Best 17s of the NRL era: Cronulla Sharks

We’re counting down every club’s best 17 in the NRL era.

Up next is the Sharks, here is their best line-up over that period:

1. David Peachey 1998-05, 176 games, 89 tries

The ‘Peach’ was a machine for the Sharks in his time with Cronulla. Unopposed, the lanky custodian is undoubtedly the greatest fullback to wear the black, white and blue of Cronulla. Peachey was not only brilliant in defence, but was a very good try-scorer too, reaching double figures five times for the Sharks in the NRL era.

2. Mat Rogers 1998-01, 60 games, 39 tries

Mat had a lot to live up to at Cronulla with his surname, following in the footsteps of legendary father Steve. While he didn’t reach the same heights as his father, he still is a club legend in his own right with his unquestioned talent and point-scoring potential who also achieved rep duties at the highest levels.

3. Andrew Ettingshausen 1998-00, 56 games, 22 tries

‘ET’ only played in the first three seasons of the NRL era but he’s that much of a club legend that it’s enough for him to crack the team easily here. While Ettingshausen was past his prime at this point, the centre still had plenty to offer, and had a sensational 1999 campaign as Cronulla secured the minor premiership but fell short in the preliminary final.

4. Jack Bird 2015-17, 66 games, 17 tries

The Dragons junior switched allegiances when he moved to the Shire in 2015 and he was an instant hit at the club. Bird could play virtually everywhere along the back-line but he found a home in the centres in 2016, playing a huge role in ending Cronulla’s 50-year search for a premiership.

5. Valentine Holmes 2014-18, 105 games, 66 tries

Holmes burst onto the scene in a difficult 2014 season for the club but 2015 was the breakout year for the Queensland product. Blessed with electric pace and agility, Holmes was a threat to any defence and his consistent try-scoring feats rewarded him with Origin and Kangaroos duties. Holmes finished last season with 22 tries before pursuing a career in the NFL this year.

6. James Maloney 2016-17, 45 games, 11 tries

45 games is all it took for Maloney to slot himself into this side. Cronulla has had a number of talented halves in the NRL era but it’s not often you can deliver a side their first-ever premiership in your first season at the club, which is exactly what the veteran No.6 did. His stint at Cronulla was short-lived but it was nothing short of influential and memorable.

7. Chad Townsend 2011-13, 2016-current, 120 games, 27 tries

Townsend is a proud Cronulla junior who achieved his dream in 2016 by helping steer his beloved club to premiership glory. Following a couple of years across the ditch with the Warriors, Townsend returned, a more matured halfback that was capable of the responsibilities that come with guiding the team’s attack. Maloney helped his game but Townsend has carried himself without him.

8. Andrew Fifita 2012-current, 169 games, 30 tries

The Tongan international arrived at the Sharks as an inconsistent bench player from the Tigers however over a number of years he quickly became one of the most damaging and influential props in the league. His rampaging charge towards the line in the 2016 Grand Final that won the game for the Sharks was the defining moment of the match and of their season in an unreal display of strength.

9. Michael Ennis 2015-16, 51 games, 5 tries

Making his second team of the NRL era, Ennis only served two seasons at Cronulla unlike his six with Canterbury. Ennis brought some more experience to the Sharks’ pack and some extra niggle to the side as well. His passion, energy and spirit endeared himself to the fans and his teammates and his last game as a player was his first taste of premiership success.

10. Jason Stevens 1998-05, 152 games, 10 tries

Stevens made the switch to the Sharks during the Super League and stayed with them for another eight years where he built the reputation of one of the best enforcers in the game. Shortly into his career at the Sharks, Stevens quickly made his name on the rep stage, where he notched up eight origin matches with the Blues, and 14 caps for Australia.

11. Luke Lewis 2013-18, 116 games, 33 tries

A loyal Panther for 10 years, Lewis made the shock transfer to their rivals Cronulla and he became a highly valued member of the team, becoming a crucial cog in their ever-increasing forward pack. He played in five finals series in his six seasons there, and secured a second premiership in his personal career in 2016 in one of his best seasons, where he racked up 26 games (the most in his career).

12. Wade Graham 2011-current, 184 games, 34 tries

Graham underwent an incredible transition from a skinny five-eighth at Penrith to a strong and bulky back-rower with Cronulla over a number of years. Graham shifted to the forward pack in 2012, where his influence on his side only grew. Still blessed with the talent and creative arsenal of a half, Graham is an incredibly versatile player whose stocks continue to rise as his career is furthered.

13. Paul Gallen 2001-current, 345 games, 63 tries

Their greatest forward, the leader in most club appearances for the Sharks and their long-serving captain, Paul Gallen is the ultimate one-club legend. He debuted in 2001 and is still playing in his 19^th season now and what will be his last. The heart and soul of the club, Gallen has poured limitless effort and emotion into the side and it paid off in his 16^th year as he captained his side to glory.

14. Brett Kimmorley 2002-08, 140 games, 33 tries

‘Noddy’ was at his fifth club in his eighth season when he arrived at the Sharks, and he was the perfect replacement for Eels-bound Adam Dykes. Kimmorley played all 27 games in his first season as his side narrowly missed out on a Grand Final appearance to the Warriors. He only featured in two more finals appearances in the next six years but he remained arguably their most reliable player in his seven years at the club.

15. Dean Treister 1998-03, 120 games, 13 tries

Treister was an ever-present figure in the Cronulla sides of the late 90’s and early 00’s. A creative and consistent hooker, Treister was often unheralded in comparison to some of his other teammates but he was always appreciated by his fans. He played a part in all four consecutive finals appearances from 1999-2002.

16. Jayson Bukuya 2008, 2011-13, 2015-current 167 games, 24 tries

Currently in his ninth season of playing first grade with the Sharks, Bukuya’s performances and impact off the bench have long gone underappreciated. Bukuya has always been an underrated player but his teammates and fans have always recognised his contributions. Cronulla hasn’t missed the finals in a year with the Fijian forward at the club since 2011.

17. Phil Bailey 2002-06, 103 games, 32 tries

Bailey had only played 24 games across three years with Manly and then the Northern Eagles, but when he made the switch to the Sharks in 2002, people discovered the talent and ability the long-haired second-rower had. Managed 103 games in just five years for the club with 2003 his standout year, moving to the centres and scoring 13 tries to book rep duties with NSW and Australia.

Previous: Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs