In the second part of our 2024 NRL depth analysis, sharks.com.au runs through the contenders to play in the outside backs.
Outside back options
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Coming off arguably his finest season, in which he became just the second Shark to score 20 tries in a year and earned a Golden Boot nomination through his performances for New Zealand, the energetic Mulitalo is primed to scale even greater heights on the wing in 2024.
The 24-year-old is set to play his 100th NRL match in the upcoming campaign, needing 13 to achieve the milestone.
Sione Katoa
The other half of an acrobatic wing combination, Katoa didn't miss a game last season and is now a seasoned professional. A sensational finisher with an extensive highlight reel, the Tongan star also averaged 127 metres per game in 2023.
Jesse Ramien
Another man who featured in all 25 games in 2023, the blockbusting Ramien has established himself among the NRL's most damaging centres. He bagged a career-high 11 tries last year and, with 122 games under his belt at age 26, is coming into his prime.
Siosifa Talakai
As with Ramien, marking the powerful Talakai is a nightmare proposition for opposing centres. The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the backline for the past two seasons and dominated on several occasions. Having started as a forward, the versatile Blues representative can slot into the pack if needed.
Kayal Iro
The 2022 NSW Cup Player of the Year, Iro has only notched up one NRL game to date but seems destined for more. A strong, agile and fast centre, the son of former Kiwi international Kevin won't let anyone down if he gets his shot sometime this season.
Mawene Hiroti
Capable of playing multiple positions, the adaptable Hiroti has done a job when called upon since joining the Sharks in 2020. He played just one NRL match last season but made it count, scoring a try and running for 139 metres in a win over the Rabbitohs.
Sam Stonestreet
A hulking winger with speed to burn, Stonestreet is a natural try-scorer on the cusp of first grade. The 21-year-old local junior has bided his time and continued his progression in the NSW Cup ranks; he should be ready to go if and when an opportunity arises.
Siteni Taukamo
Still only 19, Taukamo is another highly rated local talent. Also able to play fullback - where he mostly plied his trade in Jersey Flegg last year after coming back from a shoulder injury - the Gymea Gorillas junior has starred on the wing for Greece, scoring the country's first World Cup try in 2022.
Michael Gabrael
Signed from the Bulldogs, 19-year-old Gabrael possesses explosive speed and nimble footwork. An exciting prospect.
Kade Dykes
As mentioned in the fullback depth analysis, Dykes is capable of wearing the No.1 jersey and playing five-eighth but could also handle centre. At full fitness, he shapes as a valuable utility.
