Two years into his tenure at Cronulla, it’s time to take a look at the progress that Craig Fitzgibbon has made with the Sharks. His 50th game as a first-grade coach was a disappointing finals loss to the Roosters. His record across those 50 games is 31-19 (62%), which puts him in the company of other successful coaches like Trent Robinson, Wayne Bennett, and Jack Gibson. However, despite their strong record, the Sharks have struggled in the finals, with a 0-3 record under Fitzgibbon.
One factor that has contributed to the Sharks’ success is their relatively easy schedule. They have had a favorable draw, and this is likely to continue in 2024. Additionally, their record against top-performing teams has been less impressive. They have a 2-12 record against the top five teams in the league, which suggests that they may struggle against elite competition.
Fitzgibbon’s coaching style has been characterized by a strong emphasis on attacking football. He has implemented a distinct style of play at Cronulla, focusing on high push supports, agile forwards, and early wide play. This style has been effective against weaker teams, but has faltered against stronger opponents. The Sharks have struggled to defend their errors against elite defenses, and there are questions about whether this style of play is sustainable against the best teams in the league.
Despite the challenges, Fitzgibbon has built a strong public persona and has established a clear tactical identity for the Sharks. He has also shown a willingness to engage with the media and address both victories and defeats in a level-headed manner. However, the team’s performance in the finals will be a key factor in determining Fitzgibbon’s success as a coach.
Looking ahead to the future, it is clear that the Sharks have the potential to continue to improve under Fitzgibbon’s leadership. He has not made significant changes to the team’s roster, but has focused on developing the existing squad and promoting players from the feeder system. There is a sense of continuity and stability in the squad, and Fitzgibbon’s emphasis on defense suggests that he is aware of the areas that need improvement.
Overall, the Sharks have shown promise under Fitzgibbon’s leadership, but there are still challenges ahead. Their performance against elite teams in the finals will be a key test, and their ability to defend against top opposition will determine their success in the future. Fitzgibbon’s coaching style has been effective against weaker teams, but questions remain about its sustainability against the best teams in the league. Nonetheless, the Sharks have the potential to continue improving under his leadership, and their performance in the coming years will be a key indicator of their progress.