Act of squad: Sharks predicted team and 2025 overview

Could Addin Fonua-Blake be the final piece of the premiership jigsaw for the Sharks under Craig Fitzgibbon?

Plenty of people in the game think so.

The Sharks have the most settled roster in the NRL, with Fonua-Blake and rookie forward Hohepa Puru the only new faces in the 2025 squad - replacing Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers) and Jack Williams (Eels).

Arguably the best front-rower in the game, Fonua-Blake joins Cronulla at the peak of his career after four seasons as the lynchpin of the Warriors pack and a talismanic performance for Tonga in last year's Pacific Cup.

The 29-year-old's leadership, ball playing skills and brutal defence could be the ingredients that lift the Sharks to the next level after three consecutive finals appearances since Fitzgibbon took over as coach in 2022.

After falling one win short of the grand final, when beaten 26-6 by Vegas rivals Penrith on their way to an historic four-peat, Cronulla are hungry for premiership success and aiming to start the season by defeating the premiers at Allegiant Stadium.

Besides the inclusion of Fonua-Blake, the Cronulla side is settled, with Kayal Iro having cemented his place in the centres after a breakout 2024 season.

Daniel Atkinson emerged as an NRL quality playmaker last season yet is likely to have to bide his time on the interchange before departing for the Dragons in 2026, while the Sharks have strong depth in the forwards.

Toby Rudolf is unavailable for the opening rounds after suffering a shoulder injury while surfing over summer, but the Sharks are otherwise close to full strength. 

Casualty Ward: All the latest injury news
Comings and Goings: 2025 Signings Tracker

Predicted Round 1 Team

1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Kayal Iro
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey 
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora 
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Tom Hazelton