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Cronulla coach's belief grows as Sharks surge towards NRL finals

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Cronulla Sharks extended their winning streak to five games, solidifying their position as contenders for the NRL premiership.
  • Coach Craig Fitzgibbon expressed strong belief in his team, highlighting their consistent performance and development over the past five years.
  • Key players Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall are in top form, contributing significantly to the Sharks' recent success.

The Cronulla Sharks are on a remarkable run, extending their league-best winning streak to five matches and fueling hopes for an elusive second NRL premiership. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon, known for his understated demeanor, has shown increased confidence in his team's potential.

I've never felt any different about the group in the last five years, to be honest, but maybe I believe in them more than they believe in themselves.

— Craig FitzgibbonCronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon expressing his belief in the team after their fifth consecutive win.

"I've never felt any different about the group in the last five years, to be honest, but maybe I believe in them more than they believe in themselves," Fitzgibbon stated after their recent 32-16 victory over South Sydney. This sentiment underscores the team's steady growth and the coach's unwavering faith in their capabilities.

Nicho Hynes, the reigning Dally M Medalist, has returned to vintage form, complemented by his halves partner Braydon Trindall, who is experiencing a career-best season. Together, they have been instrumental in the Sharks' impressive run of nine wins in their last 10 outings. Former club captain Michael Ennis also believes the Sharks are well-positioned to challenge for the title, a decade after their historic 2016 grand final win.

We're working hard towards something and we've been building that for a little bit. And then sometimes you get things go your way, sometimes they don't. But at the moment, it's going our way. There's still plenty more. We'll get a hiccup here and there and there'll be turbulence, but you won't challenge me on how much I believe in them.

— Craig FitzgibbonFitzgibbon on the team's current form and future prospects.

Despite their strong position, sitting fourth and likely to face top-eight opposition only in the finals, the Sharks are not resting on their laurels. Skipper Blayke Brailey emphasized the team's focus remains on upcoming matches, starting with the derby against St George Illawarra. The club is determined to maintain its momentum and secure a top-two spot, understanding the importance of every game, especially concerning points differential.

A derby clash, no matter where you're sitting on the table, it's a tough contest. Those derby games are tough, no matter the form you're in.

— Blayke BraileySharks captain Blayke Brailey on the upcoming derby match against St George Illawarra.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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