Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is eyeing a top four finish in 2016 after his side's early and late season fade-outs last year.

The Sharks started last NRL season 0-4 and their upset final-round loss to Manly denied them a top-four finish. That came before their year ended in highly forgettable fashion in a 39-0 semi-final drubbing by eventual premiers North Queensland.

But with a new year comes new hope and Flanagan insists his side have learned the lessons of 2015. The Sharks' have boosted their squad with the key acquisitions of ex-Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney and Chad Townsend, who returns to his junior club after two seasons with the Warriors.

Importantly, Flanagan says he has finally put together the squad he wants.