Premiership Odds: (via betting.club): $15.00
Big Outs: Michael Gordon, Anthony Tupou, Jeff Robson
Big Ins: James Maloney, Chad Townsend
The Sharks ended their 2015 in horrible fashion, but at one time were the form team of the competition on the back of an incredible winning streak.
On the back of brilliance from youngsters Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes and a career best season from Michael Ennis, the Sharks were within a single game of a top four finish.
The Sharks enter 2016 with a far superior squad based on two key signings in James Maloney and Chad Townsend, as well as a string of clever, cut price, signings that add depth to the side.
If the squad comes through the nines unscathed, long suffering fans in the Shire could be in for an enjoyable ride.
Key Player: Michael Ennis
The Sharks have genuine superstars across the park in the likes of Holmes, Maloney, Gallen and Graham, but it is veteran hooker Michael Ennis who holds the key.
Ennis was their best player in 2015 after laying off 17 try assists as well as scoring three himself.
He will not be required to create quite as much this year with the addition of Maloney and Townsend, however he does add an alternate source of attack that will take eyes off his talented halves.
The Sharks forward pack is immense, arguably the best in the competition, and it is Ennis who will again lead them around, as well as ensuring his new halves pairing and young stars receive plenty of ball.
Young Gun: Valentine Holmes
Its line ball between Holmes and Dally M rookie of the season Jack Bird, but in Valentine Holmes the Sharks have the most exciting youngster in the competition.
He bagged 16 tries in 23 games on the wing in 2015 including some genuine highlight reel efforts. Warriors and Tigers fans will be hoping their sides can avoid similar magic this season.
Holmes was one of VERY few wingers who took the honours when standing opposite Dally M winger of the year Semi Radradra, outpointing his much bigger opponent at Pirtek late last year.
I believe his future lies in the fullback role, however if he plays on the wing once more, he will certainly score plenty of points, and have many fans standing in disbelief.
Best Signing: James Maloney
James Maloney is the best signing the Sharks have made in recent memory. He comes with all the talent of Todd Carney without the controversy.
Maloney had arguably his best season in 2015, which considering the career he has had to date is impressive.
He will have an all-star forward pack in front of him and a clever veteran in Michael Ennis ensuring he will receive plenty of ball.
Sharks fans need to remember he is just one man and not place too much pressure on their prized recruit, but Maloney was the perfect signing going forward.
Strength: Pressure off the forwards to produce
For as long as I can remember, the Sharks forward pack has been the main weapon in the Sharks arsenal, but in 2016 they have much more to offer elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, Gallen, Fifita, Graham, Heighington, Lewis and co. make up one of the premier forward packs in the game, but they’re not the be all and end all anymore.
Maloney and Townsend are the best halves pairing for many years, while Bird, Holmes, Feki and co. can play a brand of footy not seen in the Shire since Rogers and Campbell.
Working in coach Shane Flanagan’s favour is the fact he has options, especially across the backline. Rather than struggling to find five players of NRL level, he now has decisions to make.
Weakness: History
For those living under a rock with their fingers in their ears, the Sharks are yet to win a premiership in the club’s history, something fans and players and often reminded of.
Whenever a Sharks side enters the finals in decent form, talk turns to ending one of Australian sports longest title droughts.
That is tough for any player to hear and instantly adds pressure and expectation.
The Sharks had a near perfect opportunity to end their winless run in 1999 but fell short despite being the best side all season.
It must be difficult to achieve something that is almost near impossible to achieve as it is, let alone adding everyone reminding you that it hasn’t been done before, and therefore can’t be done now.
Strongest 17:
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Ricky Leutele
4. Jack Bird
5. Gerard Beale
6. James Maloney
7. Chad Townsend
8. Chris Heighington
9. Michael Ennis
10. Andrew Fifita
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen
14. Ben Barba
15. Sam Tagataese
16. Jayson Bukuya
17. Jesse Sene-Lefao
I genuinely believe that Jack Bird would make an excellent fullback, but the Sharks best chance of success is to get the ball in the hands of both Holmes and Bird as much as possible. The Sharks haven’t had a strike centre in many years, and Bird is the perfect type of player to end that drought. Holmes is special, and needs to be more involved, leading to a switch to fullback. Personally unless he is starting at fullback, there’s no place in the 17 for Ben Barba, however given what he has done in the past, and his price tag, he’ll be named on the bench in the early rounds.
Prediction: 4th
The Sharks have recruited very smart and very well, signing a superstar half and a very capable partner in Maloney and Townsend, addressing their biggest weakness in the process.
They’ve also added experienced back rowers to strengthen their bench without breaking the bank.
A huge question mark remains over the role of Ben Barba, and the answer to that question could be one that isn’t found until ten or so rounds in.
The Sharks have two of the most exciting young players in the competition, one of the best forward packs in rugby league, and a five-eighth who most would agree is a top three in the game.
All the talk will be on whether the Sharks can break their premiership hoodoo, and while I’m not sure they can match the likes of the Broncos on the big stage, this is the best opportunity they’ve had in a long time.
Anything less than a top four finish should be considered as a disappointment given the makeup of the squad, but a premiership seems just a step too far.