'It's worth it': Sharks shrug off Origin depth test

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon says Cronulla would only benefit from Origin call ups for key players. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Cronulla are poised for their biggest State of Origin depth test since the Shane Flanagan era but coach Craig Fitzgibbon says it would be a small price to pay to see his players live out their NSW dreams.

In Fitzgibbon's two previous seasons at the helm, the Sharks have escaped from the Origin period largely unscathed.

Siosifa Talakai and Nicho Hynes were selected in the 2022 and 2023 series respectively, but both played limited minutes from the bench and returned to Cronulla in fine fettle.

The Sharks' record across the last two Origin periods stands at an impressive 8-3, taking into account games from the week before the series opener until the week after game three.

During John Morris's tenure before the arrival of Fitzgibbon at the helm, the Sharks only had multiple Origin representatives in one of three seasons - Josh Morris and Wade Graham both selected for the Blues in 2019.

But with the Sharks surging to the top of the ladder this season, Blues coach Michael Maguire is expected to consider a handful of Cronulla players ahead of Sunday's team announcement.

Hynes, Cameron McInnes and Jesse Ramien are tipped as strong contenders to play at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 5, the last two as Blues debutants.

Blayke Brailey and Talakai are also in the frame.

The Cronulla call-ups shape as a throwback to Flanagan's tenure between 2013 and 2018, when Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, James Maloney, Val Holmes, Michael Ennis, Luke Lewis and Jack Bird all earned Origin selection.

Clashes with fellow top-eight sides Brisbane and the Dolphins loom as the Sharks' biggest tests of the Origin period this year.

But Fitzgibbon is keen to see his players rewarded for their strong start to the season - regardless of the implications for his side.

"It's possible (it could test the Sharks) but if you look at it as a challenge and an opportunity, it's more exciting than anything," he said.

"The players that get rewarded with those jerseys, that's something those boys have been dreaming of for a long time. So it's worth it."

Fitzgibbon pointed out the Origin period could benefit the Sharks in the long-term, with triple reigning premiers Penrith providing a blueprint for thriving once players returned from representative duty.

"We haven't had many big-game players for the last few years," Fitzgibbon said.

"If players are stepping up to the possibility of playing in big-game fixtures, it makes them better players.

"Ultimately if they come back to your team, your team's stronger because you've got more players that have experienced the highest level."

A former NSW assistant coach, Fitzgibbon said none of his prospective Blues would have sealed their spots just yet but could put the finishing touches on their selection cases during Saturday's blockbuster clash with the Panthers.

"We'd love to see them rewarded with those jerseys but have got to also acknowledge the selection process, they're not over the line yet," he said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store