The Mole's 2023 Sharks season preview: Craig Fitzgibbon's rise hinges on medallist's form
Craig Fitzgibbon had a fine start to his coaching career at the Sharks, finishing second to Penrith in the regular season.
But then they bowed out of the finals in straight sets and there will have been some soul searching over the summer as to exactly what went wrong.
A strong squad that should again be right up there.
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Teig Wilton of the Sharks celebrates scoring a try. Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
2022 finishing position: 2nd
Gains: Oregon Kaufusi (Eels), Max Bradbury (Knights), Daniel Atkinson (Q Cup).
Losses: Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Andrew Fifita (retired), Aiden Tolman (retired), Lachlan Miller (Knights).
Best 17:
Will Kennedy
Sione Katoa
Jesse Ramien
Siosifa Talakai
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Matt Moylan
Nicho Hynes
Toby Rudolf
Blayke Brailey
Royce Hunt
Briton Nikora
Teig Wilton
Dale Finucane
Cameron McInnes
Wade Graham
Braden Hamlin-Uele
Connor Tracey
Sharks recruit Daniel Atkinson in action for Italy at the Rugby League World Cup. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Best buy
Daniel Atkinson impressed for Italy in the World Cup and has been a consistent performer in the Queensland Cup. Won't start the year in the NRL but will get there.
Biggest loss
Luke Metcalf appeared a real prospect last season and the Warriors swooped. He looked good in the trials in recent weeks and will be missed.
Greatest strength
Solid forwards and a backline chock-full of strike power with the likes of Nicho Hynes, Jesse Ramien, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talakai give the Sharks a great balance.
Nicho Hynes with the 2022 Dally M Medal. Getty
Biggest question mark
The Sharks have lost a lot of experience up front in Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman and they could prove hard to replace.
Man under pressure
Nicho Hynes is the Sharks' main man and the heat is on him to reproduce his stellar 2023 season and lead the team to the top four.
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 4th
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