Cronulla NRL grand final penpix
Cronulla Sharks penpix ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final against Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium.
Fullback - Ben Barba
Age: 27 NRL games: 167 Grand finals: 1 Premierships: 0
Was in similar sublime form last time he played in a decider in 2012. One player more than capable of breaking down the Storm's defensive wall.
Wing - Sosaia Feki
Age: 25 NRL games: 85 Grand finals: 0
Under-rated winger who returns the ball strongly and can score a try. Sure to be targeted by the Storm in defence and under the high ball.
Centre - Jack Bird
Age: 21 NRL games: 48 Grand finals: 0
A bundle of energy and aggression in attack and defence. A grand final appearance continues this NSW utility's remarkable rise.
Centre - Ricky Leutele
Age: 26 NRL games: 77 Grand finals: 0
One of the lesser name players in a star-studded Sharks side, Leutele's defence and hard running are his greatest attributes.
Wing - Valentine Holmes
Age: 21 NRL games: 56 Grand finals: 0
This tackle-busting speedster is one of the Sharks' most dangerous players out wide in attack but he can struggle with the ball on the ground in defence.
Five-eighth - James Maloney
Age: 30 NRL games: 182 Grand finals: 2 Premierships: 1
In his third decider in six years, which included Sydney Roosters' 2013 premiership win, star playmaker Maloney shapes as Cronulla's most important player on the big day.
Halfback - Chad Townsend
Age: 25 NRL games: 86 Grand finals: 0
Bounced back strongly from his hooking early in the finals with an impressive effort against North Queensland and should be full of confidence.
Prop - Andrew Fifita
Age: 27 NRL games: 140 Grand finals: 0
One of the NRL's most polarising figures, Fifita's charges through the middle of the ruck and his offloads are key to the Sharks' attack.
Hooker - Michael Ennis
Age: 32 NRL games: 272 Grand finals: 1 Premierships: 0
The retiring Ennis appeared to tone down his infamous sledging and niggle against the Cowboys to concentrate on footy. It worked and he would do well to repeat the effort.
Prop - Matt Prior
Age: 29 NRL games: 176 Grand finals: 1 Premierships: 1
This Dragons premiership winner has found fantastic form at the right time of the year. Adds important versatility to the Cronulla pack.
Second row - Luke Lewis
Age: 33 NRL games: 283 Grand finals: 1 Premierships: 1
Has rediscovered the form that made him one of the NRL's most damaging backrowers. Lewis' big game experience will be crucial.
Second row - Wade Graham
Age: 25 NRL games: 178 Grand finals: 0
Such a danger on the left edge in attack when running the ball and acting as a fifth playmaker. His combination with Maloney will be vital.
Lock - Paul Gallen (c)
Age: 35 NRL games: 278 Grand finals: 0
Despite his vintage, he's still one of the hardest workers in the league and made the third most metres of any forward this year.
Interchange:
Gerard Beale
Age: 26 NRL games: 140 Grand finals: 0
Provides cover for a number of positions and has found an ability to make an impact late in games.
Chris Heighington
Age: 34 NRL games: 294 Grand finals: 1 Premierships: 1
His offload can open up second phase play for Maloney or Barba, a key offensive weapon for the Sharks in what could be the Tigers premiership winner's last NRL game.
Sam Tagataese
Age: 29 NRL games: 155 Grand finals: 0
Hasn't played in five weeks because of a shoulder problem but the veteran prop has been a great contributor off the bench this year and has earned his spot, pushing Kurt Capewell out of the 17.
Jayson Bukuya
Age: 27 NRL games: 125 Grand finals: 0
An honest toiler who loves to tackle, Bukuya will be charged with holding things together while the Sharks' key forwards take a break.
