Sharks fans should know within the opening six rounds of the new season whether their team has what it takes to be genuine contenders in 2025.
After making the top four last year and being knocked out by the champion Penrith team, the Sharks have arguably the toughest early draw in the league.
They meet their nemesis, Penrith, again in Vegas to kick their campaign off, followed by the Cowboys in Townsville, Wayne Bennett’s rebuilt Bunnies, the improved Bulldogs, Canberra in the ACT and the dangerous Manly in round six.
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Running the gauntlet so early will be hard – but it means Craig Fitzgibbon’s men can assess where they are and look forward to some ‘easier’ games down the track.
Much of the Sharks’ hopes revolve around marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake from the Warriors.
If he can rediscover his best football, the big man will add genuine strike power to an already formidable pack capable of pushing around any forward outfit in the NRL on their day.
There will be much interest in how the halves play for the Sharks in the new season.
When Nicho Hynes was out injured and then lost his way in 2024, Braydon Trindall took over the playmaking role and was among the form halves in the premiership in the big games.
With Hynes fit again, will he play second fiddle to Trindall as he did late last season, or will Fitzgibbon give him first use of the football again?
Overall, a well-balanced squad with the speed and power in the backline to back up the go-forward of the pack … A real chance for a second NRL title if things go well.
2025 gains
Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Hohepa Puru (Raiders)
2025 losses
Jack Williams (Eels), Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers), Siteni Taukamo (Knights)
Best buy: Fonua-Blake without doubt – his form fell away a little at the Warriors in the second half of last season after he made his intentions clear to return to Sydney, so provided he regains his mojo, he’ll be one of the gains of the year.
It’s a big season for: William Kennedy is a fan favourite at the Sharks – but realistically not in the top half dozen fullbacks in the league. The club will monitor his form before deciding whether to go into the marketplace for a big name for the all-important No.1 jumper.
Biggest question mark: The Sharks’ pack is among the biggest in the competition, but will they have the staying power to go the 80 minutes against smaller outfits with bigger motors?
Predicted finish: fourth
Predicted 17 for round one:
1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Braden Hamlin-Uele Bench: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Sportsbet odds to win comp: $13