The Cronulla Sharks will win the 2016 Premiership because...

[Long Suffering Sharkie]

I thought individual brilliance - and confidence. Maloney has brought belief to the team as well.

I have a number of mates who are Roosters fans. Collectively they are really peeved that they "let Maloney go to keep Jackson Hastings".

Maloney took Roosters to 3 minor premierships including winning a grand final and before that he got Warriors to the grand final too.

Worth his pay packet methinks.

 

[SharksMichael]

I'm a long term Shark fan now living in the US. Absolutely delighted to see the team playing so well this year. I think that this could be the year and the key to success appears to be that we have a well balanced team. Good forwards, good halves and some terrific young backs. Never before have we had the depth of talent to cover injuries, etc. However, the individual player who appears to have made a huge difference (yes I watch the games at crazy times on my computer) is Ennis. While Gal is the team captain, Mick Ennis appears to be a bit of a general on the field with the way he sets up things. He is smart, experienced and inspires confidence. This could be the year!

What's it like living in the States? I wouldn't mind living there but it's more a pipe dream than anything.

 

[Gil]

all of the above.

 

[evertonshark]

Fitness is so much better this year. Forwards still making metres and hitting hard in defence right till the 80th minute

 

[SharkShocked]

Because #historyhappens

Conspiracy. Destined to win this year.

**** who knows - just win.

 

[snowman]

we will win because chad makes threads

 

[Sir Chadley]

we will win because chad makes threads

That's the best reason yet.

 

[HaroldBishop]

Started seeing a lot of sharks' gear in my area lately and I'm in rugby union heartland. Too funny.

 

[evertonshark]

Started seeing a lot of sharks' gear in my area lately and I'm in rugby union heartland. Too funny.

Probably just me and 2010 at chargrill charlies in wahroonga main street

 

[HaroldBishop]

Probably just me and 2010 at chargrill charlies in wahroonga main street

Ahh that was you guys? Don't tell me you stop off there on the way home from a game?

 

[evertonshark]

Ahh that was you guys? Don't tell me you stop off there on the way home from a game?

On the way to a game occasionally so i don't have to eat the slop at the ground. Partial to the Portuguese burger there haha

 

[HaroldBishop]

On the way to a game occasionally so i don't have to eat the slop at the ground. Partial to the Portuguese burger there haha

I wish i owned that shop, goldmine. Always packed.

 

[HaroldBishop]

What I love about our team is we don't have as big a key man risk as teams like Cows and Storm. JT goes down injured, season over. Smith or Cronk go down, season over. I don't think you can say that about us. Barba, Maloney, Chad, Ennis and Fifita are all critical but we don't overly rely on one player like some other teams in contention. That can only be a good thing.

 

[sharks2010]

What I love about our team is we don't have as big a key man risk as teams like Cows and Storm. JT goes down injured, season over. Smith or Cronk go down, season over. I don't think you can say that about us. Barba, Maloney, Chad, Ennis and Fifita are all critical but we don't overly rely on one player like some other teams in contention. That can only be a good thing.

personally I think we are toast if we lose barba. He is the absolute key

 

[Born&bred]

personally I think we are toast if we lose barba. He is the absolute key

I think Jimmy too in the long haul - Nu can adequately fill in for him, but in those tight games against quality opposition Jimmy is the guy.

 

[CrankyShark]

We can win the premiership but we can't lose one of Barba, Ennis, Maloney or Fifita I reckon. Bird could cover for James but I don't think he could make up for his loss.

 

[Gards]

There is an interesting theory floating around other fansites forums about the Sharks fairy tale being in 2016 and that the NRL will help ensure it happens as per previous years and that 2016 is 'The Sharks Turn'

2014 - Rabbits (first premiership in ages, pride of NRL bla bla)
2015 - Cows (first premiership ever, validation from previous ref controversy in past final series, JT ect)
2016 - Sharks (would be first ever premiership, amazing comeback story ect)

I don't buy, Rabbits and Cows were quality teams and we have worked our butt off to get in this position and our draw has not been as easy as some make out. We have done well managing fitness, Origin and injuries from withing the club. We still have to win those games ourselves but we would all agree that reffing is sus at times, the game is run as entertainment and a business and it does seem certain teams go through patches of getting the rub of the green and favorable treatment from the NRL.

Perhaps on top of having a great team, good coaching, club admin and form this is that elusive extra 'luck' element that all teams need to get to that GF and win it

 

[HaroldBishop]

Perhaps on top of having a great team, good coaching, club admin and form this is that elusive extra 'luck' element that all teams need to get to that GF and win it

Also need a good run with injuries which we've had so far. Hope it continues.

 

[Gards]

Also need a good run with injuries which we've had so far. Hope it continues.

Yea i mentioned fitness/injuries - some of that is luck and alot of that good management from the club and the right personnel

 

[HaroldBishop]

Yea i mentioned fitness/injuries - some of that is luck and alot of that good management from the club and the right personnel

Don't know how I missed that! Sorry about that.