As the competition table-toppers have up to four players in the NSW Origin mix, the only thing that could potentially jeopardise Cronulla’s title charge at this time is State of Origin.
Coach Michael Maguire’s personal favourite, Nicho Hynes, the new Dally M leader, is the favourite to be named the Blues halfback. Cam McInnes is also a strong contender, and both Jesse Ramien and Sifa Talakai, the utility, have been playing fantastically.
Players who are engaged in their first or second series in particular have reported feeling mentally exhausted after finishing the Origin series.
Despite having five players selected for Origin, Cronulla’s crosstown rivals St George Illawarra led the competition for the first half of the 2018 season before dropping out of the top four.
Origin did not interfere with Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s first two seasons in charge, as Talakai played two games for the Blues in 2022 and Hynes made an iconic 12-minute appearance at Adelaide Oval the previous year.
Players who are engaged in their first or second series in particular have reported feeling mentally exhausted after finishing the Origin series.
Despite having five players selected for Origin, Cronulla’s crosstown rivals St George Illawarra led the competition for the first half of the 2018 season before dropping out of the top four.
Origin did not interfere with Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s first two seasons in charge, as Talakai played two games for the Blues in 2022 and Hynes made an iconic 12-minute appearance at Adelaide Oval the previous year.
The Sharks are now favourites to continue their record-breaking run against premiers Penrith at home on Saturday night after defeating the Storm and Sydney Roosters in the previous two weeks.
Dale Finucane, a former Sharks captain, supported the Sharks’ decision to include all four players in the Blues’ lineup, stating that any potential mass participation should only be viewed as a plus.
“Every team in which I have been involved that has had guys playing Origin has benefited because they all return as better players,” Finucane stated.
“Guys get a lot of confidence just knowing they are around, even if they are only a part of the squad.
You would like to think that you can depend on the depth of your team, but it detracts from the calibre of your team during the weeks when Origin is playing.
“Hopefully, we have three or four guys in that NSW side, but we could have up to four. I’m sure “Fitzy” [Fitzgibbon] will push for those guys to participate.
Finucane stated of Hynes, “You’ve seen what he’s done the last two years, but this year, his ability to be able to control the game, that’s been his real strength.” Hynes stood tall against the Roosters and has improved his ability to control a game. He ought to be the favourite for that halfback spot because he wouldn’t look out of place there.
“Before I came to the club, he was someone who I found really hard to tackle, and is someone who plays with an aggressive nature,” Finucane said of Ramien, who is a member of perhaps the best and most physical back five in the NRL. He has been one of our leaders, skilled with the hands and able to score tries.
Queensland’s coach Billy Slater has hinted that he knew the Storm five-eighth was having trouble for some time, so the team will be without Cameron Munster for the entirety of the series. Munster has been dealing with groyne pain due to a hip injury. An end-of-season surgery was scheduled for him prior to his Magic Round breakdown.
Sam Walker of the Roosters and Ezra Mam of Brisbane are the logical five-eighth replacements, while Tom Dearden was a member of the Maroons in the past.
“This is nothing new to me; I am aware of Munster’s current location, his circumstances, and the burdens and struggles he has been facing,” Slater remarked.
It was difficult for me to watch him handle it on Sunday. It’s a challenging game.
“This is our 17,” and I don’t approach it that way, hoping for the best. For this reason, you should set aside some time each week to watch every Queenslander and become familiar with their playing habits. That’s what I do. One thing I’ve discovered over the past few years is that you shouldn’t invest time and effort in things you are powerless to control.
