off on the rest of the team. Siosifa Talakai has taken his game to greater heights and was even a smoky for an Origin debut after a barnstorming start to the year. Matt Moylan has wound back the clock to combine brilliantly with Hynes and Blayke Brailey has come of age as an attacking dummyhalf. The Sharks have been in the top four for much of the year and despite a slip in recent weeks, if they can get healthy a top four finish is not beyond them.
What’s gone wrong: Injuries to their two most experienced forwards in skipper Dale Finucane and former captain Wade Graham has seen the Sharks lacking commitment and focus in some slow starts this season. They were upset by the Broncos despite leading at halftime and were blown off the park by the Raiders and Roosters in the last month, while they were outclassed by the Storm showing there is still a way to go to match the top sides consistently.
The star: Nicho Hynes has been arguably the buy of the year and a revelation at halfback since switching from playing fullback at the Storm last year. Hynes’ devastating running game and deft playmaking skills has unlocked the Sharks edges and he has iced a couple of games with his kicking from both the tee and the boot. Hynes was rewarded with a spot in the Blues squad and nearly nabbed a bench spot for game one, which shows how far his game has come.
Needs to lift: William Kennedy started the season in excellent form, but a suspension has halted his momentum and he now has one-game rookie Lachlan Miller breathing down his neck for the fullback spot. Kennedy has been one of the Sharks most consistent players for the last two seasons, but they need more from him if they are going to be a top four side. He has the runs on the board at the moment, but if the Sharks mid-season slump continues, Miller could get another shot after an impressive debut against the Titans.
Top-eight chances: Should be safe.
Grade: B