Sharks GM outlines plan to overcome Panthers and Storm

Sharks General Manager Darren Mooney joined SEN to break down the Cronulla side’s strategy heading into the 2025 season.

The 2024 season saw the Sharks emerge as a competition threat, placing 4th in the regular season, however their grand final dreams were ended by the Panthers in the preliminary finals.

The Sharks inability to close the deal in the finals series has been their downfall in recent years, leading to them falling behind powerhouse teams of the Melbourne Storm and reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.

Despite this, Mooney backs Cronulla’s ability to overcome this in 2025, believing with an improved defence the team will be able to clench finals victory.

“They are the best defensive teams so if you can get that right, you can compete with them," Mooney said on SEN1170.

“It is definitely around the consistency of our defence.

“Since Fitzgibbon has been in charge there have only been three teams that have made the top four more than once and it is us, Penrith and the Storm.

“We may be getting criticised for not getting finals wins but we are definitely up there.

“We know we can do it and we just have to bring it on the big games.”

Mooney is excited to see the return of Nicho Hynes, following an ankle injury sustained during the 2024 season.

The halfback will officially return to the team on December 6th, but Mooney insists he has been training and looks fit and ready.

Mooney also believes the addition of former Warrior, Addin Fonua-Blake will bring out the best in Hynes and provide a great support to Braydon Trindall.

“I think he(Fonua-Blake) will be good for Nicho and really good for our young forwards," he added.

“I think it will be a good year for the Sharks. We are excited about bridging the gap this year.”