New era: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks head coach for 2022, Craig Fitzgibbon, and his dad Allan, who was the club's head coach from 1988 until 1991. Picture: Sharks Media.
A new coach, and a new playmaker but a return to the old home ground for the Cronulla Sharks in 2022.
Incoming coach Craig Fitzgibbon and playmaker Nicho Hynes will have the benefit of 10 games scheduled for PointsBet Stadium next season after a two-year absence.
Other highlights for the Sharks from the draw announcement on Tuesday include:
- They play six top-four opponents from last year and 12 matches against top-eight opponents.
- They have only two five-day turnarounds and eight matches televised on free-to-air.
- A magic round clash with the Raiders.
- A return to Coffs Harbour in round 15 against the Titans who they defeated last year at the same venue.
- The two local derbies against St George Illawarra are set for round three and 21.
- Two Sunday afternoon 4pm matches at PointsBet in the opening half of the season.
- Have the benefit of playing Panthers, Rabbitohs, Roosters and Eels only once.
Sharks are coming home in 2022
The five must-see Sharks games of 2022
- Round 2 v Eels: The homecoming to PointsBet Stadium.
- Round 3 v Dragons: The first derby plus the first chance to see Aaron Woods in the Red V.
- Round 6 v Storm: The modern day rival adds a new chapter with Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes facing their old club.
- Round 9 v Warriors: Shaun Johnson makes his return to the Shire.
- Round 22 v Wests Tigers: A trip to Tamworth to take on the Tigers.
