In the fifth part of our 2024 NRL depth analysis, sharks.com.au runs through the squad's middle forwards.
Middle-forward options
Toby Rudolf
Preparing for his fifth NRL campaign, the hard-working Rudolf is an established leader of the Sharks engine room. Having publicly signalled his intent to refrain from alcohol throughout the season, the larrikin prop is determined to unlock a new level of performance.
Oregon Kaufusi
Kaufusi quickly became an important member of the pack after arriving from the Eels last season, but a broken finger during the run home unfortunately disrupted his momentum. With 90 NRL games to his name, including a grand final, the 24-year-old prop is ready to stamp his authority.
Dale Finucane
He's about to begin his 13th NRL season and is two games shy of the magical 250 mark, but the veteran continues to set the standard with his intensity. A biceps injury restricted Finucane to 13 matches in 2023 – the lowest yearly total of his career – so the 32-year-old lock should be refreshed and raring to go.
Braden Hamlin-Uele
There are few front rowers who can match a fully fit Hamlin-Uele's explosiveness. One game away from bringing up his 100, the 29-year-old promises to bring immense impact through the middle.
Cameron McInnes
McInnes' unrelenting courage and commitment to his teammates was exemplified by his record-breaking 81 tackles against the Panthers last season. The lock only knows one speed – 100 miles an hour – and will again be a source of inspiration in 2024.
Tom Hazelton
One of the stories of 2023, the hulking, head-taped prop from Goulburn ascended to cult-hero status among the Sharks faithful. By season's end, he'd cemented his spot with his tide-turning charges and work ethic. Excitingly, having only played 19 NRL games, there’s still plenty of improvement to come.
Jack Williams
The strapping Williams has found his niche as powerful interchange prop, featuring in all but one match last season and doing a great job maintaining the momentum. Like Hamlin-Uele, the 27-year-old is set to celebrate his 100th NRL game in round one.
Jesse Colquhoun
Getting a taste of NRL across the past two seasons, tallying 10 games, the 22-year-old Colquhoun is still developing but looks to have an extremely bright future. A cameo in the furnace that is finals football against the Roosters last year will hold him in good stead.
Royce Hunt
An imposing presence on the field, Hunt's size and aggression are valuable assets for the Sharks. He was rewarded for his form with selection in Samoa's Pacific Championships squad last year.
Max Bradbury
A junior star who won a Harold Matthews premiership with the Knights and represented the NSW under-19s State of Origin team in 2022, the 20-year-old Bradbury is progressing through the grades. With great upside, his next goal will be to play regular reserve-grade footy.
Tuku Hau Tapuha
A towering figure, listed as 196cm tall and 114kg, Hau Tapuha made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2021 and represented the Māori All Stars the following year. Not yet 22, he is one who could flourish under Craig Fitzgibbon's coaching.
