The future of the Sharks will be on display tomorrow as the club's pathways teams officially begin their NSWRL Junior Representative seasons against the Panthers at HE Laybutt Field.
Like last year, Cronulla will field sides in the Lisa Fiaola (under 17s girls), Tarsha Gale (19s girls), Harold Matthews (17s boys) and SG Ball (19s boys) competitions.
On the eve of Round 1, each coach has provided an insight into their squad.
SG Ball Cup
Head coach: Brad Kelly
Assistant coaches: Fine Kula and Darren Quince
2024 finish: 9th
With Brad Kelly at the helm, the SG Ball side will benefit from a familiar style.
Having been the long-time Harold Matthews coach – reaching the finals the past three seasons – Kelly has already mentored a large chunk of the under-19 squad.
Of the team named for Round 1, the likes of fullback Oliver Lester, five-eighth Callum Grantham, halfback Blake Wardrobe, prop Alex Challenor, second-rower Blake Watman and lock Tom Dellow have played under Kelly at the Sharks in the past two years. Several have also worked with him at Endeavour Sports High School.
"One concern initially was I thought they may have been a bit sick of my voice by now. But on the other side of the coin, I know them and they know me," Kelly said.
"It speeds up the process of the teaching and the learning they've got to do in regards to the way we want to play. With so many of them having been in the Matts team either last year or the year before, it makes that transition a bit smoother.
"They know what I expect out of them. In the long run, it's been a positive."
Kelly will aim to return the SG Ball side to the finals for the first time since 2019.
This year, the top eight – rather than six – will qualify for the playoffs. (In what is perhaps a good omen, Cronulla's SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams won titles in 2015 under the top-eight system after finishing eighth and fifth respectively).
"It's been enjoyable coaching the boys over the off-season," the coach said.
"They're a good bunch. I've got some injections of talent that the club has signed from various areas around the country and from New Zealand.
"I'm really looking forward to putting them in an environment where they're playing against high-quality opposition every week. And, hopefully, letting their talent shine through and helping them progress through that pathways system.
"Hopefully in the first three to four weeks we've had a good start to the year and we've set ourselves up for the back end of the comp," Kelly added.
"I want them to be able to defend really well, that's the first thing. You've got to get the defensive side right and implement some structures that can help us.
"But when we're attacking with the ball, I want them to have the confidence to move the ball and hopefully play a smart brand of footy where they can get the ball to space and take advantage of opportunities when they arise."
Harold Matthews Cup
Head coach: Luke Bateman
Assistant coaches: James Spencer and Corey Willis
2024 finish: 4th (eliminated in second week of finals)
New coach Luke Bateman is seeking to continue a strong run of results for the under-17 Harold Matthews team, which hasn't missed the finals since 2021.
Made up largely of local talent, the squad features several second-year Matts players including halfback and captain Liam Challenor, five-eighth Spencer Swann, prop Jamie Curran, back-rower Cruz Parkin and lock Thomas Stepic.
"It's a good vibe at training. Everyone's excited. It's a real team-first mentality," said Bateman, who has served as an SG Ball assistant coach in recent seasons.
"The 17 boys that are getting picked this week are stoked to be out there. And the boys that aren't in the squad this week are working just as hard as the other boys to try and prep them up as much as they can and keep fighting for a spot.
"I just want a team of hard workers. I feel like over the pre-season we've got that – everyone competing. We'll stick to our defensive systems and defensive structures, but mainly just working hard (is the focus)."
Bateman is enjoying the responsibility of the head coaching position.
"I'm pumped. It certainly is a challenge," he said.
"I suppose the last couple of years I have got a real good taste of it by taking on more of a role with the SG Ball boys. This year, there's a lot more detail in it but I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait for Round 1."
Tarsha Gale Cup
Head coach: Andrew Fifita
Assistant coaches: Wally Hall, Mat Karika and Rhiannon Byers
2024 finish: 6th (eliminated in the second week of finals)
Newly installed as head coach, Sharks legend Andrew Fifita will pass on wisdom gleaned from a 251-match NRL career to the under-19 Tarsha Gale squad.
After a successful 2024 season in which the team bowed out to eventual premiers Illawarra in the semi-finals, Fifita has a strong foundation to build from.
Led by Tongan Test back-rower Manilita Takapautolo – fresh off her debut NRLW campaign which included a grand final appearance – the team also features impressive second-year players Arianna Ruwoldt and Marnie Isemonger.
The likes of centre Milla Caine, winger Chloe Shephard and second-rower Brooklyn Allan Kingi have made the jump from the Lisa Fiaola ranks, while halfback Koffi Brookfield has joined the club after astonishingly helping to steer the Steelers to a Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership title in 2024 having debuted aged 17.
Hopes are high for the Sharks after going three from three in the trials.
"You could see the way we wanted to play really came out. The girls really lifted and just had a real understanding of who we are at the Sharks," Fifita said.
"We're not the biggest team in the world. Most of our Shire girls aren't the biggest compared to all the western Sydney teams and a few of the bigger-known teams.
"But we are fit and we're raring to go."
Fifita's job has been made easier by the strength of his coaching staff, which includes NRLW back-rower Rhiannon Byers as an assistant.
The champion prop said coaching brings out a "different kind of nerves" to playing.
"I don't really get nervous before games, but this game it's a bit different because you're coaching. You can do all the prep stuff and hopefully all the stuff you learn through the week falls out on the field," he said.
Lisa Fiaola Cup
Head coach: Isaac Michael
Assistant coaches: Ra Kaukau, Kevin Taumata and Will Russell
2024 finish: 8th
After guiding the Tarsha Gale team to the finals last year, NRLW assistant coach Isaac Michael has taken charge of the Lisa Fiaola side in 2025.
Armed with lessons from last year's inaugural full-season Lisa Fiaola competition, the signs are promising for the under-17 Sharks girls after solid trials.
Fullback Charlotte Teplicanec and hooker Isabella McDonald, both under-16 NSW Combined Catholic Colleges reps last year, will lead the way as second-year players.
"We're taking a playing squad of 31 through to the season, so it's a really good indication of the strength of depth in the junior pathways currently," Michael said.
"Our pathways are designed around educating players on the NRLW system. That gets fed down (to Lisa Fiaola). They're familiarising themselves with the basics so as they progress through the grades they're playing that consistent brand of football."
Michael added: "Round 1, obviously we're really excited. It's the first crack at the season and everyone's keen for a fresh start.
"We're going to look to be aggressive defensively, and in attack we're just trying to lay a foundation for our players to play eyes-up footy. We're trying to exploit the opposition that way to allow our players to express themselves."