Phil Gould has expressed confidence in the Cronulla Sharks’ prospects for the upcoming NRL season, asserting that they possess a “genuine premiership chance” following the acquisition of talismanic forward Addin Fonua-Blake. Despite lingering around the top four for several seasons, the Sharks have struggled to compete with dominant teams like Penrith and Melbourne.
Looking ahead to 2025, Gould anticipates that Fonua-Blake’s impact could be pivotal in pushing the Sharks toward their second NRL title. He emphasises that the Sharks’ consistent top-four presence over the last few years, combined with a settled roster and strong leadership under coach Craig Fitzgibbon, lends itself to a promising season. “It’s all about how they match up against the top sides on big days,” he noted.
The Sharks boast a well-rounded squad with ample depth, evidenced by strong competition for spots, as some talented players may find themselves outside of the starting lineup. Furthermore, Gould highlighted the potential growth of Nicho Hynes, the 2022 Dally M Medal winner, who is gearing up for a standout season after a challenging previous year.
Cronulla will kick off their campaign against the reigning champions, Penrith, on March 2 in Las Vegas, setting the stage for what many predict could be a thrilling season ahead.