The Sharks decided on short term pain for hopefully long-term gain in 2021, sacking coach John Morris early in the season and luring former Test forward Craig Fitzgibbon to replace him.
The club lost its way after Morris was sent packing before again finding their feet, but ultimately they just missed the finals boat.
Their squad was good enough to play finals footy and has only been strengthened for what shapes as the start of a new era.
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2021 finishing position: 9th
Gains: Cameron McInnes (Dragons), Nicho Hynes (Storm), Dale Finucane (Storm), Matt Ikuvalu (Roosters), Lachlan Miller (rugby sevens), Jayden Berrell (Wynumn Manly).
Losses: Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Aaron Woods (Dragons), Josh Dugan (retired), Will Chambers (USA Rugby), Billy Magoulias (Warrington), Nene Macdonald (Leigh).
Best 17: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Matt Ikuvalu, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Nicho Hynes, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Dale Finucane, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Jack Williams, 16. Toby Rudolf, 17. Siosifa Talakai.
Greatest strength: A big, strong and aggressive forward pack that is capable of getting on a roll and steamrolling rival teams up the middle.
Biggest question mark: The Sharks have one of the youngest backlines in the premiership – albeit players with immense talent. But their depth out wide is thin and injuries could give Fitzgibbon a real headache.
Man under pressure: It’s constantly said in rugby league that players go down a notch when they leave Melbourne – Nicho Hynes will be out to prove that truism wrong. He played his best football at fullback last year and a permanent place in the halves will be a real challenge.
Biggest loss: Shaun Johnson had his ups and downs in his time at Cronulla but on his day, he was a match-winner. The Hynes-Trindall combination will have to fill that try-making void.
Predicted 2022 finishing position: 7th
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