Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 2015 Preview

Tumultuous. That's the only one Cronulla's 2014 campaign can be described. The ASADA saga lingered over them, cruelly, until the last few weeks of the season when the players accepted a backdated suspension. It was undoubtedly the Sharks worst season in their history, riddled not just with the ASADA investigation, but a massive injury toll, the sacking of playmaker Todd Carney for misconduct, caretaker coach Peter Sharp stepping down and inspirational captain Paul Gallen barely getting on the field.

In 2014, only 3 Sharks players managed to play 20 games or more, with only Fullback Michael Gordon able to play in every game.

Fortunes are expected to be much greatly reversed in 2015. Suspended coach Shane Flanagan is back, the ASADA drama is all over, injuries have healed, a new club boss in Lyle Gorman who is a very astute and successful sports administrator, a host of new players brought to the club and a sprinkling of local youth talent chomping at the bit to get into the NRL side.

The Sharks have been one of the busiest sides on the player market in the off-season as they begin setting themselves up for not just a quick turn around on last year, but also for their future, and it appears that they've made a lot of the right decisions regarding their roster to ensure this happens.

They will be optimistic about the prospects for 2015 and are no doubt expecting to reach the top 8 once again and go deep into the finals.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
A number of reasons. A creative and reliable spine, a powerful experienced forward pack and no off-field dramas or distractions hounding them anymore, which means they can just get down to playing footy. If the Sharks can rekindle their defensive strength of a few seasons ago, along with the added attacking flair provided by new signing Ben Barba and rookie Valentine Holmes, among others, they could become a very good outfit in both defence and attack. They also have a lot of depth across the park.

WHY THEY WON'T
As with any club that makes large changes to their spine and playing roster, everyone needs time to create combinations and start to function as a well-oiled machine. In recent years the Sharks have struggled at the back end of the season, so a slow start may see them fail to get enough wins and momentum at the right time of the year.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Ben Barba
He will ensure that the Sharks lose nothing in attack due to the loss of Carney. He will also have time and space to move and create behind a strong forward pack. His backline are set to reap the rewards of a more mature and relaxed Barba.

ROOKIE TO WATCH
Valentine Holmes
While Holmes played 6 games in 2014, in 2015 he is likely going to begin his transition into the fullback role in the top grade. Holmes is fast, elusive and creative and has an unbelievable ability to sniff out a try. His potential combination with Barba could become one of the most explosive in the game over the next few years.

PLAYER MOVEMENT
Gains - Ben Barba (Brisbane), Gerard Beale (St.George-Illawarra), Jack Bird (St.George-Illawarra), Mitch Brown (Canterbury), Jayson Bukuya (Warriors), Michael Ennis (Canterbury), Saulala Houma (Newtown), Sami Sauiluma (Canberra), Kyle Stanley (St.George-Illawarra)
Losses - Todd Carney (Catalans), Bryce Gibbs (retired), Michael Lichaa (Canterbury), John Morris (retired), Beau Ryan (retired), Tupou Sopoaga (Penrith), Sosaia Vave (Manly), Jonathan Wright (Warriors)

BEST LINE-UP
1. Michael Gordon
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Ricky Leutele
4. Gerard Beale
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Ben Barba
7. Jeff Robson
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Michael Ennis
10. Paul Gallen
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Chris Heighington
Interchange: 14. Sam Tagatese, 15. Anthony Tupou, 16. Jayson Bukuya, 17. Tinirau Arona