Picture by Murray TrembathCronulla beach is covered in seaweed churned up from the ocean floor by big seas Weed washed up on Monday and Tuesday nights Sutherland Shire Council would bring in an excavator to scoop up the weed and take it away by truck with the weed expected to be taken back out to sea during high tides in coming days The weed did not stop council lifeguards from their daily clean-up of rubbish on the beach on Tuesday morning Wet weather has reduced the number of early-morning walkers of the Esplanade Picture by Murray TrembathWet weather has reduced the number of early-morning walkers of the Esplanade The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts showers to continue today and tomorrow before easing on Friday Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy The Sporting News takes a look at Cronulla's 2025 NRL draw below Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world The Cronulla Sharks have apologised for posting an ad for an important position with the club's women's team after Channel Nine star Marlee Silva slammed the inclusion of two controversial words The Sharks listed a job for an assistant physiotherapist to work with their NRLW side - but it said the position was a 'volunteer position' despite the successful applicant needing a health degree and being required to attend multiple training sessions per week and work at games which has also drawn criticism from the Australian Physiotherapy Association Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said the job was always meant to be paid employment but it was tagged 'volunteer position' due to an error in the way it was posted to the website Sportspeople 'We can put our hand up and apologise,' he told News Corp 'I can understand why people are a little bit disappointed and are questioning it An honorarium is a token payment or honorary reward made to an employee who would otherwise be a volunteer Silva - who covers the NRL for Nine - lashed out over the ad on Instagram 'Lot of people upset at the moment because there has been this job advertised for an NRLW team that is for a physio and it is listed as a volunteer position,' she said over a sound effect of people booing 'Some people are really shocked by that - an allied health professional expected to work for nothing There are many instances within the NRLW where there are roles that are unpaid or underpaid and are not considered full-time from a pay scale but the workload is certainly at the full-time end of the spectrum 'I think this is why it's so important to listen to players when it comes to what they say about where the game is what needs to be done next in terms of making sure there's gender equality.' Silva then said every NRLW employee should be paid full-time and at the same level as their counterparts in the men's game with the body claiming the pay situation isn't fair in relation to the responsibilities the position holds Brian Seeney, the physiotherapist behind the popular NRL Physio X account, posted a letter from the APA announcing the body's plans to write a letter to the Sharks protesting about the ad. He also wrote, 'NRLW players and the therapists deserve way better than this.'  'In the last 24 hours, several members have contacted us to express their disappointment at a job advertisement for a voluntary physiotherapist role with the NRLW Cronulla Sharks team,' the letter explains.  'This position comes with significant responsibilities and a substantial time commitment, and is not the type of position that we would expect to be a volunteer position.' The job advertisement includes responsibilities that require applicants to 'assist in planning and delivering suitable treatment, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning programmes for players recovering from injury.' Applicants must also provide regular reports of injured players and are requested to attend 'three to four training sessions per week as well as competition matches'. The APA also notes that the advert has been altered to include the honorarium but states that the body are preparing a letter to send to the Cronulla Sharks over the matter which they also referred to as a 'serious issue'. 'Physiotherapists play a vital role in sport and it's important that contribution is recognised through appropriate remuneration,' the APA added.  A women's rugby league fan account, The Full Time Sirens, also published its opposition to the advertisement.  'With women's sport in Australia on the rise and participation across the board on the rise, we must be at a point where valuing and regarding the next generation of females in sport deserves more than basic volunteer roles, especially when you consider the work required and the magnitude of such roles?' they wrote. Daily Mail Australia has contacted both the Cronulla Sharks and the APA for comment. No one seems to have shared their thoughts on this topic yetLeave a comment so your voice will be heard first. {{message}} Cronulla have had a patchy start to the campaign with a close loss to Penrith in Las Vegas followed by wins over North Queensland and South Sydney before Canterbury and Canberra handed them back-to-back losses The Sharks have repeatedly bounced back from disappointing losses but will be looking to gain some consecutive wins heading into the Origin period Can Craig Fitzgibbon's side get the better of the Manly Sea Eagles in their own backyard this week MORE: Cronulla Sharks 2025 NRL draw and schedule The Sharks will face the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park on Sunday Craig Fitzgibbon will be forced into making one change with Sifa Talakai copping a head knock last week who dropped to 18th man after initially being named on the bench Tom Hazelton was promoted into the starting side at Magic Round but is expected to be named on the bench with Oregon Kaufusi named to start up front Billy Burns will continue in the backrow at least for one more week with Teig Wilton expected to remain on the sidelines with a shoulder injury Jesse Colquhoun is likely to keep his spot on the pine with Toby Rudolf ruled out for the next month Cronulla return from their trip west to take on Newcastle at home and will be hoping to secure another two points after stealing a golden point win the last time the two sides met last year Daniel Atkinson stepped up to slot the match winner in the 84th minute but it will be a different looking line-up that heads to the Hunter for this weekend's match The Knights will be looking to bounce back this round after being outplayed last week by the Tigers who dominated the match and only allowed the home side to get on the scoreboard in the final minute with Fletcher Sharpe showing effort to the end to save his side from a complete shutout Knights: A couple of troops return with Tyson Gamble (back) taking over at No.7 and winger James Schiller (concussion) also good to go Phoenix Crossland moves from halfback to hooker and Jayden Brailey goes to the bench Tyson Frizell has been named at prop with Tyrone Thompson reverting to the bench Mat Croker starts at lock after coming off the bench last week Sharks: Star prop Addin Fonua-Blake has been cleared to play despite leaving the field with a groin problem in Perth The Sharks stick with the same squad that got the job done against Manly Centre Kayal Iro could be another two weeks away with a hamstring injury Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL. but the Sharks mentor has run his own race in the game By Roy Masters In the game of the father … Cronulla coach Craig FitzgibbonCredit: Fairfax Media Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time the real-life Tiger Woods and tennis’s Williams sisters Craig Fitzgibbon was not turned on the lathe of his father’s ambition the 47-year-old coach of the Sharks since 2022 Despite their football club backgrounds being almost as parallel as the uprights through which Craig kicked goals to become the highest points-scoring forward in premiership history Allan never sought to shape his son’s career or reap its rewards any generational family coaching Sydney’s poorest club such as the earlier example of John and Aaron Raper knows you don’t coach the Sharks for money) Craig Fitzgibbon with his father Allan and mother Michelle in 2003 but once he started getting into junior rep teams but he always left it to me to make the end call “Mum and dad still live in Dapto,” he adds with the unassuming normalcy both families live their lives but doesn’t come to Shark Park home games,” before adding in joking reference to Allan’s role in one of rugby league’s greatest upsets - Balmain beating Souths in the 1969 grand final - “He goes to about 15 Balmain 1969 reunions a year.” Allan Fitzgibbon playing for Balmain.Credit: Fairfax Media Craig is as closed as an oyster about his own life and is resistant to publicity He opens up only about his childhood years “I do remember the joy of coming to the game I’ve been in and around first-grade dressing sheds since the age of 7 I didn’t realise how fortunate I’ve been until I started bringing my own kids to the football He agrees the pull of the game is akin to a great ocean tide; it churns on relentlessly with its hold over you greater beneath the surface than above “We’ve been around the game most of our lives I don’t know if we know anything different.” it is to rugby league’s credit that so many play/coach their father’s game with their father’s name Craig Fitzgibbon actually took the point-scoring record from Canberra’s David Furner who later coached the club ‘He goes to about 15 Balmain 1969 reunions a year.’ Other NRL combinations are the Clearys at Penrith; the Flanagans at the Dragons the Fultons at Manly and the Arthurs at Parramatta daughter of early Queensland Origin player The Bulldogs Max King is a fourth-generation player grandfather John (St George) and great-grandfather Cec (South Sydney) The Fitzgibbons are about to become a three-generational rugby league family with Craig’s son Aaymon - a promising five-eighth with the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team - in demand from a number of NRL clubs Consistent with Allan’s “advice only” involvement in Craig’s career Craig will ensure the Fitzgibbon name will neither be a burden nor a blessing “Aaymon has just starting to talk to a number of clubs,” he said He did eight weeks pre-season training with St George Illawarra before going back to SG Ball I’m not sure it’s best at his age to jump to another club.” Craig Fitzgibbon playing for the Dragons in 1999.Credit: NRL Imagery While the father of Wests Tigers Lachlan Galvin might take a different view on the future of his 19-year-old son longstanding St George Illawarra supporters will be heartened by Craig’s preference that his son remains a Dragon Craig left the club the year after starring in the losing 1999 grand final team had he started the game and St George Illawarra won would probably have been awarded the Churchill Medal for best on ground fuelled by the administrative inertia of the early years of the joint venture Fitzgibbon waited for days for a contract before the Sydney Roosters made him feel wanted saying: “Here’s a three-year deal; good money; we want you to play for us and be our goal kicker.” As it transpired Fitzgibbon won his Churchill Medal in the Roosters’ 2002 premiership team it is the only grand final he won in five attempts His critics as a coach point to his results with the Sharks finishing second in 2022 but losing successive finals; sixth in 2023 but fourth in 2024 before a loss to the Storm won the Sharks’ inaugural minor premiership in 1988 followed by successive losses in the finals while the 1989 and 1990 years were also disappointing But to blame these results on Fitzgibbon genes is ludicrous was mystified by the Sharks’ finals paralysis Apart from his quip about waiting for the Sharks to win a premiership being akin to leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt the ARL Coach of the Century also lamented of Cronulla: “There is something in the woodwork of the joint.” Craig Fitzgibbon hugs Sydney Roosters captain Brad Fittler after they won the 2002 titleCredit: REUTERS But if rich clubs think the most important factor in winning is spirit before Shane Flanagan’s 2016 breakthrough premiership: “People ridicule the Sharks for not winning a premiership It’s a success for the club just to survive a season.” The financial situation at Shark Park is better now have resources to provide benefits the Sharks can only envy rather than a monetary one the Sharks must break through in 2025 if their end of season is not to resemble a vain man’s 39th birthday - an annual event Asked whether his own future is inextricably linked to the performance in big games of Hynes and to a lesser extent Nicho Hynes and Craig Fitzgibbon.Credit: NRL Photos but then came two poor State of Origin matches He’d developed a reputation for either magic or meltdown Nicho looks like a bank robber surrounded by cops he usually resembles a traffic cop comfortably in control except to say all top halves have early “vulnerabilities” and it takes time to develop an all-around game Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes took six years to progress from a utility who did not play a game on New Zealand’s tour of England to winning the 2024 Dally M Medal for being the game’s best player They will come in droves for you after that.’ suggesting it would embrace the tribal nature of Anglo-Saxon families the Sharks season launch featured on stage Indigenous Australian Samoan and Tongan dance routines from players across the NRL and NRLW incorporating 46 different heritages was unveiled Fitzgibbon defers all credit to the club’s welfare department for celebrating the increasing diversity in the game Fitzgibbon is a fundamentally decent man in a profession which breeds paranoia and surliness His friends say there are only a small number of better people in the world such as a few mothers and the recently departed Pope His critics wonder if he lacks the ruthlessness sometimes needed it would seem to be criticism followed by a cuddle Fitzgibbon is aware of the story of Pinocchio mentioned at the beginning of this column and how he was shaped by his woodcutter father And how Pinocchio’s nose grew every time he told a lie He concedes it is not in the Fitzgibbon nature to torture the truth a phenomenon termed “the Pinocchio Syndrome” by psychologists Allan Fitzgibbon acknowledges this bedrock truth of his family and the game saying with the wisdom of the father/coach: “When you tell a player a lie They will come in droves for you after that.” NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter the real-life Tiger Woods and tennis\\u2019s Williams sisters Craig Fitzgibbon was not turned on the lathe of his father\\u2019s ambition Allan never sought to shape his son\\u2019s career or reap its rewards any generational family coaching Sydney\\u2019s poorest club knows you don\\u2019t coach the Sharks for money) \\u201CCraig was a ballboy with me at Cronulla \\u201CMy father let me make my own decisions \\u201CMum and dad still live in Dapto,\\u201D he adds with the unassuming normalcy both families live their lives but doesn\\u2019t come to Shark Park home games,\\u201D before adding in joking reference to Allan\\u2019s role in one of rugby league\\u2019s greatest upsets - Balmain beating Souths in the 1969 grand final - \\u201CHe goes to about 15 Balmain 1969 reunions a year.\\u201D \\u201CI do remember the joy of coming to the game I\\u2019ve been in and around first-grade dressing sheds since the age of 7 I didn\\u2019t realise how fortunate I\\u2019ve been until I started bringing my own kids to the football \\u201CWe\\u2019ve been around the game most of our lives I don\\u2019t know if we know anything different.\\u201D it is to rugby league\\u2019s credit that so many play/coach their father\\u2019s game with their father\\u2019s name Craig Fitzgibbon actually took the point-scoring record from Canberra\\u2019s David Furner who later coached the club The Fitzgibbons are about to become a three-generational rugby league family with Craig\\u2019s son Aaymon - a promising five-eighth with the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team - in demand from a number of NRL clubs Consistent with Allan\\u2019s \\u201Cadvice only\\u201D involvement in Craig\\u2019s career \\u201CAaymon has just starting to talk to a number of clubs,\\u201D he said I\\u2019m not sure it\\u2019s best at his age to jump to another club.\\u201D longstanding St George Illawarra supporters will be heartened by Craig\\u2019s preference that his son remains a Dragon saying: \\u201CHere\\u2019s a three-year deal; good money; we want you to play for us and be our goal kicker.\\u201D As it transpired Fitzgibbon won his Churchill Medal in the Roosters\\u2019 2002 premiership team won the Sharks\\u2019 inaugural minor premiership in 1988 followed by successive losses in the finals was mystified by the Sharks\\u2019 finals paralysis the ARL Coach of the Century also lamented of Cronulla: \\u201CThere is something in the woodwork of the joint.\\u201D before Shane Flanagan\\u2019s 2016 breakthrough premiership: \\u201CPeople ridicule the Sharks for not winning a premiership It\\u2019s a success for the club just to survive a season.\\u201D \\u201CThey\\u2019ve had some dramas over the years things are pretty stable now.\\u201D However rather than a monetary one the Sharks must break through in 2025 if their end of season is not to resemble a vain man\\u2019s 39th birthday - an annual event He\\u2019d developed a reputation for either magic or meltdown except to say all top halves have early \\u201Cvulnerabilities\\u201D and it takes time to develop an all-around game Melbourne\\u2019s Jahrome Hughes took six years to progress from a utility who did not play a game on New Zealand\\u2019s tour of England to winning the 2024 Dally M Medal for being the game\\u2019s best player Fitzgibbon defers all credit to the club\\u2019s welfare department for celebrating the increasing diversity in the game And how Pinocchio\\u2019s nose grew every time he told a lie a phenomenon termed \\u201Cthe Pinocchio Syndrome\\u201D by psychologists saying with the wisdom of the father/coach: \\u201CWhen you tell a player a lie They will come in droves for you after that.\\u201D Michael Chammas and Andrew \\u201CJoey\\u201D Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round They will come in droves for you after that.\\u2019 \\u2018He goes to about 15 Balmain 1969 reunions a year.\\u2019 Two of the game’s best No.7s – Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses - put on a proper show to kickstart Magic Round on Friday night Hynes dusted himself off after three missed field-goals five days earlier that could have won the game against the Wests Tigers And Moses was involved in everything as the Eels fought back before getting rolled 28-18 Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his Eels counterpart Jason Ryles were glowing in their appraisal of their respective chief playmakers Fitzgibbon said of Hynes: “I haven’t heard about him in about four or five weeks I feel like last week there was some criticism there for not icing the game which is all good and it’s fair and reasonable was one lick of paint away from having his moment in the sun while his halves partner Braydon Trindall came up with a crucial 40/20 in the second half to set up another Sharks’ four-pointer but they are such a different side with Moses back from a foot injury and calling the shots His blistering speed was on full display midway through the second half when Parramatta cut the margin back to four points while Jesse Colquhoun was in the bin for a professional foul Eels playmaker Mitchell Moses was solid in his second game back from a foot injury.Credit: Getty Images If Laurie Daley was picking his NSW side tomorrow Moses would be the five-eighth alongside Nathan Cleary “The players definitely get confidence when he’s getting ready in the sheds – there’s no doubt about it,” Ryles said of Moses the kicking … he’s helping me instil a culture we want to grow within our footy club.” Moses was involved in a verbal exchange with Trindall with Moses smiling and admitting after the game it was nothing and the season he’s having is unbelievable,” Moses said Nicho Hynes on the charge for Cronulla on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images Ryles bit his tongue over a few rulings and joked he did not have “enough runs on the board” as a head coach One was the penalty to Cronulla when Bailey Simonsson was ruled to have tried to tackle Ronnie Mulitalo as he tried to score The Eels were also unlucky to get pinged for a knock-on when Josh Addo-Carr threw a ball back in-field The next set Cronulla marched down field on the back of Trindall’s 40/20 The Eels host the Dolphins next Thursday while the Sharks enjoy a well-earned nine-day turnaround to Manly Two of the game\\u2019s best No.7s \\u2013 Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses - put on a proper show to kickstart Magic Round on Friday night Hynes dusted himself off that could have won the game against the Wests Tigers Fitzgibbon said of Hynes: \\u201CI haven\\u2019t heard about him in about four or five weeks which is all good and it\\u2019s fair and reasonable \\u201CHe didn\\u2019t have an issue with it while his halves partner Braydon Trindall came up with a crucial 40/20 in the second half to set up another Sharks\\u2019 four-pointer \\u201CThe players definitely get confidence when he\\u2019s getting ready in the sheds \\u2013 there\\u2019s no doubt about it,\\u201D Ryles said of Moses \\u201CEveryone sees the talent he\\u2019s got the kicking \\u2026 he\\u2019s helping me instil a culture we want to grow within our footy club.\\u201D and the season he\\u2019s having is unbelievable,\\u201D Moses said \\u201CHe\\u2019s taken that side to a new level Ryles bit his tongue over a few rulings and joked he did not have \\u201Cenough runs on the board\\u201D as a head coach The next set Cronulla marched down field on the back of Trindall\\u2019s 40/20 The Sharks were run down late in a heartbreaker in Canberra while the Sea Eagles were run over by a red-hot Storm outfit in a Sunday afternoon blitz at Brookvale This week the two sides lick their wounds and travel to the other side of the country as Act One in the double-header at the magnificent Optus Stadium in Perth With fine weather and a fast track predicted both sides will be keen to put on a show for the locals as they unleash the likes of Will Kennedy The Sea Eagles average a tick under 30 points per game and the Sharks 22 so scoring tries won't be the issue rather it's defence that will be keeping coaches Seibold and Fitzgibbon awake at night Sharks: Teig Wilton (illness) and Siosifa Talakai (concussion) are back on deck for the trip to Perth Billy Burns drops to the reserves list and Tuku Hau Tapuha goes to 18th man Sea Eagles: A change on Friday with Tommy Talau coming in on the wing for his first game of the season and Jason Saab dropping out after failing to recover from an ankle sprain suffered against the Storm Prop Josh Aloiai is good to go after missing Round 5 with a shoulder injury so Toafofoa Sipley moves to the bench after being a late call-up to start the game last Sunday Interchange forward Corey Waddell will miss two games for a Careless High Tackle No further changes in Saturday's final team update with Aaron Schoupp remaining in the squad as 18th man Full Match Replay: Sharks v Sea Eagles – Round 6 Picture by John VeageThe Cronulla Easter Show won't be staged again this year with the council looking to the future "to deliver a new vision for a family focused community Easter event" The show has been an Easter tradition in Cronulla mall but was not held during the pandemic in 2020 or last year when the mall was being upgraded and plans to move it to Don Lucas Reserve did not eventuate provided a statement about this year's show late on Friday following an inquiry by the Leader "The Cronulla Easter Show will not be staged this year with the longtime organisers of the event no longer operating in the events industry," a council spokeswoman said. "Council recognises the Easter Show has long been a popular fixture on the calendar for Sutherland Shire residents and is working to support the return of the event in 2026 council will invite expressions of interest (EOI) from operators within the events industry keen to deliver a new vision for a family focused community Easter event "Interested parties can send their contact details to Council via events@ssc.nsw.gov.au to register their interest and to ensure they are kept updated once the EOI process commences "Local residents can continue to enjoy community Easter festivities in the Sutherland Shire with Council continuing to support the popular Cronulla Easter Market which will take place this weekend at Don Lucas Reserve "Council is also staging what promises to be a fun-filled family day out at our Taren Point animal shelter this Saturday Families are invited to join staff and volunteers to take part in kids craft activities sample some Easter treats and potentially welcome a new pet to their family with half price adoption on all cats." NRL: The Cronulla Sharks have defeated the parramatta Eels in the first game of NRL Magic Round Picture from video by Rob PearceA 93-year-old motorist caused consternation when he unwittingly drove through Cronulla mall at lunchtime on Thursday calling for him to stop and banging on the car Police caught up with the driver a short time later after he drove out of the mall They accepted his explanation it was a mistake said he had just left the gym next to the playground outside Bakers Delight about 1.15pm "I saw the car coming down the mall and knew that when he reached the end there was no exit," he said people were approaching the car attempting to talk to him he was not stopping either and was intent on driving "I was concerned he may not see children playing or was having some type of medical episode "I started filming to give police some evidence." Mr Pearce said when the car proceeded back up the mall people were trying to stop him banging on the car and one tried opening his door "I have to say the police response was excellent There must have been at least six cars who responded and were looking for him." Hynes dusted himself off after three missed field-goals five days earlier that could have won the game against the Wests Tigers. And Moses was involved in everything as the Eels fought back before getting rolled 28-18. Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon and his Eels counterpart Jason Ryles were glowing in their appraisal of their respective chief playmakers. Fitzgibbon said of Hynes: “I haven’t heard about him in about four or five weeks, which means he’s playing well. “He’s been at it all year. I feel like last week there was some criticism there for not icing the game, which is all good and it’s fair and reasonable. “He didn’t have an issue with it, and we don’t. He stepped up [against the Tigers], smashed one from 50m, was one lick of paint away from having his moment in the sun. He didn’t get it, but he stepped up time after time, the game was on the line, and he went after it.” Hynes set up three tries, while his halves partner Braydon Trindall came up with a crucial 40/20 in the second half to set up another Sharks’ four-pointer. The Eels were legless a month ago, but they are such a different side with Moses back from a foot injury and calling the shots. His blistering speed was on full display midway through the second half when Parramatta cut the margin back to four points while Jesse Colquhoun was in the bin for a professional foul. If Laurie Daley was picking his NSW side tomorrow, Moses would be the five-eighth alongside Nathan Cleary. “The players definitely get confidence when he’s getting ready in the sheds – there’s no doubt about it,” Ryles said of Moses. “Everyone sees the talent he’s got, but what I love is he turns up every day, he competes, he drives standards, he wants to get better every day. “That’s what I love about him. The talent, the footy, the kicking … he’s helping me instil a culture we want to grow within our footy club.” Moses was involved in a verbal exchange with Trindall, with Moses smiling and admitting after the game it was nothing. “He’s a quality player, he’s been on fire for them, and the season he’s having is unbelievable,” Moses said. “He’s taken that side to a new level. It was just two halves competing.” Ryles bit his tongue over a few rulings and joked he did not have “enough runs on the board” as a head coach, nor the money to pay any fines, if he revealed what he really thought. One was the penalty to Cronulla when Bailey Simonsson was ruled to have tried to tackle Ronnie Mulitalo as he tried to score. The Eels were also unlucky to get pinged for a knock-on when Josh Addo-Carr threw a ball back in-field, despite it going backwards. The next set Cronulla marched down field on the back of Trindall’s 40/20. The Eels host the Dolphins next Thursday while the Sharks enjoy a well-earned nine-day turnaround to Manly. Two of the game\\u2019s best No.7s \\u2013 Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses - put on a proper show to kickstart Magic Round on Friday night. Hynes dusted himself off that could have won the game against the Wests Tigers. Fitzgibbon said of Hynes: \\u201CI haven\\u2019t heard about him in about four or five weeks, which means he\\u2019s playing well. \\u201CHe\\u2019s been at it all year. I feel like last week there was some criticism there for not icing the game, which is all good and it\\u2019s fair and reasonable. \\u201CHe didn\\u2019t have an issue with it, and we don\\u2019t. He stepped up [against the Tigers], smashed one from 50m, was one lick of paint away from having his moment in the sun. He didn\\u2019t get it, but he stepped up time after time, the game was on the line, and he went after it.\\u201D Hynes set up three tries, while his halves partner Braydon Trindall came up with a crucial 40/20 in the second half to set up another Sharks\\u2019 four-pointer. \\u201CThe players definitely get confidence when he\\u2019s getting ready in the sheds \\u2013 there\\u2019s no doubt about it,\\u201D Ryles said of Moses. \\u201CEveryone sees the talent he\\u2019s got, but what I love is he turns up every day, he competes, he drives standards, he wants to get better every day. \\u201CThat\\u2019s what I love about him. The talent, the footy, the kicking \\u2026 he\\u2019s helping me instil a culture we want to grow within our footy club.\\u201D \\u201CHe\\u2019s a quality player, he\\u2019s been on fire for them, and the season he\\u2019s having is unbelievable,\\u201D Moses said. \\u201CHe\\u2019s taken that side to a new level. It was just two halves competing.\\u201D Ryles bit his tongue over a few rulings and joked he did not have \\u201Cenough runs on the board\\u201D as a head coach, nor the money to pay any fines, if he revealed what he really thought. The Eels were also unlucky to get pinged for a knock-on when Josh Addo-Carr threw a ball back in-field, despite it going backwards. The next set Cronulla marched down field on the back of Trindall\\u2019s 40/20. ABC News News HomeSport Canberra Raiders complete stunning comeback against DolphinsJBy Jon Healy Adam Doueihi missed a field goal before slotting the game-winning penalty goal Link copiedShareShare articleAdam Doueihi has slotted a penalty goal in the second period of golden point to boot the Tigers to a 20-18 victory over Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval both teams had their shots at game-winning field goals in regulation and extra time but it was ultimately a two-on-one strip that gifted Doueihi the game-winner sparking jubilant scenes at the Tigers' spiritual home Tigers coach Benji Marshall described that game as "crazy" and an emotional roller-coaster That's the spirit they've shown all year," he said It marked the first NRL game for five-eighth Lachlan Galvin after the 19-year-old was dropped to reserve grade last week over a contract dispute Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall already appears frustrated by the Lachlan Galvin saga But we're only four days into a potentially exhausting 18 months Galvin set up the first try and made a try-saver in the dying moments of regulation in a complete performance Marshall credited him for a "great" game who sniped at Galvin on social media shortly before he was axed said he was "100 per cent" OK with playing alongside the young star "Not once have I said that I don't enjoy playing with him," he said Canberra scored 30 straight points to beat the Dolphins 40-28 in a phenomenal comeback at Bruce Stadium The Dolphins picked up where they left off after consecutive victories over the Panthers and Storm running in five first-half tries to lead 28-10 at half-time looked a different team after a baking from coach Ricky Stuart and won the second half 30-0 for a gutsy win in front of their home fans Look back at how the action unfolded in our live blog below, and check out the full stats in our ScoreCentre Submit a comment or question Log in to commentLive updatesLatestOldest27 Apr 8:50amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:50amWe'll sign off thereJBy Jon Healy A stunning comeback and a golden-point thriller — you can't ask for much more than that on a Sunday There will be A LOT of talking points after this round so please make sure to keep an eye on ABC Sport through the week We'll be ramping up to live blogs on Thursday night's Women's State of Origin opener in Brisbane ReactReactCopy link27 Apr 8:47amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:47amBenji says 'crazy' win was 'the pressure reliever we needed'JBy Jon Healy Tigers coach Benji Marshall describes that game as "crazy" and an emotional roller-coaster That's the spirit they've shown all year.," he says "That's the pressure reliever we needed "I never gave up belief in our team." The Tigers now have four wins and four losses heading into Magic Round and Marshall says that sort of win "can catapult our season" Marshall: "I thought he was great; just went out and played footy." Luai says he's "100 per cent" OK with playing alongside Galvin: "Not once have I said that I don't enjoy playing with him." Marshall: "He blew up at me for taking him off [for five minutes]." I think he's put himself in a great position to play Origin footy." "He's earned that moment through hard work and practice 8:29amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:29am'They were great': Cronulla credits tireless TigersJBy Jon Healy Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon says they just stumbled at the final hurdle a few times And he credits the Tigers for coming up with last-ditch efforts to constantly repel them it was a big night for them," he says Captain Cameron McInnes agrees: "There were times where we were almost over and they were scrambling." Fitzgibbon says centre Mawene Hiroti has injured his medial collateral ligament in his knee but he's not sure of the severity yet 8:27amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:27amWe've all practiced this moment in the backyardJBy Jon Healy 8:23amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:23amPure joyJBy Jon Healy 8:15amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:15amLachlan Galvin loving life back in the big leaguesJBy Jon Healy It's been a diabolical two weeks for Lachlan Galvin The contract saga leading to his axing to reserve grade made a try-saver and just generally played an excellent game And now he's soaking up the love from the Leichhardt Oval crowd He says he didn't put his hand up for field-goal duties "I'll let Romey [Jarome Luai] do that he can nail those field goals and I'll just be support." ReactReactCopy linkKey Event27 Apr 8:06amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:06amTIGERS WIN IN GOLDEN POINT!JBy Jon Healy The penalty goal is straight and true from Adam Doueihi and Leichhardt Oval is rocking "No better feeling," Doueihi tells ABC Sport "I've been practicing these goal kicks this whole season It's a remarkable victory for the Tigers considering the adversity they faced in this game breaking out to that 18-6 lead before getting run down by the Sharks in the second half The Tigers had no field position and were never going to be able to kick a field goal into that breeze so did mighty well to hold on for extra time thanks in no small part to a mammoth effort from prop Terrell May only getting a brief break after the hour mark 68 of which came after contact (both team highs) threw eight offloads and had a pivotal charge down on a Nicho Hynes field goal attempt 8:06amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:06am88' A penalty right in front of the sticks for the Tigers!JBy Jon Healy Samuela Fainu makes a great charge and he's stopped by McInnes and Hazelton And Adam Doueihi will take a 25m shot at goal into a gale 8:05amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:05am87' Sharks rue wasting their captain's challengeJBy Jon Healy Braydon Trindall launches a field goal shot and it goes dead Tallyn Da Silva touched it as he charged through they wasted their captain's challenge and the bunker doesn't chime in 8:03amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:03am86' The Tigers just miss out on regathering the kick-offJBy Jon Healy Adam Doueihi's kick-off lingers in the breeze and Tallyn Da Silva gets there first 8:02amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:02amIt'll be another five minutes of golden point in 'the game of the year'JBy Jon Healy The Tigers and Sharks are still locked at 18-18 and now Cronulla has the wind on its side Looked like his ankle got caught under Tom Hazelton in a hip-drop-esque tackle "This is arguably the game of the year," ABC Sport sideline commentator John Gibbs says 8:00amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 8:00am85' Trindall slices a field goal attemptJBy Jon Healy And the Tigers' kick return goes 70 metres in the other direction 7:59amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:59am84' Doueihi misses a shot at field goalJBy Jon Healy but he's under the pump and his shot sails just to the right The Sharks get a seven-tackle set from 20 metres out 7:56amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:56am83' Hynes charged down again and the Tigers win a captain's challenge to regather the ballJBy Jon Healy Another field goal attempt is blocked by the Tigers The referee ruled Jahream Bula knocked on as he tried to regather after the chargedown but the challenge shows a Will Kennedy knock-on came first and Adam Doueihi had a think about taking a 55m shot for goal 7:54amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:54am82' May knocks onJBy Jon Healy He hands the Sharks the ball 30 metres out 7:54amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:54am81' Tigers are running with the breeze firstJBy Jon Healy Few coin tosses are more important than this one No-one in their team has ever kicked a field goal in the NRL but I reckon my nephew could get the distance in this breeze 7:51amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:51amWe're going to golden point!JBy Jon Healy The Tigers defence has saved the day in the final minute and now earned themselves an extra five minutes at least as scores remained level at 18-18 as the siren sounds 7:51amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:51am80' Terrell May charges down another Hynes field goal shotJBy Jon Healy And he's backed up by try-savers from Galvin under the posts on Tom Hazelton and then Starford To'a and Sunia Turuva combine to save a Dan Atkinson try out wide 7:47amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:47am78' Hynes hits the post from 48 metres out!JBy Jon Healy the ball comes out to Nicho Hynes and he wallops a field goal that flies with the wind behind it and it hits the left upright it didn't go dead the Tigers don't get seven tackles 7:47amSun 27 Apr 2025 at 7:47am77' The Tigers steal an offload and give the ball back to the Sharks 20m outJBy Jon Healy but not much further than that if they want to boot a field goal with this breeze at their backs CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Picture suppliedThe Cronulla Easter Market has been postponed until next month due to a forecast of heavy rain say the event has been rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday with new operating times due to daylight saving ending of 9am to 3pm The venue will still be Don Lucas Reserve at Wanda The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting showers increasing on Friday followed by rain with falls of between 15mm and 60mm and the chance of a thunderstorm on Saturday The heaviest falls are expected in western Sydney The Bureau says there is a medium chance of showers on Sunday "We appreciate everyone's understanding and patience as we make this necessary adjustment due to the predicted weather conditions" A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including 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This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out The Sharks jumped into the top eight on the back of their demolition of Newcastle and look to carry that momentum into a Sunday afternoon showdown with Wests Tigers With nine Sharks running for more than 100 metres they ran the Knights ragged and they will again look to go straight through the front door with Addin Fonua-Blake showing the way and their classy outside backs cashing in The Tigers will need to regroup quickly after a 38-22 loss to the Eels that came at the end of a horror week for the club dominated by the Lachlan Galvin drama The last time the two sides met in Round 19 last year the Sharks ran in 10 tries to one in a 58-6 mauling although the Tigers have had the better of their clashes at Leichhardt Oval winning six of the 10 games played there since 2000 Wests Tigers: Lachlan Galvin is set to return to first grade after a week in NSW Cup and will start at five-eighth alongside Jarome Luai The teenager's return will see Adam Doueihi shift to the centres with Brent Naden moving to the wing and Luke Laulilii dropping out of the squad Royce Hunt is also looking to face his former team after he dropped out of the side on game day last weekend Sharks: Billy Burns comes in for Teig Wilton who is expected to miss at least two matches after damaging his shoulder in the Newcastle game Toby Rudolf has been ruled out with an ankle injury with Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha coming on to the bench Full Match Replay: Wests Tigers v Sharks – Round 8 Cronulla.A video of an e-bike exploding into flames outside a barber's shop at Cronulla is being shared widely The e-bike was left standing outside Men's Republic Barbers in Surf Lane while the young rider was inside when flames were seen coming from the rear of it As a hairdresser wheels the vehicle away from the shop towards the road Sutherland Shire councillor Carmelo Pesce was next door in his Bianchini's restaurant when the incident occurred Cr Pesce said "the bike was just standing there when when it caught fire by itself" "It demonstrates once again that if are going to buy an e-bike make sure its a reputable brand and you follow the instructions about charging," he said of Fire and Rescue NSW said the video "basically shows a battery that's failing" "We don't know why - whether it's an inferior product had a wrong charger attached earlier in the day been dropped and damaged or if it's just the manufacturer's fault," he said "We see the battery is on fire and as it is moved to a clearer area the heat continues to build up in the battery compartment and within seven seconds at least one of the cells explodes and goes into thermal runaway there is every chance it can reignite in an hour or two or more "That can happen again and again until all the cells are consumed "Each battery pack has maybe 12 to 20 cells inside the battery should be put in a bucket of water." Superintendent Dewberry reiterated advice about lithium batteries Fire and Rescue NSW is providing on an almost daily basis "Always buy reputable brand products from reputable retailers and use them the way they are supposed to be used," he said "Don't modify or repair them unless you are a specialist technician "Make sure you have the right charger - too many people are mixing and matching "Do not leave the charger on continuously or when you are asleep "Charge on hard surfaces and preferably not where you sleep or in exit areas of your home make sure you dispose of them in an appropriate recycling centre." from red-brick flats to flashy new apartment developments and from retirees to families looking for affordable homes within cooee of the coast Real estate agent and Gibson Partners director Ivan Lampret has lived and worked in the area for more than 30 years and says the suburb continues to evolve “I’ve always said that Cronulla is totally undervalued as a beachside suburb,” he says “I think a lot of people we’re meeting from out of town are sort of now saying Now I want to come back because I’ve got a family and I want to give them a lifestyle that is more affordable in Cronulla than in the eastern suburbs.’ ” former mayor and local business owner Carmelo Pesce says the suburb has also gained favour with downsizers trading large family homes for beachfront apartments Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines “They want the lifestyle where they can just walk out of their apartment and go and do the shopping or go to the cafe and everything is more convenient for them,” he says “You’ve got one of the longest lengths of beaches anywhere in Sydney and a lot of restaurants with beach views.” With an increasingly affluent population of just shy of 18,000 This translates as cosmopolitan buzz for some Coogee: Where there’s less buzz but better value than Bondi Bendalong: Home of the finest beaches on the South Coast Potts Point: 98 per cent of residents here are apartment dwellers Lampret says the biggest beef in Cronulla is probably the increased traffic but with the beach a short 300-metre walk from the train station there’s a compelling reason to leave the car at home The four-kilometre Esplanade Walk provides another incentive to get around on foot It runs from Wanda Surf Lifesaving Club to Bass and Flinders Point(Corr) and is the best spot to mix with the locals learn a little history and check out the different beaches and rock pools with Ivan Lampret from Gibson Partners Cronulla’s restaurants are up there with the best of them. Bianchini’s is my favourite cafe – it sits on Elouera Beach with a sensational outlook – while Sealevel is my favourite restaurant. The service is second to none, and the food is always spot on. I’m noticing a lot more people from outside the Shire coming to our open homes and having a look here. They’re coming from the eastern suburbs and the Inner West, and there are people who moved down the South Coast who want to move back to Cronulla. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate The Sharks may have returned home from Las Vegas without any competition points but they can now boast global mega-star Katy Perry as a fan "I guess I rep the Sharks in Sydney now," Perry told stars Nicho Hynes and Kayal Iro after meeting the pair on the eve of Cronulla’s gripping 28-22 loss to the Panthers at Allegiant Stadium After being presented with a signed Sharks jersey Perry even suggested one of the players could be invited to dance on stage in the ‘Left Shark’ costume during her on-stage Teenage Dream performance when she tours Australia who has 384 million followers on social media after being invited into the studio of SiriusXM Hits 1 during an exclusive interview with the music superstar for the radio station’s top rating Morning Mashup breakfast show Katy Perry joins Sharks family after meeting Nicho and Kayal Perry said after being introduced to Hynes and Iro during her interview with high profile radio hosts Nicole Ryan also showed her awareness of rugby league when she asked Hynes about an incident involving former NSW centre Michaael De Vere during State of Origin "There was a gentleman who I think had his stapled and then went and played again," she said Morning Mashup is the No.1 breakfast radio show in the United States and is streamed to a monthly audience of 150 million listeners The show was broadcasting live in Vegas in partnership with the NRL’s Rugby League in Las Vegas festival “They chatted about rugby league and also about the fact that Katy had Shark dancers perform in her recent concert,” Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said “Katy said ‘I guess I’ll see you in Australia’ asking them if they would like to come and see her Sydney show and even suggested she could put one of the boys in the ‘left shark’ costume.” The meet and greet with Perry was made possible through Cronulla’s ongoing collaboration with Morning Mashup Producer Ben Harlum and Hynes and Iro also recorded an interview that will be aired nationally in the US this week brand & digital Melinda Madigan and football operations manager Mark Noakes left the meeting with Perry excited by her declaration that she was now be Sharks fan “She was kind enough to give us the time and to chat with us about the Sharks,” Mezzatesta added “Katy said she will have to cheer for the Sharks now.” The Sharks also had the backing of home-grown supermodel Elle Macpherson in Las Vegas after she reunited with Cronulla great Andrew Ettingshausen to re-enact their iconic photo 32 years ago Two of the Sutherland Shire's most famous products were memorably snapped together in 1993 when Macpherson – the daughter of ex-Sharks president Peter Gow – was invited to present Ettingshausen with a golden boot in recognition of his 200th game for the club the Sharks' historic trip to Vegas to face the Panthers in the season-opening NRL blockbuster at Allegiant Stadium provided an opportunity for the pair to renew acquaintances and relive old times NRL Press Conference: Sharks v Eels - Round 9 NRL Press Conference: Wests Tigers v Sharks - Round 8 NRL Press Conference: Knights v Sharks - Round 7 NRL Press Conference: Sharks v Bulldogs - Round 4 Could Addin Fonua-Blake be the final piece of the premiership jigsaw for the Sharks under Craig Fitzgibbon The Sharks have the most settled roster in the NRL with Fonua-Blake and rookie forward Hohepa Puru the only new faces in the 2025 squad - replacing Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers) and Jack Williams (Eels) Fonua-Blake joins Cronulla at the peak of his career after four seasons as the lynchpin of the Warriors pack and a talismanic performance for Tonga in last year's Pacific Cup ball playing skills and brutal defence could be the ingredients that lift the Sharks to the next level after three consecutive finals appearances since Fitzgibbon took over as coach in 2022 After falling one win short of the grand final when beaten 26-6 by Vegas rivals Penrith on their way to an historic four-peat Cronulla are hungry for premiership success and aiming to start the season by defeating the premiers at Allegiant Stadium with Kayal Iro having cemented his place in the centres after a breakout 2024 season Daniel Atkinson emerged as an NRL quality playmaker last season yet is likely to have to bide his time on the interchange before departing for the Dragons in 2026 while the Sharks have strong depth in the forwards Toby Rudolf is unavailable for the opening rounds after suffering a shoulder injury while surfing over summer but the Sharks are otherwise close to full strength Casualty Ward: All the latest injury newsComings and Goings: 2025 Signings Tracker James Graham dissects the Sharks 2025 NRL Draw Full Match Replay: Sharks v Eels – Round 9 Cronulla will welcome KL Iro back from injury at Magic Round with the centre finally back on deck after suffering a hamstring injury in Round 4 Iro was in red-hot form during the opening month of the season as he crossed for five tries in four matches before injury struck His potent partnership with Ronaldo Mulitalo on the left edge has been a cornerstone of the Sharks’ attack for the past two years Iro will return to the fold after dropping ‘Kayal’ from his name MORE: Titans star opens up on high tackle and sin-bin controversy ahead of Magic Round KL was originally my first name," Iro explained "But my mum wouldn't let me leave the hospital until we changed it who until now had been listed as ‘Kayal’ Iro on NRL team sheets will instead adopt his unofficial birth name  the former New Zealand Kiwis star Kevin Leslie Iro The emerging star was born in England in 2000 while his dad was plying his trade in the Super League with St Helens He relocated with his family two years later to the Cook Islands where he resided for most of his childhood while turning out for his junior club Arorangi Bears Iro later moved to New Zealand where he received his first start in the junior pathway system at the Warriors when he was a teenager But then headed to Australia ahead of the 2020 NRL season when he signed with Newcastle my dad always wanted me to change it," the Cronulla centre revealed "But I've just been too shy to bring it up." The Cook Islands international noted how the change would hopefully lead to his name being pronounced correctly as it eliminated any confusion "I feel like it's just easier to see and easier for people to pronounce," Iro explained "It's just KL - that's how it's pronounced The Cronulla Sharks are set to share training facilities with Olympians college footballers and potentially even NFL superstars as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the NRL's season opener in Las Vegas The Sharks will be based in Los Angeles for nearly a week prior to flying to Vegas for their Round 1 clash with Penrith at Allegiant Stadium following a similar model to the Sydney Roosters this year The move will see Cronulla train at the famed University of Southern California the college that produced 2024 NFL first overall draft pick Caleb Williams and they are also exploring the possibility of completing their final session at UCLA or the LA Chargers' state-of-the-art training base Sharks football manager Mark Noakes recognises how fortunate the side is to have access to elite facilities to prepare for the game in Vegas "It doesn't feel real": Graham on why you have to experience Rugby League in Las Vegas "The boys will get a kick out of walking into the universities," Noakes told NRL.com "College football over there is massive and USC and UCLA are known around the world that's a game changer for our preparation and the experience the boys have Not many people get to have access to that "We're looking forward to the opportunity to go over there and get the two points we want to win and get the boys an experience they might never have again." Noakes travelled to the US for a fact-finding mission last month alongside officials from the other NRL and UK Super League clubs participating in the season opener in Las Vegas Wigan and Warrington will kick off the quadruple header at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 before the Raiders play the Warriors. The Jillaroos will then take on England in a historic women's Test match with Cronulla and Penrith to close out the spectacle The event comes on the back of last year's stunning success where more than 40,000 fans turned out for the event The NRL is looking to build on that crowd and pushing for more than 60,000 supporters to cram into the state-of-the-art stadium next season The Sharks look set to be the only NRL team to split their time between two cities with the other three likely to spend all their time in Vegas Cronulla will complete three sessions in LA before flying to Vegas on the Tuesday afternoon They will put the finishing touches on their preparation with a captain's run in Vegas before the game Noakes said a number of factors were considered when mapping out their schedule with officials confident a delayed arrival in Vegas will ensure the side is completely focused on securing a victory over Penrith Sydney Roosters in Vegas: Episode 8 - LAX-LAS "We wanted to give the boys a bit of an experience and we can do that in LA but the two points is the most important thing," he said We decided we can have a better prep in LA if we go early rather than straight to Vegas with the blinkers on "When we're in LA we can give the boys a bit of an experience Once we get there everything is about the Round 1 game." The planning for next year's event has thrown up a number of unexpected hurdles with the lack of natural grass training facilities in LA the trickiest for the Sharks to navigate While two sessions will be held on synthetic turf at USC club officials are eager for their main session on Tuesday to be held on natural grass Noakes is currently working through a number of options with the LA Chargers' training facility the preferred site for the session The Sharks hope to finalise the plans early in the new year and remain confident of mapping out a solution "A major hurdle has been trying to find turf in LA," Noakes said "Most of the fields are synthetic and because they're worried about wear and tear the few grass fields they have are hard to get access to USC is a one-stop shop with the field and gym in the one location We could potentially use a field at UCLA but their gym has been pulled down and is getting rebuilt for the Olympics so that creates an issue because with traffic it takes so long to get around "The gold standard would be the LA Chargers we would love to get access to their field They are busy at the moment with their season so we're still waiting to hear back from them They were very open and accommodating for us to potentially use it so that's gold standard and fingers crossed that may come off." Colquhoun 53Sin BinAll Videos2:12NRLCronulla too good for Parramatta Fitzy: "Impressive to put it together" Trindall & Moses exchange after big hit The Panthers will begin their quest for a fifth-straight NRL title under the bright lights of Las Vegas as they take on Cronulla in the final game of the NRL's season opener at Allegiant Stadium The clash is a rematch of last year's preliminary final Penrith claiming a commanding 26-6 victory on the way to the title The Sharks have spent the summer focused on completing unfinished business and it's a mission that starts on Sunday afternoon It didn't take long for off-season recruit Addin Fonua-Blake to make an impression on his new teammates and the prop will look to dominate a Panthers pack loaded with talent Last year's Golden Boot winner Isaah Yeo will lead the premiers out as they chase a winning start to the year There was plenty of change over the summer in Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris and winger Sunia Turuva all departing Panthers: No late changes for the Panthers who launch their quest for a fifth straight premiership with superstars Nathan Cleary Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards all good to go after off-season surgery but Brian To'o missing due to a hamstring injury Teen sensation Casey McLean comes in on the wing after scoring four tries on Test debut for the Kiwis in November while Paul Alamoti slots in on the other wing having overcome an elbow injury The only change to the grand final pack is Lindsay Smith taking over from James Fisher-Harris at prop while former Tiger Isaiah Papalii emerging prop Luron Patea and workhorse Matt Eisenhuth form a new-look interchange bench Luke Sommerton and Jesse McLean omitted 24-hours from the match Sharks: The Sharks are 1-17 with no late changes With Sione Katoa facing an extended period out with a shoulder injury Sam Stonestreet gets the nod on the wing after finishing 2024 in a flurry with seven tries in his last four games Star recruit Addin Fonua-Blake leads a formidable pack that includes Briton Nikora while Braden Hamlin-Uele and Tom Hazelton bring power off the bench After missing the Sharks' preliminary final loss to the Panthers with an ankle injury Jesse Ramien is back on deck in the centres with Siosifa Talakai going back to the bench Panthers v Broncos: Papali'i in for Sorensen; Riki returns Sharks v Eels: Iro set for comeback; Moses eyes key win