Before the start of the 2012 season I considered putting some money on the Sharks to win the grand final at 50/1.
Hindsight truly is the best sight of all, as I didn't put the dollars on and they didn't make the grand final.
The main point in this is the resurgence of the Cronulla Sharks.
While they still haven't won a grand final, the Sharks are moving in the right direction after a few poor seasons on the trot. Their recruitment drive for 2013 has probably been the best of any club, and a charge to the top four might have to be expected of the crew from the Shire.
Their first signing in former Panther Michael Gordon sees the Sharks with an embarrassment of riches at fullback. The goal-kicking former State of Origin representative moved to Cronulla to get a run at fullback, and he takes over the position that could and previously has been filled by Nathan Gardiner and Nathan Stapleton. His goal-kicking and experience elevates him above the two speedsters, and their presence gives some extra security in case of injury.
Another signing in Beau Ryan helps add some experience to the centre three quarters. It is much needed experience, as the centre-wing positions are the clubs weakest. Gardiner, Stapleton, Isaac Gordon, Jonathon Wright and Stewart Mills are likely to fight over the other wing position, while Ben Pomeroy should have a mortgage on one of the centre jerseys. Ricky Leutele, Gordon, Mills, Wright and Sam Tagatese will contest the other centre spot.
A punt on Todd Carney proved to be a masterstroke for Shane Flanagan as he helped steer the club towards the finals. An injury late in the season had a big effect on the club's finals charge but there's no doubting they're a better team when he's fit. Jeff Robson came over from the Eels after directing them to a grand final in 2009, and his partnership with Carney proved to work. An injury to either could derail their campaign, but Chad Townsend's ability shouldn't be overlooked.
Finally the forwards, where the Sharks possess one of the most mobile packs in the competition.
The 2012 pack of Ben Ross, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita, Jason Bukuya, Wade Graham, Anthony Tupou and Paul Gallen all remain while new additions Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington add depth to the back row.
Flanagan has been quoted on numerous occasions that he won't promote Gallen to the front row, but with Lewis, Graham and Heighinton all fighting for the lock position, Gallen could be moved sooner than we think. With the amount of competition for back row jerseys as the Sharks have, one wouldn't be cast out for thinking it could push them to all new heights. The lack of props could be an issue, with Gibbs, Fifita and Ross the only experienced front-rowers in the pack.
The dummy half position was filled by John Morris and Isaac De Gois in 2012 and that should remain the same for this season. De Gois is a classy player and has his hands on the jersey, but Morris will be lurking in the wings as a more-than-capable replacement.
Sharks: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Nathan Gardiner 3. Jonathon Wright 4. Ben Pomeroy 5. Beau Ryan 6. Todd Carney 7. Jeff Robson 8. Ben Ross 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Paul Gallen 12. Chris Heighington 13. Luke Lewis Interchange 14. Andrew Fifita 15. Wade Graham 16. Jason Bukuya 17. John Morris
On the fringe: Chad Townsend, Anthony Tupou, Stewart Mills, Nathan Staplton, Mark Taufua, Ricky Leutele, Sam Tagatese, Isaac Gordon, Tyrone Peachey, Jon Green
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