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Why Cronulla can progress beyond the first week
Nicholas Quinlan • September 12th, 2025 8:26 pm
Andrew McCullough and Corey Parker both believe that this version of the Cronulla Sharks can win their second finals game under Craig Fitzgibbon.
Since taking over the reins at the Shire back in 2022, the Sharks have made the finals every year he has been in charge.
But despite the success they have had in the home and away season, it's been in the finals where they have consistently struggled.
In the five finals matches that have been played in, they have only managed to win one, with that being against the Cowboys last year.
However, with a strong finish to the season, which saw them win seven of their last eight games, the 309-game NRL hooker thinks that the Sharks are capable of progressing to the semi-finals in what will be a high scoring match.
“This could be anything, this will be a high-scoring affair,” McCullough declared on SENQ Breakfast.
“I reckon both teams will throw it around.
“You look at the Roosters, some of their ball playing that they are doing, they threw a bit of caution in the air, and they are well coached.
“And the Sharks, plenty of shape; ball through the hands a lot, but I’m going to tip the Sharkies in this one at home.
Parker was in agreement with McCullough, noting that having the 2022 Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes on the field after initially being suspended will help their cause.
“With the Sharks, there has always been that cloud hanging over them in the semi-final arena,” Parker explained.
“They have only won one semi-final under Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon), so it is time.
“I think they are a different side to what they have been, and that game last week when they played the Dogs, I thought they were very, very good.
“I thought Nicho Hynes was back to his best, and he’s off that charge which he should never have been charged for.”
SEN will have live coverage of the elimination final between the Sharks and Roosters from Shark Park.
Its coverage is set to start following the conclusion of the other do-or-die final between the Warriors and the Panthers.
The winner of that Sharks vs Roosters clash will play the loser of the match between Canberra and Brisbane.
