While they're focused on hoisting the NRLW trophy after Sunday's historic Grand Final against the Roosters, several Sharks players and coach Tony Herman could collect some early spoils at tomorrow night's Dally M Awards ceremony.
Tiana Penitani (Centre of the Year and Captain of the Year), Emma Tonegato (Five-Eighth of the Year), Annessa Biddle (Centre of the Year) and Herman (Coach of the Year) have been shortlisted for individual honours.
The contingent join NRL clubmates Jesse Ramien (Centre of the Year), Blayke Brailey (Hooker of the Year) and Kayal Iro (Rookie of the Year) as well-deserved nominees.
In just their second year in the elite women's competition, Cronulla flew out of the gates by stringing together six consecutive victories to begin their campaign.
After finishing the nine-round regular season in fourth place, they shut out the Broncos to book a spot in the decider against the Roosters at Accor Stadium.
The inspirational Penitani has led from the front, so far scoring a team-high seven tries, assisting a further three and averaging 145 metres per match.
Her centre partner Biddle quickly dispelled any worries about second-year syndrome, backing up her sensational rookie campaign in fine style.
The powerful New Zealand international has been devastating on both sides of the ball, averaging 166 metres while tackling at a 93.5% efficiency rate.
Tonegato's class has shone through, with the 29-year-old showing her versatility by starting the year at five-eighth before shifting to fullback amid injuries.
She almost single-handedly tore apart the Dragons in Round 5 in her finest performance in the No.6 jersey, setting up three tries and posting two line-breaks.
At the helm of the team's success is Herman, whose focus on development and promotion from within has paid dividends. Despite season-ending injuries to Jada Taylor and Grace Lee-Weekes, the mentor has guided the side expertly.
Three losses heading into the finals had many critics doubting the Sharks, but Herman ensured his troops were ready to peak at the right time. He masterminded a defensive masterclass in last week's 14-0 win over Brisbane.
The NRLW Dally M Team of the Year recognises the best player in each position across all rounds of the regular season. There are three nominees for single positions – fullback, five-eighth, halfback, lock and hooker – and five nominees for dual positions – wing, centre, second row and front row.
The Dally M Awards recognise the game's most outstanding performers from both the NRL Telstra Premiership and NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership each season.
The Dally M Player of the Year will be announced, along with the Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Captain of the Year, Rookie of the Year and a raft of other awards for the NRL and NRLW, including leading tryscorer and pointscorer.
The event will be broadcast from 7.30pm on Fox League and Kayo.
NRLW Dally M Awards nominees
Fullback of the Year
Abbi Church (Eels)
Tamika Upton (Knights)
Teagan Berry (Dragons)
Winger of the Year
Julia Robinson (Broncos)
Madison Bartlett (Raiders)
Shakiah Tungai (Raiders)
Sheridan Gallagher (Knights)
Stacey Waaka (Broncos)
Centre of the Year
Annessa Biddle (Sharks)
Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)
Jaime Chapman (Titans)
Mele Hufanga (Broncos)
Tiana Penitani (Sharks)
Five-eighth of the Year
Emma Tonegato (Sharks)
Gayle Broughton (Broncos)
Zahara Temara (Raiders)
Halfback of the Year
Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
Lauren Brown (Titans)
Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
Hooker of the Year
Jada Ferguson (Broncos)
Keeley Davis (Roosters)
Olivia Higgins (Knights)
Prop of the Year
Elsie Albert (Eels)
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Dragons)
Grace Kemp (Raiders)
Millie Elliott (Roosters)
Shannon Mato (Titans)
Second-row of the Year
Amber Hall (Roosters)
Mahalia Murphy (Eels)
Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
Romy Teitzel (Broncos)
Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
Lock of the Year
Georgia Hale (Titans)
Alexis Tauaneai (Dragons)
Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
Coach of the Year
Scott Prince (Broncos)
Steve Georgallis (Eels)
Tony Herman (Sharks)
Captain of the Year
Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)
Tiana Penitani (Sharks)
Rookie of the Year
Evie Jones (Knights)
Kasey Reh (Dragons)
Natasha Penitani (Wests Tigers)
Provan-Summons Medal
Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
Amber Hall (Roosters)
Georgia Hale and Zehara Temara (on behalf of the Titans and Raiders)
Top Tryscorer
Julia Robinson (Broncos)
Sheridan Gallagher (Knights)
Top Pointscorer
Romy Teitzel (Broncos)
Ineligible players
Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala (Round 1, Striking – suspended 2 games)
Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala (Round 1, Dangerous Contact – suspended 2 games)
Brianna Clark (Round 2, Shoulder Charge – suspended 2 games)
Taliah Fuimaono (Round 5, Careless High Tackle – suspended 2 games)
Jayme Fressard (Round 5, Contrary Conduct – suspended 2 games)
Kerehitina Matua (Round 7, Dangerous Contact – suspended 2 games)
Ngatokotoru Arakua (Round 8, Dangerous Contact – suspended 2 games)
Eliza Lopamaua (Round 8, Dangerous Contact – suspended 2 games)
