Incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon may be resigned to losing more recruitment battles after Adam Reynolds opted for the Broncos instead of Cronulla, but for Sharks prop Aaron Woods, the recruitment pitch is easy and enticing.
“We’re the Cronulla Sharks; everyone knows what we’re like,” Woods said Wednesday.
“We’re just going through a tough period at the moment. We’ve got a new coach, there’s going to be some different systems next year.”
Sharks fans will be hoping those different systems include a defensive overhaul under Fitzgibbon, who has been credited with the Roosters’ defensive steel during their latest golden era.
It’s a well-known trend: aside from the 2015 North Queensland Cowboys, premiership winners are one of the top three defensive units in the competition. While the club has shored up its middle after a disastrous 2020 where 24 of their tries conceded came through the middle – saved only from worst in the NRL by the Broncos – Cronulla still average 34.5 missed tackles a game (third-worst in the NRL, according to Fox Sports Lab).
As for that points conceded trend, the Panthers, Eels, Storm and Roosters all concede less than 15 points per game.
The Sharks currently average 25.8.
Still, Woods sees positives in luring off-contract talent outside of the club’s win-loss column
“It’s a bit hard to pitch when they haven’t heard from the new head coach, but the club’s in a good position, financially. They’re stable. [Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta] Dino has done a really good job behind the scenes.
“We’ve got a new Leagues Club and getting new facilities at the stadium. It’s all positive, we just need to get wins at the moment to make it look even better.”
Woods is one of several Sharks whose contract future is up in the air, with the former Test and Origin rep unsure where he’ll be in 2022, but keen to say in the Shire
“I’m not sure yet. I’ve spoken to Fitzy once before and we’ll sit down, have a yarn and see where we are at there.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at this club, it’s been unreal. I want to continue my stay here – I’ve loved it – so I haven’t really thought about [signing] outside here, to be honest.
“All my focus has been on Cronulla because last time I went through the contract stuff it was quite hard, so I’ll just worry about playing footy.”
OFF-CONTRACT CRONULLA SHARKS PLAYERS
Will Chambers
Josh Dugan
Mawene Hiroti
Shaun Johnson
William Kennedy
Nene Macdonald
Billy Magoulias
Matt Moylan
Kyle Patterson
Toby Rudolf
Aiden Tolman
Connor Tracey
Braydon Trindall
Aaron Woods
