The countdown to a massive 2024 season is underway after the release of the NRL and NRLW draws. Read on for some of the key numbers to come from the respective schedules.
10 – NRL games at PointsBet Stadium and free-to-air matches
The home action kicks off in round two against the Bulldogs and culminates in a clash with the Warriors in round 26, bookending a slew of mouthwatering matches.
The Sharks play 10 free-to-air matches, including three consecutive Sunday afternoon fixtures – two of which are at home – from rounds seven to nine.
All nine women’s fixtures will be shown on free-to-air and Fox League.
4 – NRLW games at PointsBet Stadium
After an encouraging maiden campaign, the women will begin their quest to reach the finals for the first time with a match against the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium on July 27.
Sharks members and fans will have three other chances to get behind the girls on home soil, with fixtures pencilled in against the Knights, Roosters and Wests Tigers.
2 – Additional NRL home games
The Sharks technically host the Roosters at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in a Magic Round blockbuster on May 18. Seven weeks later, Cronulla return to the club’s regional fortress at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour to face the Titans.
1 – NRLW-NRL double-header at PointsBet Stadium
Both the women and men tackle the Knights during an unmissable Sunday afternoon in the Sutherland Shire on August 18.
While they only feature at home on the same day once next year, the NRL and NRLW teams play back-to-back against local rivals St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on August 25.
18 – Turnarounds of seven-plus days for the NRL team
The Sharks will benefit from having at least a week’s rest between matches 18 times – the second most in the competition.
This is offset by two five-day turnarounds – slightly above the 2024 NRL average of 1.5 – leading into round 13 (away vs Eels) and 15 (home vs Dolphins).
Craig Fitzgibbon’s side also have three six-day turnarounds, below the average of 5.2.
The women’s draw includes four turnarounds of seven-plus days, three six-day turnarounds and one gap of five days between matches.
15,231 – Kilometres to be travelled by the NRL team
With away matches including a season-opening trip to New Zealand and interstate matches against the Storm (round 10), Roosters (11), Broncos (14), Cowboys (21) and Titans (23), the Sharks will travel more than 15,000km by year’s end.
The 2024 NRL average is 23,561km, but that figure is inflated by four clubs heading to Las Vegas to kick off the season. In 2023, Cronulla notched up 19,158km on the road.
3,381 – Kilometres to be travelled by the NRLW team
While Tony Herman’s NRLW outfit will largely remain close to home, they must navigate longer trips to Canberra and the Gold Coast (twice). The 2024 NRLW travel average is 11,603km, a number boosted by the three Queensland teams constantly flying to Sydney.
3 – Byes
After a big first month, the Sharks men will regroup with the bye in round five. Their next break comes ahead of State of Origin II in round 16 before a rest in round 20 to refresh for the run home.
There’s no bye for the NRLW side during their jam-packed nine-round season.
8 – NRL teams played twice
Cronulla twice take on fellow 2023 finalists the Warriors and Raiders, as well as the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Dragons, Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Titans.
9 – Saturday NRL games
The boys in the black, white and blue will feature most prominently on Saturdays, with four games at home and five away. They also have two Thursday games (one home, one away), six Friday games (three home, three away) and seven Sunday games (four home, three away).
Meanwhile, the NRLW side are set for one Thursday game (home), four Saturday games (one home, three away) and four Sunday games (two home, two away).
For the full NRL draw – CLICK HERE.
For the full NRLW draw - CLICK HERE.
For all membership information and options for next season CLICK HERE and get behind the Sharks in 2024.
