2015 was meant to be a rubbish season for the Sharks. They were coming off a wooden spoon and few people expected much improvement.

But improve they did. Ennis who many thought had his best footy behind him, had a ripping season.

Graham was consistent as always whilst Holmes and Bird were revelations.

With the ASADA dramas well and truly behind them (unlike rival-code counterparts Essendon) and Woolooware Bay development on the go, the Sharks might have finally found some off-field stability.

The Sharks have also brought excellent additions to the table for 2016 including James Moloney, Joseph Paulo, and scary unit Jesse Sene-Lefao. They will also be stoked at the return of Chad Townsend.

Let’s take a squizz at their full list of changes:

Ins: James Maloney (Sydney Roosters), Chad Townsend (New Zealand Warriors), Jesse Sene Lefao (Manly Sea Eagles), Jordan Drew (Brisbane Broncos), Josh Cleeland (Ipswich Jets), Joseph Paulo (Paramatta Eels), Kurt Capewell (Ipswich Jets), Matt McIlwrick (Sydney Roosters)

Outs: Michael Gordon (Parramatta Eels), Blake Ayshford (New Zealand Warriors), Josh Addo-Carr (Wests Tigers), Jeff Robson (New Zealand Warriors), Kyle Stanley (retirement), Curtis Scott (Melbourne Storm)

The Good:

Sene-Lefao is a fantastic addition to the Sharks line-up. It is hard to believe Manly let him go. The Samoan has a huge work ethic and will give the Sharks some much needed depth.

Holmes and Bird will be big factors again. If these two can improve on their massive seasons last year the Sharkies will be very difficult to stop.

?? MERMAID MONDAY ?? #WeAreSharks #MermaidMonday A photo posted by cronullasharksmermaids (@cronullasharksmermaids) on Oct 18, 2015 at 9:51pm PDT

A special mention to the Cronulla Sharks Mermaids who will also be back doing their thing at Shark park. You can relive our BeyondTheGame.TV Special on the Mermaids right here. *Shameless Plug

Worries:

The metre eater Andrew Fifita had an inconsistent 2015 and will be hoping to improve this season. When he is on-song he is one of the best in the comp- as we have seen from his Origin Selection.

He also has a good sense of humour, sharing this meme someone made about him on Instagram.

Seen this, loved it. Can I get a skinny 1 done after preseason. Someone will have to make it. That shark tho looks hectic thanks for the inbox emm A photo posted by Andrew Fifita (@andrewfifita) on Nov 24, 2015 at 10:46pm PST

Paul Gallan and Luke Lewis are another year older and the Sharks won’t be able to rely on these guys for much longer.

Benny Barba who once upon a time was the most dangerous player in the competition, struggled to find his place in 2015. He will be desperate for more field time in 2016.

BeyondTheGame.TV Predicts:

The Sharks have never won an NRL Premiership. In 2016 they have the squad that can finally bring a Premiership Trophy to The Shire.

Dare to dream ??WATCH as we take you behind the scenes as @jackbird_ stars in an upcoming TVC. Link in bio! #WeAreSharks ⚫️⚪️? A photo posted by Cronulla Sharks FC (@cronullasharks) on Feb 16, 2016 at 9:57pm PST

They have an excellent mix of experience and youth- and will be praying that big Gal and Luke Lewis’ bodies can hold out for the season. If they do- and the likes of Holmes, Bird, Townsend, Fifita, and Moloney fire- look out!

Final Place: 4th