What’s wrong with Cronulla?

Cronulla's glorious start to the season has quickly unravelled according to SportsAustralia.com's newest addition, Nicholas Janzen.

After their woeful performance against South Sydney last Saturday night, the Cronulla Sharks have slipped to their lowest position on the NRL premiership ladder this season.

The Sharks remain on 22 points, with a negative for-and-against record, and could sit as low as ninth on the table at the completion of round 19.

After their tremendous start to the season, the slide has left punters and fans alike asking, "What’s wrong with Cronulla?"

Earlier in the season the Sharks were simply on fire, with victories over the Eels (A), Bulldogs (H), Cowboys (H), and Canberra (A). They sat atop the ladder with Brisbane, their attack was flowing, with the addition of Adam Dykes to the playing roster saw more ball being distributed to the damaging right side centre Nigel Vagana.

The forwards were continually making inroads into opposing defences, with Paul Gallen, Hutch Maiava, and Danny Nutley especially strong up front for the Sharks. David Peachey and Brett Kimmorley were in fine form, and with Dykes, proving a massive headache for rival teams.

Now the crisp passing and effective ball playing has all-but disappeared. In recent weeks the Sharks seem determined to play hot potato with the football, resulting in ill-discipline reminiscent of the Chris Anderson era. Although entertaining, as seen in the Broncos match in early July, this style of play does not suit the creative Sharks outfit.

With some of the best attacking weapons in the game in their backline, the Sharks must revert back to going forward on the backs of Gallen, Stevens and Reece Williams, before spreading the ball wide.

The team’s lack of recent success has highlighted a few changes which need to be made for the team. Firstly the Sharks must correct the way it utilises its bench. Too many times this season potential 80 minute players like Gallen, Bailey, Hilder and Williams have been substituted before halftime.

For the Sharks to consolidate their centre of the ruck defence these players must remain on the paddock for longer periods, and allow impact players like Phil Leuluai and Maiava to punch holes in defences. "Super sub" Michael Sullivan has had an unhappy season, and has shown no impact in games this season. He seems intent on running to the line, and rather than taking it on, throwing the ball out the back for the miracle play.

He should work on his service from dummy half first, and only when the defence is looking for him to pass, should he scoot. Paul Mellor looks to have seen better days, and even though his defensive reads remain strong and accurate, his lack of pace remains an integral problem for Cronulla’s lack of left hand side options. Luke Covell is not in great form either, and after a great start to the season, has great pressure from Nathan Merritt in Premier League.

In the coming weeks the Sharks need to increase the involvement of Brett Kimmorley – any person with knowledge on the game would understand for the Sharks to win a title this season, "Noddy" needs to play a leading role. Kimmorley needs to take the onus upon himself, and provide the direction for the team that has been lacking.

For Sharks fans, with Stevens and Peachey going at the end of the year, it could be a case of now or never.

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