The Sharks’ 2026 season is over after a brutal 46–10 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
In the final debrief of the season, the ET Stand crew picks apart where it all went wrong — from Nicho Hynes leaving the game early following a HIA, to the disrupted bench rotation, missed tackles, defensive breakdowns and a Roosters side that simply looked faster, stronger and more physical.
We discuss whether losing Hynes changed the game, why Cronulla looked immediately more dangerous when Siosifa Talakai was introduced, whether Braydon Trindall needed to take greater control, and why the Sharks stopped going to what was working.
There’s also the bigger question: was 2026 a failure?
After reaching consecutive preliminary finals, Cronulla went backwards this year — and a worrying final six weeks ultimately caught up with them when it mattered most.
We look at Craig Fitzgibbon, the future of this playing group, some big roster decisions ahead of 2027 and where the Sharks need to improve if they’re going to take the next step.
Plus our final 3-2-1 votes, the ET Stand Player of the Year race and plenty of reaction from Sharks fans after a disappointing end to the season.
FINAL SCORE: SYDNEY ROOSTERS 46 – CRONULLA SHARKS 10
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